How technical is Gunni Grinder?

Plindley experienced "hard packed spots with SHARP rocks" that caused 4 flats in 30 miles, forcing a DNF when plugs ran out. The course is "83% gravel and dirt roads" with "some roads receive little to no maintenance and can change drastically after heavy rains." Riders recommend tire inserts and higher PSI to survive the embedded rocks. More technical than most — comparable to Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]

Gunni Grinder Review 2026 | Colorado

[01]

Course Overview

High-altitude Colorado mountain gravel with 10,000 feet of climbing and thin air at 10,000 ft.

120.5 mi

Distance

9,785 ft

Elevation

Gunnison, Colorado

Location

September 12 (SATURDAY, CONFIRMED — organizer event and 120 course pages), 2026

Date

~300+

Field Size

$80-$120

Entry Cost

+ Google Calendar Download .ics

MORE IN COLORADO: Colorado Trail Race · Leadville Trail 100 MTB · SBT GRVL

[03]

The Course

Gravel cyclist with dog companion riding on dirt road through Colorado high country with snow-capped mountains in background - Gunni Grinder - Gunnison, Colorado

The organizer-linked 120.5-mile loop gains 9,785 feet, starts near 7,694 feet, averages about 8,754 feet, and reaches about 10,511 feet. Approximately 83% is unpaved, including remote gravel and dirt roads that receive little to no maintenance.

Signature challenge: A 120.5-mile loop with 9,785 feet of gain and an average elevation near 8,754 feet.

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MILE

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MILE

RIDERS REPORT

Altitude

Riders emphasize the significant elevation challenge, with one noting coming from 2500 feet elevation to Gunnison requiring several days to ease into the altitude.

Dust and technical sections are prominent features riders encounter throughout the course.

The route covers very varied terrain in a small distance, starting in sagebrush with sprawling vistas and distant mountains, then progressing into the mountains themselves.

The course offers a great mix of road surfaces that help prepare riders for very varied terrain.

[04]

From the Field

High elevation killer views and chunky gravel made for an awesome ride.
Gunnison Crested Butte · 457 views

This train is a great mix of Road surfaces and should help me prepare for the very terrain of the grinder.
Gunnison Crested Butte · 1.1K views

35 percent of all gravel roads in Colorado are in Gunnison County
BIKEPACKING.com · 61.9K views

Gunnison County is 93% public land and we're surrounded by BLM and then forest service
From The Ground Up · 3.5K views

Gravel Biking in Pitkin and Tincup, Colorado with Nick Gould

Gunnison Crested Butte · 457 views · 1:01

Gravel Biking at Hartman Rocks with Nick Gould

Gunnison Crested Butte · 530 views · 1:01

Gravel Biking in Crested Butte, Colorado with Nick Gould

Gunnison Crested Butte · 1.1K views · 1:00

[07]

Training

September 12, 2026 GUNNI GRINDER

[08]

Train for Gunni Grinder

RACE DEMAND PROFILE

Durability

6

Climbing

10

VO2 Power

5

Threshold

8

Technical

8

Heat

1

Altitude

10

Race Specificity

8

3 WORKOUTS BUILT FOR THIS RACE

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

VO2max Descending VO2 Pyramid

55min +

5-4-3-2-1 minute intervals at ascending power — a VO2 pyramid that gets shorter and harder.

10,000ft of climbing means repeated surges above threshold. VO2max work is how you survive the fifth climb, not just the first.

WU 10m

5m

4m

3m

2m

1m

CD

STRUCTURE 10min warm-up → 5min @ 108% → 4min @ 112% → 3min @ 116% → 2min @ 120% → 1min @ 130% FTP (equal rest) → cool-down

EXECUTION Each interval gets shorter but HARDER. The 5-minute effort is controlled. The 1-minute finale is all-out. This pyramid teaches pacing discipline — start conservative, finish violent. Recovery between efforts equals the interval just completed.

POWER 5min: 108% | 4min: 112% | 3min: 116% | 2min: 120% | 1min: 130% FTP

CADENCE 95–100rpm throughout | 105rpm+ on the 1-minute finale

POSITION Seated for 5-4-3 min intervals. Standing option for 2-1 min intervals.

RPE 5min: 7–8 | 4min: 8 | 3min: 8–9 | 2min: 9 | 1min: 10

RACE-SPECIFIC: GUNNI GRINDER

NUTRITION Target 60–80g carbs/hour for Gunni Grinder’s 120 miles. Start fueling within the first 30 minutes — early fueling prevents late-race collapse. Bonking at mile 60 is a nutrition failure, not a fitness failure.

