Crooked Gravel

August temperatures hit 70-75°F during the race with biting flies that "almost broke" one rider who had to maintain pace "quick enough to keep the flies from overwhelming me." Official warnings note afternoon thunderstorms are common with unpredictable mountain weather requiring rain gear. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL.[1]

Packet pickup Friday 5-7pm at Terrain Taco plus Saturday morning registration offers flexibility. The Exploring the Rockies blogger found the start well-organized with 350 riders getting a police escort down CO-40 through Winter Park, though he noted "the end of the race was somewhat anti-climatic" with no official welcoming committee at the bike path finish.[1]

Course travels through remote terrain along Beaver Creek and Keyser Creek sections, with the Blue Ridge providing "massive, never ending ridge" views. Miles of forest roads transition to "wide-open, smooth-running dirt roads that you'll swear are smoother than pavement" before returning to technical washboard sections.[1]

One of Colorado's best gravel events, but race reports show a 5:03 finish time as competitive, suggesting modest field depth. The event traces back to Ron Kiefel's original "Crooked Roubaix" challenge, though current field strength appears regional rather than destination-level competition.[2]

If you're in Colorado or the Front Range and want a mountain gravel challenge—yes, it's a well-organized event with genuine altitude and climbing. If you're traveling from far away—there are more prestigious mountain events elsewhere.