Reputation: Local Arizona event.
[01]
Course Overview
Arizona mountain gravel challenge.
60 mi
Distance
6,000 ft
Elevation
Flagstaff, Arizona
Location
August 1 (Saturday, CONFIRMED — sableevents.com; PRIOR 'late April' was fabricated); 2027 pattern ~Aug 7, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
$75-100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Arizona mountain gravel.
Signature challenge: Arizona mountainous terrain at altitude.
20
MILE
Early Mountains
First mountain sections.
30
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
50
MILE
Late Mountains
Final mountain sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Mount Eldon Lookout Road climb
This climb destroyed me the only other time I've ever done it and that was even on my mountain bike with lower gearing. The steep section is particularly challenging because it's wide open and you can see how much further you've got to go.
Mars Hill climb
A punishing climb that riders describe as getting very bad, with the worst section just past the lookout.
Mount Eldon Lookout Road has a steep section that is described as particularly demoralizing because it's wide open with full visibility of how much climbing remains.
The descent down Mount Eldon Lookout road is described as probably one of the best descents around.
[04]
From the Field
I'd be so scary to ride at night without a light
Donald Rides Bikes · 169 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Bear Howard Gravel? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
August 1, 2026 BEAR HOWARD GRAVEL
RIDERS REPORT
Mountain bike with lower gearing is mentioned as being helpful for the steep climbs compared to gravel bike gearing.
[08]
Train for Bear Howard Gravel
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
5
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
6
Technical
6
Heat
0
Altitude
6
Race Specificity
5
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Flagstaff (FLG) 30 minutes
Lodging
Flagstaff has good lodging options.
Food
Flagstaff has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Remember to pace yourself on the Mount Eldon climb - the rider emphasizes needing to taste himself because the climb destroyed him previously.
Bring spare tubes - flats can happen even near the end of rides.
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
3
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Panaracer GravelKing TLC 43mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Bear Howard Gravel?
August start times are staggered from 6:30am for the 100-mile through 8:15am for the 30-mile, getting riders moving before Flagstaff heat peaks. High-altitude location moderates summer temperatures compared to lower Arizona deserts. Morning starts avoid afternoon thunderstorm potential. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL. "Flagstaff is pretty nice in August. But at 7,000 ft **sun screen will be key**. While on course you may experience our **infamous monsoons**, so maybe a light rain jacket but often temperatures are pl..."[7]
How are the logistics for Bear Howard Gravel?
Friday packet pickup at SOSTA restaurant comes with a warning: "Please be aware there are very few parking spaces in the parking lot but along San Francisco, Leroux, Dale and Elm." Race morning pickup runs 5:30-7:15am at Flagstaff High School for a 6:30am start. Limited to 200 participants keeps chaos manageable.[7]
How adventurous is Bear Howard Gravel?
Race finishes at Lowell Observatory which "has just completed a state of the art observatory and visitors center" with Bear Howard discounts. Coconino National Forest setting delivers on the promise to "leave you feeling legendary (if only in your own mind)" in the shadow of Flagstaff's peaks.[7]
How prestigious is Bear Howard Gravel?
Fifth-year event organized by Sable Events caps at 200 riders. Winners include Kyle Trudeau (5:07:19 in 2022) and Tyler Arnett (5:30:52 in 2024), but no major pro field depth or national attention. Named after 1882 railroad brawler Bear Howard for Wild West storytelling appeal.[2]
Should I race Bear Howard Gravel?
If you're local to Arizona—yes, it's solid. If you're traveling—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Lowelllowell.edu/event/bear-howard-gravel-race/
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/9471/bear-howard-grav...
- Other Sources Gravel-Resultswww.gravel-results.com/race/19993
- Other Sources Gravel-Resultswww.gravel-results.com/race/22807
- Other Sources Gravel-Resultswww.gravel-results.com/racer/42253
- Other Sources Raceplacewww.raceplace.com/events/115387/bear-howard-gravel-race
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/1d3dnua/bear_howa...
- Other Sources Sableeventswww.sableevents.com/events/bearhowardgravel
- Community results.bikereg.com: 19993results.bikereg.com/race/19993