Ned Gravel

The 2022 edition featured "unusually hot weather, even at a minimum of 8,200' elevation" with riders advised to "prepare for hot weather but bring a rain jacket in case of afternoon thunderstorms." Hannah struggled with "learning how to stay cool in the summer heat" despite the elevation. The 2025 race morning saw "early morning sun rose and dark clouds loomed over the reservoir." More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[13]

Staggered start times from 7:00-8:00 AM with parking closing at 7:30 AM sharp creates tight timing windows. Kate's navigation error that led her "off course farther than I'd like to admit" highlights course marking challenges. Race director Gavin Coombs notes learning "something to make the next year even better" after each event, suggesting ongoing logistics refinement.[8]

The course passes through Deadwood Diggins "where the first gold in the area was discovered in 1859" and Apex Ghost Town at 10,300 feet elevation. Lailah crashed hard enough to crack her helmet "clean through directly at the center" but still plans to return to "conquer the Switzerland Trail; it's personal now!" CR103 provides "guaranteed to be one of your most fun descents ever" through authentic mining country.[1]

Five years old with zero pro field mentions or YouTube coverage makes this a regional player, not a destination event. The Tungsten course joined Colorado's Summer of Gravel series in 2023, which adds some credibility. But when your biggest selling point is inclusivity rather than brutality, you're not hunting prestige points.[1]

If you're in Colorado and want a mountain gravel challenge near Boulder with real altitude—yes, it's a solid event. If you're from out of state—there are more prestigious options.