How technical is Gravel Locos?

Kevin Benkenstein counted "approximately 7,000 corners" but notes "the gravel here is solid and fast." The challenge comes from punchy climbs like the Three B's where Jonas Orset "drop[s] to my lowest gear and pedal[s] as hard as I can, but the bike barely moves." It's power over technical skill—straight-up Texas kickers.[1]

Gravel Locos Review 2025 | Texas

[01]

Course Overview

Fast Texas gravel. River crossings. Scorching heat. The Unbound tune-up that breaks people.

118 mi

Distance

6,000 ft

Elevation

Hico, Texas

Location

Status: HOLD — the organizer site still publishes only the completed May 24, 2025 edition and its 2025 routes; no current course or registration page is available

Date

~,

Field Size

--

Entry Cost

+ Google Calendar Download .ics

MORE IN TEXAS: Collegiate Gravel Nationals · Texas Hell Week · Purgatory Road Race

[03]

The Course

Exhausted gravel cyclist in colorful kit finishing 155-mile race with performance stats displayed, standing on wet pavement after completing endurance event - Gravel Locos - Hico, Texas

Large peloton of gravel cyclists riding through tree-lined rural road during organized gravel race event in small town setting - Gravel Locos - Hico, Texas

The organizer still publishes only the completed 2025 routes. That year's flagship was 118 miles with approximately 6,000 feet of climbing on open roads with water crossings and a flood backup route.

Signature challenge: No current course is published; the last completed flagship was 118 miles with approximately 6,000 feet of gain.

?

MILE

RIDERS REPORT

River Crossing MI 10

Deep river crossing with moving rocks and strong current. Riders must walk bikes across using rope for support. Slippery conditions especially challenging in road shoes.

First Steep Hill MI 10

Short but steep climb immediately after river crossing. Riders averaging around 420 watts. Big riders tend to suffer more here.

High Speed Downhills and Flats

Fast downhills and flat sections that string out the field. Particularly challenging for mountain bike riders who get spun out and struggle with aerodynamics.

Extremely fast gravel roads where pathfinder tires work well because the middle tread acts like a road tire.

River crossing has moving rocks at the bottom that shift when stepped on, with strong current making crossing treacherous.

[04]

From the Field

The river crossing's deep and super sketchy in road shoes - the river rocks slip when you step on them and the current was super strong, luckily there's a rope so you can kind of hang on.
VC Adventures · 221.5K views

The hill was the first hard part of the race - pretty steep and short where I made up a few positions doing about 420 watts average, seeing all the big guys suffer is always awesome because they put the hurt on me on the flats and then on the uphill I get to cruise right by.
Dylan Schlageter · 4.2K views

The pros here really eased into it, not taking this ultra serious in the very beginning which I thought was really cool - I got to ride with Ted King, Peter Stetna, Colin Strickland, and Laurens Ten Dam for quite a bit before Ted King went to the front and said okay let's start ripping it.
VC Adventures · 221.5K views

Flow Formulas in both bottles plus camel pack, cliff shot blocks, gels, and planned refueling at rest stops which had Gatorade, water, and candy.
Dylan Schlageter · 4.2K views

Jaime Cycles · 23.8K views · 4:20:03

My BEST Gravel Race Result! (Gravel Locos Race Recap)

VC Adventures · 221.5K views · 17:44

17 year old MTBer does 155 mile race?! (Gravel Locos Hico Tx)

Dylan Schlageter · 4.2K views · 6:45

[07]

Training

May 24, 2025 GRAVEL LOCOS

RIDERS REPORT

42 double cross IRC tires on Canyon Grail with Apidura frame bag worked well for the course.

Specialized Pathfinders were awesome for this extremely fast course because the middle tread acts like a road tire. Changed from 34 to 36 tooth chainring to avoid spinning out.

[08]

Train for Gravel Locos

RACE DEMAND PROFILE

Durability

8

Climbing

8

VO2 Power

8

Threshold

5

Technical

4

Heat

10

Altitude

2

Race Specificity

10

3 WORKOUTS BUILT FOR THIS RACE

Each workout below is selected from our archetype library based on Gravel Locos’s specific demands. Click any workout to see the full execution protocol.

Durability Tired VO2max

2.5hr +

VO2max intervals after 2 hours of endurance — power when it matters most.

157 miles. Your legs will beg to quit after 120. This trains the power output you need from mile 130 onward.

Z2 Base 2hr

4m VO2

4m

4m VO2

4m

CD

STRUCTURE 2hr Zone 2 → 2×4min @ 110% FTP / 4min recovery → 10min cool-down

EXECUTION Hold steady Zone 2 for 2 hours. Then hit VO2max intervals on tired legs. They will feel significantly harder than fresh — that's the point. This is what separates race-ready athletes from gym-fit athletes. Fight for form when fatigue hits.

POWER Z2: 65–70% FTP | VO2: 110% FTP | Recovery: 55% FTP

CADENCE 85–90rpm during Z2 base | 95–100rpm on VO2 efforts

POSITION Hoods for Z2 base. Drops for VO2 intervals — aggressive, race position.

