---
slug: "reliance-deep-woods"
name: "Reliance Deep Woods"
tier: 3
score: 50
distance_mi: 70
elevation_ft: 8100
location: "Tennessee"
region: "South"
month: "April"
discipline: "gravel"
date: "2027: April 23-25"
url: "https://gravelgodcycling.com/race/reliance-deep-woods/"
---

# Reliance Deep Woods

> *Source: [Gravel God Cycling](https://gravelgodcycling.com/) — a gravel race database covering 384 races, scored on 14 base dimensions plus a Cultural Impact bonus. Canonical page: https://gravelgodcycling.com/race/reliance-deep-woods/*

> Unmarked Cherokee National Forest gravel — just you, your GPS, and Tennessee mountains.

## Vitals

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 70 mi |
| Elevation | 8,100 ft |
| Location | Tennessee |
| Date | 2027: April 23-25 |
| Terrain | TN mountains, Forest gravel, Regional event, Southeast USA |
| Field Size | 200-400 riders |
| Registration | Online. Cost: ~$75-125 |

## Course

TN mountain gravel.

### Suffering Zones

- **Mile 20 — Early Mountains**: First mountain sections.
- **Mile 35 — Midpoint**: Halfway through the course.
- **Mile 55 — Late Mountains**: Final mountain sections before finish.

### Signature Challenge

TN mountain/forest terrain.

## Terrain

TN mountain gravel

Surface: Gravel roads through TN mountains. Significant elevation with mountain/forest scenery.

Features:
- Significant mountainous (4500 feet)
- Mountain/forest scenery
- TN setting
- Multiple distances
- Regional event

## Climate

TN spring/fall

Generally mild conditions.

Challenges:
- Variable weather
- Generally mild
- Mountainous terrain
- Spring/Fall conditions

## Gravel God Rating

**Overall Score**: 50/100
**Tier**: 3
**Discipline**: gravel

| Dimension | Score |
|-----------|-------|
| Logistics | 3/5 |
| Length | 3/5 |
| Technicality | 2/5 |
| Elevation | 3/5 |
| Climate | 3/5 |
| Altitude | 1/5 |
| Adventure | 3/5 |
| Prestige | 2/5 |
| Race Quality | 2/5 |
| Experience | 3/5 |
| Community | 3/5 |
| Field Depth | 2/5 |
| Value | 3/5 |
| Expenses | 2/5 |

## The Verdict

> Tennessee mountain gravel.

### Should You Race It?

If you're in TN/Southeast and want a local mountain event—yes, it's solid. If you're from out of region—there are better options.

### Alternatives

For similar regional events: other TN gravel races. For better mountain events: NC/VA gravel races.

## Training Guide

A race-specific training guide for Reliance Deep Woods is available:
[How to train for Reliance Deep Woods](https://gravelgodcycling.com/race/reliance-deep-woods/training-plan/). It covers this race's terrain, climate, demand profile, key workouts, timeline, and fueling.

## Logistics

**Airport**: Chattanooga (CHA) or Knoxville (TYS) depending on location

**Lodging Strategy**: TN has moderate lodging options.

**Food**: TN has full dining options. Stock nutrition.

**Packet Pickup**: Day before typically

**Parking**: At start/finish

**Camping**: Camping available with music, food, beer[1]

**Official Site**: Check Reliance Deep Woods website

## History
Founder: TN organizers

Regional TN gravel event.

Regional TN event.

## Non-Negotiables

- **Mountain endurance** (by Week 8-10): TN mountain terrain requires sustained effort.
- **Weather preparation** (by Week 4-6): TN spring/fall weather is variable.
- **Pacing discipline** (by Week 2-4): Mountainous terrain requires pacing discipline.

## Riders Report

*From YouTube race footage transcripts.*


### Terrain Notes

- {'text': 'Features red clay canopy roads that create a challenging riding surface.', 'source_video_ids': ['cpqCHJeXbAM']}

### Gear Mentions

- {'text': 'Bring your climbing gear because Middle Georgia certainly is not flat.', 'source_video_ids': ['cpqCHJeXbAM']}

### Rider Quotes

> "All proceeds benefit a local kids on bikes program it gives back to the community you have to love that." — 

## Tire Recommendations

Recommended width: 38mm

- **Specialized Pathfinder Pro** (38mm): Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
- **Vittoria Terreno Mix** (40mm): Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
- **Continental Terra Trail** (40mm): excellent wet grip

**Front/Rear Split**: Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mm
Rationale: Faster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners

## Citations

- [Careylowery](https://careylowery.blogspot.com/2025/04/reliance-deep-woods-gravel-race-stage-1.html) (other)
- [Careylowery](https://careylowery.blogspot.com/2025/04/reliance-deep-woods-gravel-race-stage-2.html) (other)
- [Gravel Cyclist](https://www.gravelcyclist.com/videos/gravel-events-you-should-know-about-southeastern-usa-volume-2/) (media)
- [Joinbasecamp](https://www.joinbasecamp.com/post/jons-story-reliance-deep-woods-gravel-grinder) (other)
- [tennesseegravel.com: Reliance Sponsor](https://www.tennesseegravel.com/reliance-sponsor) (community)

---
*This profile is by Gravel God Cycling (gravelgodcycling.com). Cite as: "Gravel God Cycling — Reliance Deep Woods". Canonical: https://gravelgodcycling.com/race/reliance-deep-woods/. Generated 2026-09-10.*