Reputation: Local Pennsylvania event.
[01]
Course Overview
State park forest roads through rural Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.
50 mi
Distance
3,500 ft
Elevation
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
Location
May 9, 2026
Date
~50
Field Size
$50-75
Entry Cost
MORE IN PENNSYLVANIA: Roughneck Gravel Roubaix · Camp Michaux Gravel Grinder · Trough Creek Gravel Grinder
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Pennsylvania rolling gravel.
Signature challenge: Pennsylvania rolling terrain.
15
MILE
Early Rolling
First rolling sections.
25
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
40
MILE
Late Rolling
Final rolling sections before finish.
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Parker Dam Gravel Grinder? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
May 9, 2026 PARKER DAM GRAVEL GRINDER
[08]
Train for Parker Dam Gravel Grinder
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
State College (SCE) 90 minutes
Lodging
Clearfield County has limited lodging options. Plan ahead.
Food
Clearfield County has limited dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
[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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Parker Dam Gravel Grinder?
May 9th date in Pennsylvania means spring weather variability - could be 45 and rainy or 75 and perfect. No historical weather data available for this specific event. Standard Northeast spring gamble. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Parker Dam Gravel Grinder?
S.B. Elliott State Park provides established venue infrastructure with 7:00 AM registration for 9:00 AM start - tight 90-minute window. She "remembered to make sure my hydration pack was actually functioning this time," suggesting prep logistics matter more than venue amenities in rural Penfield, PA.[5]
How adventurous is Parker Dam Gravel Grinder?
Rural Pennsylvania gravel roads through state park lands offer decent scenery without epic wilderness. Course features aren't documented, suggesting standard gravel road network. Pleasant countryside riding without destination-race adventure factor.[1]
How prestigious is Parker Dam Gravel Grinder?
This is the 6th annual edition of a Pennsylvania Gravel Series race in Penfield, PA. No notable past winners documented, no pro field data, no YouTube coverage. It's a regional series race that hasn't broken into the national conversation.[1]
Should I race Parker Dam Gravel Grinder?
If you're local to Pennsylvania—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.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Parker Dam Gravel Grinder - Half Series Route 2024ridewithgps.com/routes/46635294
- Other Sources Racecheckracecheck.com/races/parker-dam-gravel-grinder/
- Other Sources Racerosterraceroster.com/events/2022/60753/parker-dam-gravel-grinder
- Other Sources Biapawww.biapa.org/get-involved/gravel-grinders
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/10051/parker-dam-grav...
- Other Sources Gravel-Resultswww.gravel-results.com/race/21365
- Other Sources Joinbasecampwww.joinbasecamp.com/post/lynns-story-parker-dam-gravel-g...
- Other Sources Ohiogravelgrinderswww.ohiogravelgrinders.com/blog/2023/7/24/recap-parker-da...
- Other Sources Ohiogravelgrinderswww.ohiogravelgrinders.com/event-listings/2026/5/9/parker...
- Community trans-sylvaniaproductions.com: Pdggwww.trans-sylvaniaproductions.com/pdgg