ALTITUDE Gunni Grinder with 10,000ft of climbing, much of it above 8,000ft demands altitude preparation. Arrive 5–7 days early for acclimatization. Expect 5–15% power reduction at altitude. Increase iron intake 4 weeks out. Hydrate aggressively — altitude increases fluid loss by 20–40%. Altitude: 7,700-10,000 ft elevation—oxygen 25-30% thinner than sea level; Altitude sickness risk (headache, nausea, fatigue).

TERRAIN Highly technical terrain at Gunni Grinder demands practice on similar surfaces. Ride high-altitude mountain gravel at race-day cadence weekly. Expect: high-altitude mountain gravel, colorado rocky mountain roads, alpine meadows and passes. Practice cornering, descending, and power delivery on unstable surfaces. Dial in tire pressure before race week — 5 PSI wrong costs you 15+ minutes over 120 miles.

Gravel Specific Surge and Settle

1hr +

Explosive surges into tempo settling — the signature gravel-specific workout.

Gunni Grinder's High-altitude mountain gravel, Colorado Rocky Mountain roads forces constant power changes. Surge over the rough stuff, settle on the smooth, repeat for 120 miles.

WU 15m

SURGE

SETTLE

SURGE

SETTLE

SURGE

SETTLE

5m

S

SET 2

S

CD

STRUCTURE 15min warm-up → 2 sets of 3×(20sec surge @ 130% FTP + 90sec settle @ 85% FTP) / 5min between sets → cool-down

EXECUTION Out of the saddle for every surge — explosive, violent power. Then immediately drop to tempo and SETTLE. Smooth your breathing. Recover while still working. This is what gravel racing IS: attack the rock garden, settle on the straight, attack the climb, settle on the descent. Over and over.

POWER Surges: 125–135% FTP | Settle: 83–87% FTP

CADENCE 100–120rpm surge (explosive) | 85–90rpm settle (smooth)

POSITION Standing for surges | Seated in drops for settle

RPE Surges: 9–10 | Settle: 5–6

RACE-SPECIFIC: GUNNI GRINDER

NUTRITION Target 60–80g carbs/hour for Gunni Grinder’s 120 miles. Start fueling within the first 30 minutes — early fueling prevents late-race collapse. Bonking at mile 60 is a nutrition failure, not a fitness failure.

ALTITUDE Gunni Grinder with 10,000ft of climbing, much of it above 8,000ft demands altitude preparation. Arrive 5–7 days early for acclimatization. Expect 5–15% power reduction at altitude. Increase iron intake 4 weeks out. Hydrate aggressively — altitude increases fluid loss by 20–40%. Altitude: 7,700-10,000 ft elevation—oxygen 25-30% thinner than sea level; Altitude sickness risk (headache, nausea, fatigue).

TERRAIN Highly technical terrain at Gunni Grinder demands practice on similar surfaces. Ride high-altitude mountain gravel at race-day cadence weekly. Expect: high-altitude mountain gravel, colorado rocky mountain roads, alpine meadows and passes. Practice cornering, descending, and power delivery on unstable surfaces. Dial in tire pressure before race week — 5 PSI wrong costs you 15+ minutes over 120 miles.

TT Threshold Threshold Ramps

1hr +

Progressive threshold ramps — start below, finish above. Teaches threshold precision.

83ft/mi means long efforts at or near FTP on every climb. If your threshold cracks at minute 15, you'll walk the rest.

WU 10m

88%

92%

96%

100%

5m

88%

92%

96%

100%

104%

CD

STRUCTURE 10min warm-up → Ramp 1: 4×4min @ 88→100% FTP → 5min rest → Ramp 2: 5×4min @ 88→104% → cool-down

EXECUTION Start easy, finish hard. The ramp teaches you where your threshold REALLY is — the point where controlled becomes desperate. The second ramp pushes one step further. If you survive the 104% block, your FTP might be higher than you think.

POWER Ramp: 88% → 92% → 96% → 100% → 104% FTP in 4min steps

CADENCE 88–92rpm throughout — steady, no changes as power rises

POSITION Seated on hoods. Switch to drops above 96%.

RPE 88%: 5–6 | 92%: 6–7 | 96%: 7–8 | 100%: 8 | 104%: 9

RACE-SPECIFIC: GUNNI GRINDER

NUTRITION Target 60–80g carbs/hour for Gunni Grinder’s 120 miles. Start fueling within the first 30 minutes — early fueling prevents late-race collapse. Bonking at mile 60 is a nutrition failure, not a fitness failure.

ALTITUDE Gunni Grinder with 10,000ft of climbing, much of it above 8,000ft demands altitude preparation. Arrive 5–7 days early for acclimatization. Expect 5–15% power reduction at altitude. Increase iron intake 4 weeks out. Hydrate aggressively — altitude increases fluid loss by 20–40%. Altitude: 7,700-10,000 ft elevation—oxygen 25-30% thinner than sea level; Altitude sickness risk (headache, nausea, fatigue).