RPE Z2 base: 3–4 | VO2 intervals: 8–9

RACE-SPECIFIC: GRAVEL LOCOS

HEAT PREP May in Hico, Texas — Late May means starting warm and climbing into 80s-90s°F with high sun. 2022's Wahoo reading of 120°F on fresh tarmac shows how brutal heat reflection can be. Begin heat acclimatization 10–14 days before Gravel Locos — 20–30min sauna sessions or midday rides in full kit. Pre-load sodium 48 hours out. Target 500–750ml/hr with electrolytes on race day. Race-day realities: Heat and sun on open ranch roads; Dehydration risk is the primary concern.

NUTRITION Ultra-distance fueling for 157 miles: 80–100g carbs/hour from mile 1 — don’t wait until you’re hungry. Practice your exact race-day nutrition in every long training ride. Carry backup calories. 157 miles burns 8,000–12,000+ calories — you cannot replace them all, but you must try.

TERRAIN Mixed terrain at Gravel Locos requires surface adaptability. Include weekly rides on smooth, fast hill country gravel with endless rollers to build confidence. Expect: smooth limestone gravel, fast hill country ranch roads, wildflower-lined paths.

Race Simulation Variable Pace Chaos

1.25hr +

Unpredictable power changes — no pattern, no rhythm, pure gravel race simulation.

Race-pace efforts that mimic Gravel Locos' demands. Pacing, fueling, and tactical decisions under fatigue. Practice the race before May.

WU 10m

2m

30s

3m

90s

1m

2m

20s

3m

1m

3m

2m

CD

STRUCTURE 10min warm-up → 20min chaos block: random 30sec–3min efforts @ 85–130% FTP → 5min recovery → repeat → cool-down

EXECUTION There is no pattern. That’s the point. Power jumps randomly between zones — like a gravel race where terrain, wind, and competitors dictate your effort. Don’t anticipate. React. Recover when you can. Suffer when you must. This workout teaches metabolic flexibility.

POWER Range: 85–130% FTP | No two minutes at the same power

CADENCE Variable — match the effort. 80rpm on tempo, 100rpm on VO2, 120rpm on sprints.

POSITION Change constantly. That’s the chaos.

RPE Varies wildly: 4–10 within a single block

RACE-SPECIFIC: GRAVEL LOCOS

HEAT PREP May in Hico, Texas — Late May means starting warm and climbing into 80s-90s°F with high sun. 2022's Wahoo reading of 120°F on fresh tarmac shows how brutal heat reflection can be. Begin heat acclimatization 10–14 days before Gravel Locos — 20–30min sauna sessions or midday rides in full kit. Pre-load sodium 48 hours out. Target 500–750ml/hr with electrolytes on race day. Race-day realities: Heat and sun on open ranch roads; Dehydration risk is the primary concern.

NUTRITION Ultra-distance fueling for 157 miles: 80–100g carbs/hour from mile 1 — don’t wait until you’re hungry. Practice your exact race-day nutrition in every long training ride. Carry backup calories. 157 miles burns 8,000–12,000+ calories — you cannot replace them all, but you must try.

TERRAIN Mixed terrain at Gravel Locos requires surface adaptability. Include weekly rides on smooth, fast hill country gravel with endless rollers to build confidence. Expect: smooth limestone gravel, fast hill country ranch roads, wildflower-lined paths.

Endurance Terrain Simulation Z2

2hr +

Zone 2 with rolling terrain simulation — undulating power that builds fat oxidation.

Every hard session works better with a bigger aerobic base. At 157 miles, base fitness is the difference between racing and surviving.

WU

RISE

FLAT

RISE

VALLEY

RISE

FLAT

RISE

VALLEY

RISE

CD

STRUCTURE 10min warm-up → 1.75hr alternating 4min @ 72–78% FTP (rises) and 6min @ 62–68% FTP (valleys) → cool-down

EXECUTION Stay in Zone 2 the entire time, but undulate your power to simulate rolling terrain. The rises push the top of Z2; the valleys ease off. This builds terrain-responsive pacing without leaving the aerobic zone. Your body learns to modulate power without thinking.

POWER Rises: 72–78% FTP | Valleys: 62–68% FTP | All within Zone 2

CADENCE Rises: 80–85rpm | Valleys: 88–92rpm

POSITION Alternate: hoods on rises, drops on flats. Build position endurance.

RPE 3–4 throughout — never hard, but never mindless

RACE-SPECIFIC: GRAVEL LOCOS

HEAT PREP May in Hico, Texas — Late May means starting warm and climbing into 80s-90s°F with high sun. 2022's Wahoo reading of 120°F on fresh tarmac shows how brutal heat reflection can be. Begin heat acclimatization 10–14 days before Gravel Locos — 20–30min sauna sessions or midday rides in full kit. Pre-load sodium 48 hours out. Target 500–750ml/hr with electrolytes on race day. Race-day realities: Heat and sun on open ranch roads; Dehydration risk is the primary concern.

NUTRITION Ultra-distance fueling for 157 miles: 80–100g carbs/hour from mile 1 — don’t wait until you’re hungry. Practice your exact race-day nutrition in every long training ride. Carry backup calories. 157 miles burns 8,000–12,000+ calories — you cannot replace them all, but you must try.

