Reputation: Regional FL event.
[01]
Course Overview
Red clay tunnels and pecan orchards through Florida's panhandle backcountry.
40 mi
Distance
800 ft
Elevation
Florida
Location
March 7, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
$75-125
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / PedalPower Adventures
Photo: YouTube / PedalPower AdventuresFL flat gravel.
Signature challenge: FL flat gravel.
20
MILE
Early Flat
First flat sections.
35
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
55
MILE
Late Flat
Final flat sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Gum Swamp Road MI 15 miles from finish
This sandpit completely blew up the group and riders' legs. Causes problems for those riding 40 millimeter wide tires or less.
Decision Point MI 75
Critical choice between continuing 38 more miles for the 150-mile route or taking the easier 100-mile option straight ahead.
Surfaces vary from hard-packed clay roads to gravel with tricky sandy spots that cause problems for riders on narrower tires.
The route goes through pecan orchards on beautiful tree-lined Kennedy roads with plenty of rolling hills.
[04]
From the Field
The surfaces of this event vary from hard-packed clay roads to gravel and once in a while a tricky sandy spot. This be one of these sandy spots of the route which always causes problems for those riding 40 millimeter wide tires or less.
Gravel Cyclist · 4.5K views
What was unique about Monticello, the county that it is, is the only County in the entire State of Florida that does not have AT&T signal. The event director was saying how this area will always remain small and undeveloped for the most part because north of here is several historic plantations where the land owners have been paid to give up rights for further development.
PedalPower Adventures · 780 views
All proceeds go to their local 4-H, and usually every year they give $20,000 but with a record 480 people signed up this year, they're trying to give $30,000.
PedalPower Adventures · 780 views
They provide camping for RVs in one area, always put the RVs in a separate spot because of generators. They had a big bonfire and here's the area for tent campers - this is the quiet area so no generators allowed.
PedalPower Adventures · 780 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
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[07]
Training
March 7, 2026 DIRTY PECAN
RIDERS REPORT
Sandy spots cause problems for those riding 40 millimeter wide tires or less. First event where rider officially used 650b wheels instead of keeping them just for training.
[08]
Train for Dirty Pecan
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
2
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
6
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Varies by location in FL
Lodging
FL has moderate lodging options.
Food
FL has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Stick towards the front but avoid going into the red zone early. Plan to hang with the front group for at least 20 miles then shut it down to a sustainable pace.
Start early for longer distances - 150-mile riders started at 7am when it was 40 degrees with mist.
[10]
Tire Picks
38mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
3
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mmFaster 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 Dirty Pecan?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 83°F and lows of 62°F, with a 30% chance of rain on any given day. March conditions started 'chilly but beautiful' at 42 degrees in 2025, warming significantly by ride's end to 'good hard and hot' temperatures. The early-season timing provides ideal weather before Florida heat becomes oppressive, though riders face full sun between oak canopy sections. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL.[2]
How are the logistics for Dirty Pecan?
The event's unsupported nature is clearly stated: 'there is NO support, NO sag stops, NOR support vehicles. The course will NOT be marked.' Registration costs just $25 with free parking and port-o-lets at the UF extension service start area. However, riders need 40mm+ tires despite website claims that 'skilled riders would do fine on 28 or 30 tires,' as K-Dogg's team discovered.[6]
How adventurous is Dirty Pecan?
'mile after mile rolling up and down rusty red clay hills through countless bucolic mossy oak tunnels' with 'so much openness and so few people.' The unique red clay terrain through pecan orchards offers scenery unavailable elsewhere, though the unsupported format with no course marking adds navigation challenges.[6]
How prestigious is Dirty Pecan?
The charity ride format supporting 4-H programs has raised nearly $200,000 over 10 years, doubling attendance to 400+ riders. However, the explicitly unsupported nature and $25 entry fee position this as a community fundraiser rather than a competitive event drawing serious racing talent.[6]
Should I race Dirty Pecan?
If you're in FL/Southeast and want a local event—yes, it's solid. If you're from out of region—there are better options.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Dirty Pecan Simridewithgps.com/routes/49652081
- Other Sources Davefaitlemondedavefaitlemonde.com/2025/03/03/dirty-pecan-day-1-monticel...
- Other Sources Davefaitlemondedavefaitlemonde.com/2025/03/04/dirty-pecan-day-2-monticel...
- Other Sources Floridabicyclingwww.floridabicycling.com/event/dirty-pecan-gravel-ride/
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/event/5234/dirty-pecan
- Media & Press Gravel Cyclistwww.gravelcyclist.com/race-reports/ride-report-dirty-peca...
- Other Sources Tallahassee-Informerwww.tallahassee-informer.com/2025/03/03/pedaling-for-a-pu...
- Other Sources Wtxlwww.wtxl.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/montice...
- Community granfondoguide.com: 8261www.granfondoguide.com/Contents/IndexFull/8261/