Reputation: Local Colorado event.
[01]
Course Overview
Red-rock canyons and Wet Mountain Range views on Pueblo, Colorado gravel.
75 mi
Distance
3,900 ft
Elevation
Pueblo, Colorado
Location
October 9-10, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
$75-100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / The Ride with Ben Delaney
Photo: YouTube / The Ride with Ben DelaneyColorado rolling gravel.
Signature challenge: Colorado rolling terrain.
20
MILE
Early Rolling
First rolling sections.
30
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
50
MILE
Late Rolling
Final rolling sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
12 mile climb
A sustained climb gaining more than 3,000 feet on that one climb alone. Goes on for many miles and heads over double digits grade.
washboard section at start
Immediately after the start line, riders are met with washboard road conditions that catch people off guard.
Never seen so much smooth dirt. The gravel's perfect after lots of rain the night before.
There's no crazy technical gravel on any of the courses.
Fast rollers across some of the oldest ranches in Colorado on burntmill road.
[04]
From the Field
That 12 mile climb goes on for indeed many miles and you're climbing more than 3,000 ft on that one climb alone so when the climb heads over double digits I appreciate having low low gears.
The Ride with Ben Delaney · 8.5K views
Once everyone could see the start line the pace picked up this was quite a funny start as people including myself picked up speed to hit the start fast and were immediately met by washboard yikes.
Josh Romero · 1.4K views
We created this thing so there'd be a great event here in Pueblo that welcomes everyone and our goal has been to see every flavor of human, every type of bicycle here. And that's happening.
Grassroots Gravel · 6.3K views
The 75 mile route finishes through stem Beach which is a natural area owned by evz Rocky Mountain steel - they are partnering to provide access for this one day only of the year otherwise you cannot go through there. It's this gorgeous Gravel Road with a straight away between two big ponds and the Finish flags are right at the end.
The Ride with Ben Delaney · 8.5K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Grassroots Gravel? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
October 9, 2026 GRASSROOTS GRAVEL
RIDERS REPORT
You're going to appreciate having some low low gears - that 12 mile climb goes on for many miles and you're climbing more than 3,000 ft on that one climb alone. The wide range cassette 10-46 with a 42 chain ring is very much appreciated.
[08]
Train for Grassroots Gravel
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
5
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
6
Technical
4
Heat
0
Altitude
4
Race Specificity
3
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Pueblo (PUB) 30 minutes
Lodging
Pueblo has good lodging options.
Food
Pueblo has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
His plan was to not stop at any aid station to reach his goal of sub eight hours.
The first four miles were neutral and the last six miles of the race were also neutral to avoid making it a version of monster track through downtown Pueblo.
[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 Grassroots Gravel?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 73°F and lows of 45°F, with a 10% chance of rain on any given day, and gusts reaching 32 mph. October in Pueblo means fall weather at elevation with potential temperature swings. The race starts downtown at Main Street and Alan Hamel Avenue, providing some urban shelter before heading into open country exposure. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[3]
How are the logistics for Grassroots Gravel?
Aaron Sudduth won the 40-mile overall while Boudewijn Van Werven claimed second in a bunch sprint against Subaru-Groove and Cinch Cycling racers, showing the race executes competitive timing and results. Friday expo and Saturday racing keeps it simple, though they're still finalizing lodging partnerships for 2026.[4]
How adventurous is Grassroots Gravel?
One rider captured the Twelvemile experience: 'There's no way this is a Colorado State Highway,' surrounded by 'towering, rusty-orange pillars crowned in green' with views of the Wet Mountain Range. It's Colorado's last unpaved state highway.[6]
How prestigious is Grassroots Gravel?
George York finished 2nd in the 75-mile, 60+ age group and Cory Martin placed 5th in his first gravel race, showing solid regional participation. However, it's still Adam Davidson's local event replacing Gravel Locos without established national recognition.[1]
Should I race Grassroots Gravel?
If you're local to Colorado—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.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: 2025 Grassroots Gravel - The Half (rev 1.6) (copy)ridewithgps.com/routes/52981802
- Other Sources Avidcyclistavidcyclist.com/featured-event/grassroots-gravel-a-gravel...
- Other Sources Avidcyclistavidcyclist.com/news/grassroots-gravel-to-bring-1000-ride...
- Other Sources Cyclingwestwww.cyclingwest.com/racing/gravel-racing/grassroots-grave...
- Other Sources Grassrootsgravelwww.grassrootsgravel.com/pics-results
- Other Sources Infowww.info.routesoutfitter.com/all-events/grassroots-gravel...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/14rp2z9/gravel_is...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/14yby0r/grassroot...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/ev7kym/grassroots...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/pueblo/comments/159uwh5/grassroots_grave...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/pueblo/comments/17ubm7e/grassroots_grave...
- Community cosracing.wildapricot.org: 13418845cosracing.wildapricot.org/news/13418845