TERRAIN Mixed terrain at Gravel Locos requires surface adaptability. Include weekly rides on smooth, fast hill country gravel with endless rollers to build confidence. Expect: smooth limestone gravel, fast hill country ranch roads, wildflower-lined paths.

FREE

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[09]

Race Logistics

Airport

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) - 'a few hours' drive. Hico is 'the middle of nowhere.'

Lodging

Many camp - Gravel Locos offers boondocking on site. Glen Rose, Stephenville 10-30 minutes away. Cabins and Airbnbs available. Book early.

Food

Hico has BBQ and Tex-Mex. 'Great barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine' - post-race is legendary.

Packet Pickup

Pre-race in town with local vendors and food. Community-centric weekend vibe.

Parking

Town-center event with plenty of space and festival atmosphere.

RIDERS REPORT

No need to rush after river crossing - you'll catch back up to leaders riding at normal pace despite the mad dash mentality.

Make sure bottles are secure - they can fly out on descents. Pre-ride to identify problem areas.

Corner well and don't swerve in dirt sections - hop over potholes instead. Keep fingers on brakes during fast sections.

OFFICIAL SITE

[10]

Tire Picks

40mmWET

1

Continental Terra Trail

40mm · $75 · 34W

high puncture protection for sharp surfaces. excellent wet grip

2

Vittoria Terreno Wet

40mm · $80 · 39W

excellent wet grip

3

Specialized Pathfinder Pro

38mm · $55 · 32W

high puncture protection for sharp surfaces

FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Continental Terra Trail 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners

FULL TIRE GUIDE & PRESSURE TABLE

NEWS

Latest Coverage

[—]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the climate like at Gravel Locos?

Jonas Orset's computer showed "close to 40°C" while he felt "like a roasted chicken, sizzling on a grill." "hands down the hottest race I've ever done—nothing like I've experienced before." River crossings become salvation: "We both brake hard and plunge into the water... Like I've been baptized and born anew."[1]

How are the logistics for Gravel Locos?

Ted King describes racing in "scorching heat, a stacked international field" while over 1,000 riders funnel through tiny Hico. Packet pickup runs Friday 4-8 pm or Saturday morning 6-7:30 am at Bosque River RV Park, with mandatory 6:30 am arrival for parking. Highway 220 construction adds delays, but the infrastructure holds despite the mass start chaos.[2]

How adventurous is Gravel Locos?

Water crossings, backup routes for flooding, limited cell service, and grades that hit 20%—this race delivers adventure elements. SAG support exists for major mechanicals only, meaning you'd better be self-sufficient when things go sideways. Racing alongside pros like Peter Stetina and Ted King adds legitimacy, while the remote Central Texas location ensures you're properly isolated from civilization. It's real adventure, not manufactured hardship.[1]

How prestigious is Gravel Locos?

The race "stamped on the gravel map in 2021 when it debuted with a star studded start list." "most of the international talent arriving in the US ahead of Gravel Locos for a pre-Unbound shakeout." In 2024, "half of the top 20 men and women hailing from outside of the United States" showed the growing international draw.[5]

Should I race Gravel Locos?

Yes if you want a legitimate ultra-gravel experience at a fraction of destination-race entry costs, with international competition and legendary Texas hospitality. Just train for heat.

[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: NTX Police Cycling & Gravel Locos 40mil Training Rideridewithgps.com/routes/50345473
Other Sources Kavhelmetskavhelmets.com/blogs/kav-journal/battling-heat-and-intern...
Other Sources Nordictrailblazernordictrailblazer.cc/races/gravel-locos-2/
Other Sources Nordictrailblazernordictrailblazer.cc/races/gravel-locos-25/
Media & Press Velovelo.outsideonline.com/gravel/gravel-racing/gravel-locos-...
Other Sources Visithicotexasvisithicotexas.com/gravel-locos-2025/
Other Sources Cyclingnewswww.cyclingnews.com/gravel-locos/
Other Sources Cyclingnewswww.cyclingnews.com/races/gravel-locos-2025/gl-110-elite-...
Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/13nr3g7/completed...
Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/13ou8p7/2023_grav...
Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/13rwtj5/gravel_lo...
Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/1d03cx3/first_18_...
Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/1df64pl/gravel_lo...
Other Sources Renehersecycleswww.renehersecycles.com/gravel-locos-in-texas-and-holly-i...
Other Sources Xjdwww.xjd.com/t-gravel-locos-bike-race/

Gravel Locos

The Ratings

Train for Gravel Locos

Course Overview

The Course

From the Field

Racer Reviews

RATE GRAVEL LOCOS

Training

Train for Gravel Locos

RACE DEMAND PROFILE

3 WORKOUTS BUILT FOR THIS RACE

GET THE GRAVEL LOCOS PREP KIT

Race Logistics

Tire Picks

Latest Coverage

Similar Races

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the climate like at Gravel Locos?

How are the logistics for Gravel Locos?

How adventurous is Gravel Locos?

How prestigious is Gravel Locos?

Should I race Gravel Locos?

Sources & Citations