Regional North Carolina gravel event — event 3 of 4 in the Southeast Gravel series (Greenville, SC). By Southeast Gravel (Greenville, SC).
Reputation: Regional NC event.
[01]
Course Overview
Southeast Gravel's Appalachian leg from the town the Appalachian Trail walks through.
61 mi
Distance
6,616 ft
Elevation
Hot Springs, North Carolina
Location
May 16, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
$60-100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Alex Runge
Photo: YouTube / Alex RungeSoutheast Gravel race from Hot Springs Resort & Spa: the 2026 long course is 61 miles with 6,616 feet of gain on the organizer-linked route. The organizer describes one flat stretch along the river and sustained climbing across the remainder of its hilliest course yet. Long-course aid stations are at miles 11.5, 45, and 53.5.
Signature challenge: Appalachian mountain climbing in remote western North Carolina.
12
MILE
Aid Station One
The first long-course aid station is at mile 11.5.
45
MILE
Aid Station Two
The second long-course aid station is at mile 45.
54
MILE
Aid Station Three
The third long-course aid station is at mile 53.5.
RIDERS REPORT
Hurricane Gap descent
Long descent with potential car traffic and a tower at the top with nice views. Cars sometimes pass through this section.
Route 25 descent
All downhill to the finish when you hit pavement, riders going over 30 mph. Multiple lanes available in some sections for cars to pass.
Final climb before last descent
Described as the steepest thing ever gone up on a bicycle, brutal climb that had riders getting off bikes and hike-a-biking. Called a steep mofo by finishers.
First gravel section has some potholes but not bad overall. After the first right turn climb, the descent has loose gravel and goes left then right, with pavement starting halfway down.
Super loose conditions on climbs, described as not even having a groove to follow.
[04]
From the Field
I think that's the steepest thing I've ever gone up in a bicycle. That was super loose there wasn't even a groove on it, holy crap.
Ben Wiggins · 334 views
Both the short and long courses were shorter than average for this series but what they lacked in length they made up with elevation. With sustained climbs of 14% and punches of up to 18% it reminded you that you are in the mountains for sure.
Ben Wiggins · 334 views
We've been trying to put this event on since 2020 so we're super stoked it's finally here
Ben Wiggins · 334 views
What you do is you pull up next to him and start talking to him like you're not winded it plays with your head and then you just pass him
Ben Wiggins · 334 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
May 16, 2026 HOT SPRINGS GRAVEL GAUNTLET
[08]
Train for Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
4
Climbing
7
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
8
Technical
6
Heat
3
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
6
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Asheville (AVL) 1 hour
Lodging
Hot Springs has limited lodging. Asheville has more options.
Food
Small town with limited dining — stock nutrition. Friday night Q&A with guest pros at Big Pillow Brewery; finish-line food and beer Saturday.
Packet Pickup
Friday night, 6–8pm at downtown venues (e.g. Vinyl Pies); Saturday morning option at Hot Springs Resort.
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Watch out for potholes in the first gravel section. Use caution on the descent after the first climb due to loose gravel and turns.
On Route 25 descent, stay to the right, don't take the whole lane, and let cars pass. Use multiple lane sections to move over.
At the finish, turn in at the designated area - don't go down to the main entrance or cross the railroad tracks.
Have snacks and fluids ready for the brutal final climb as riders needed to stop and get off bikes to refuel while sucking wind.
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
3
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Panaracer GravelKing TLC 43mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster 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 Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet?
Race dates have shifted from April 2024 to March 2025 to May 2026, suggesting weather timing challenges. One rider noted 'I ran out of battery' during the 3+ hour effort, indicating conditions or duration that stress equipment preparation. Spring timing in Appalachian mountains creates serious weather variability. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet?
Friday night packet pickup runs 6-8pm at downtown venues like Vinyl Pies, with Saturday morning option at Hot Springs Resort. Aid stations are well-stocked with pickle juice and coke at miles 11.5, 45, and 53.5 for the long course. But basic details like exact start location and parking remain mysteriously absent from all race materials.[1]
How adventurous is Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet?
Hot Springs functions as an Appalachian Trail resupply town where 'thru hikers mix with cyclists' creating unique trail town atmosphere. The area offers natural hot springs for post-race recovery and 'gravel and trail hotspot' terrain with 'cool off bike offerings, coffee shops, brewery art and old buildings.'[1]
How prestigious is Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet?
Part of Southeast Gravel Series but marketed with generic superlatives like 'one of the most exciting venues in the Southeast!' Dylan Johnson's consecutive wins provide some credibility, but the regional scope and lack of notable prize purse or national recognition limit broader cycling community awareness.[2]
Should I race Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet?
If you're in North Carolina and want a remote mountain challenge—yes, it's a solid regional event. If you're from out of state—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: Official SEG Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet Long Course (copy)ridewithgps.com/routes/50194650
- Other Sources Happeningnexthappeningnext.com/event/southeast-gravel-hot-springs-grav...
- Route Maps RideWithGPSridewithgps.com/routes/45106013
- Route Maps RideWithGPSridewithgps.com/routes/45106020
- Route Maps RideWithGPSridewithgps.com/routes/45106056
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/11689/hot-springs-gra...
- Other Sources Southeastgravelwww.southeastgravel.com/hot-springs-gravel-gauntlet
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=0pEZYKAMt7A