TERRAIN Highly technical terrain at Gunni Grinder demands practice on similar surfaces. Ride high-altitude mountain gravel at race-day cadence weekly. Expect: high-altitude mountain gravel, colorado rocky mountain roads, alpine meadows and passes. Practice cornering, descending, and power delivery on unstable surfaces. Dial in tire pressure before race week — 5 PSI wrong costs you 15+ minutes over 120 miles.

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[09]

Race Logistics

Packet Pickup

Friday afternoon and Saturday morning

Parking

Free in downtown Gunnison (start/finish).

RIDERS REPORT

Coming from lower elevations, it's beneficial to have a couple of days to ease into the significant altitude before racing.

OFFICIAL SITE

[10]

Tire Picks

45mmTECHNICAL

1

Schwalbe G-One Bite

45mm · $70 · 38W

high puncture protection for sharp surfaces. excellent wet grip

2

Maxxis Reaver

45mm · $80 · 35W

high puncture protection for sharp surfaces

3

Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S

45mm · $74

high puncture protection for sharp surfaces. excellent wet grip

FULL TIRE GUIDE & PRESSURE TABLE

NEWS

Latest Coverage

[—]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the climate like at Gunni Grinder?

Jamesdanielosborne warns "It can also still be very hot in Gunnison this time of the year" for early September. Weather "does seem 7-10 degrees higher from where I live" and did "panic sauna sessions" for heat adaptation before the race. The temperature swings from cold starts to hot afternoons create constant clothing management challenges. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[9]

How are the logistics for Gunni Grinder?

Gunnison-Crested Butte airport is regional with limited flights, forcing most riders into 3.5-hour drives from Denver over mountain passes. Small town means limited lodging that books out months ahead, and backup options are expensive Crested Butte ski lodges 30 miles away. Even elite rider Nick Gould notes this race creates logistics challenges that amplify the difficulty.[8]

How adventurous is Gunni Grinder?

The route follows sections of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route through wilderness terrain including Lick Park Road and Lost Canyon. From The Ground Up riders describe "pristine gravel roads and exhilarating doubletrack that tested our riders technical skills" with route sections specifically designed to let riders "fail, learn, and adjust." Course creator Joel Grimmett spent "more than two years riding, driving, studying maps and running into lots of dead-ends."[1]

How prestigious is Gunni Grinder?

A $5,000 prize purse and podium finishes by competitive riders like Sarah show some racing credibility, but the field remains small and regional. Elite rider Nick Gould's participation adds legitimacy, but this five-year-old event hasn't achieved broader recognition beyond Colorado mountain gravel circles.[13]

Should I race Gunni Grinder?

If you can sustain power above 8,000 feet and have low gears for Cochetopa Pass, this is honest mountain suffering without the Leadville circus. Sea-level riders thinking they'll adapt on race day will discover what oxygen debt feels like around mile 40. The terrain isn't technical, but the altitude will expose every fitness gap you've been hiding behind at home.

[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: Gunni Grinder (copy) CO, Gravelridewithgps.com/routes/46250094
Other Sources Athlinksathlinks.com/event/gunni-grinder
Other Sources Bikepackingbikepacking.com/routes/gunni-grinder/
Other Sources Racecheckracecheck.com/races/the-gunni-grinder/
Route Maps RideWithGPSridewithgps.com/routes/gunni-grinder
Other Sources Slowtwitchslowtwitch.com/forum/gunni-grinder
Activity Stravastrava.com/segments/razor-creek-descent
Registration BikeRegwww.bikereg.com/gunni-grinder
Other Sources Bikesignupwww.bikesignup.com/Race/CO/Gunnison/TheGunniGrinder
Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/12020/the-gunni-grinder
Community TrainerRoadwww.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gunni-grinder-2023-colorado/8...
Community velo.outsideonline.com: The Grind A Not Quite Farewell To Gravelvelo.outsideonline.com/gravel/the-grind-a-not-quite-farew...
Community zenocycleparts.com: Glorious Gravel Grinding In Colorado S Gunnison Countyzenocycleparts.com/blogs/cyclingtips/glorious-gravel-grin...

Gunni Grinder

The Ratings

Train for Gunni Grinder

Course Overview

The Course

From the Field

Racer Reviews

RATE GUNNI GRINDER

Training

Train for Gunni Grinder

RACE DEMAND PROFILE

3 WORKOUTS BUILT FOR THIS RACE

GET THE GUNNI GRINDER PREP KIT

Race Logistics

Tire Picks

Latest Coverage

Similar Races

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the climate like at Gunni Grinder?

How are the logistics for Gunni Grinder?

How adventurous is Gunni Grinder?

How prestigious is Gunni Grinder?

Should I race Gunni Grinder?

Sources & Citations