Reputation: Regional CO event.
[01]
Course Overview
Colorado plains gravel challenge.
55 mi
Distance
3,200 ft
Elevation
Elbert, CO
Location
September 5-7, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
$75-95
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Siena Marie
Photo: YouTube / Siena MarieColorado plains gravel.
Signature challenge: Colorado plains terrain at high altitude.
18
MILE
Early Rolling
First rolling sections.
27
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
45
MILE
Late Rolling
Final rolling sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Corrugations
Some of the worst corrugations riders have experienced on gravel, completely sapping speed and making bikes drift sideways when hit. Caused mechanical issues like dropped chains and bottles.
Sand sections
Sections where the road was more sand than dirt or gravel, which sapped speed and was soul sucking at times.
Gravel rolls really fast on the course with some single track sections that are loose and spicy.
Worst corrugations ever ridden on a gravel bike - they completely sap speed and make the bike drift sideways when you hit them.
Road sections that are more sand than dirt or gravel which sap your speed.
[04]
From the Field
This route had some of the worst corrugations I've actually ever ridden on a gravel bike to the point where it would completely sap your speed make the bike drift sideways when you hit them.
Seamus O'Donnell · 1.5K views
My body was not handling the altitude well at all and I couldn't put power through the pedals to save myself. I've never been so sure so early that it was not going to be my day.
Seamus O'Donnell · 1.5K views
The course was absolutely epic, the conditions were so sick, the gravel rolled really fast, the single track was a little loose, a little spicy but made for some epic racing.
Siena Marie · 1K views
All of our events over the entire 3-day weekend start and finish at the Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch. It's on the Eastern Slope of the Front Range located about halfway in between Colorado Springs and Denver.
Siena Marie · 1K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Mad Gravel? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
September 5, 2026 MAD GRAVEL
RIDERS REPORT
Rider was undergeared with only 40x11 as highest gear ratio, expecting to spin out on the fast course.
[08]
Train for Mad Gravel
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
0
Altitude
6
Race Specificity
3
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Denver (DEN) 90 minutes
Lodging
Elbert has very limited lodging. Stay in nearby towns or Denver.
Food
Elbert has limited dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Altitude is noticeable at just under 2,000m elevation - expect it to affect performance even if not extreme altitude.
Race shortened from 100 to 80 miles due to crazy rain the night before in 2024.
[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 Mad Gravel?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 80°F and lows of 54°F, with a 20% chance of rain on any given day, and gusts reaching 28 mph. Memorial Day 2025 brought "half an hour of sustained half-inch hail and continuous pink lightning" the night before, leaving "completely saturated ground" for race day. Cdan4th faced "strong wind and driving rain" when "the promised 3pm rain arrived two hours early." Colorado weather volatility makes conditions unpredictable and potentially race-altering. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[8]
How are the logistics for Mad Gravel?
Nathan Trachta praises staff who "found them when they swept the course" after he lost his car keys racing, showing solid volunteer support. But cdan4th "discovered my mistake on the starting line" when his GPS file wasn't loaded, highlighting information gaps. Start location at McNeil Scout Ranch dining hall is clear, but packet pickup and parking details remain missing.[1]
How adventurous is Mad Gravel?
Cdan4th found "endless right-angle turns through ranch land mostly by myself under leaden skies weren't really that compelling," despite some scenic moments like "one-lane gravel road winding through the skeet shooting range of camp and it was glorious." The Elbert County terrain offers wide open ranch country with Front Range views, but lacks memorable signature features.[7]
How prestigious is Mad Gravel?
Nathan Trachta's 29th place finish out of 151 riders represents the competitive reality - solid regional turnout but no notable pro presence or national recognition. Bertn05 used Mad Gravel as a tune-up "test before Unbound," indicating its role as a stepping stone rather than destination race in the gravel calendar.[3]
Should I race Mad Gravel?
If you're local to CO—yes, it's good value. 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.
- Other Sources Graveluniongravelunion.cc/article/sri-lanka-the-future-of-travel-gravel
- Other Sources Golden-Endurancewww.golden-endurance.com/post/spring-for-gravel
- Other Sources Gravel-Resultswww.gravel-results.com/race/21449
- Other Sources Joinbasecampwww.joinbasecamp.com/post/nathans-story-mad-gravel-hemi-h...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/uzxwaq/vitus_substanc...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/10itc7z/too_late_...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/12konc8/boulder_c...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/13oq976/topic_of_...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/1d8txts/unbound_2...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/unboundgravel/comments/1d8uzfw/unbound_2...