Elbert County roadways are always open for pre-riding. However, Peaceful Valley Ranch is not open to the public. All 3 courses can be accessed from the sports park in downtown Elbert. Ample parking is available.
Packet pickup will be available at locations to be announced the week prior to the race as well at Race Headquarters during the entirety of the weekend. Please follow us on Instagram and make sure to follow our Mad Gravel News for the most updated race details.
All races will start and finish in front of the dining hall at McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley.
Hemi Terrain: The Hemi is on 100% gravel and dirt roads. You will leave Peaceful Valley only feet away from the main patio and headquarters. Expect a nice short climb out of the venue followed by variable terrain as you leave the area and connect to the awesome gravel roads of Elbert county. It’s a challenging course with its fair share of climbs and short quick descents. There are some great wide open sections of road as you had east. As you turn back west, you’ll be blown away (hopefully not literally) by the views. The finish will bring you back to Peaceful Valley with a photo finish in front of the giant patio. Let the party begin.
All other MG Events Terrain: A great mix of single track, double track and gravel roads. Whether doing the mountain bike events, the run, or the gravel circuit, all of it stays within the 3800 acres of Peaceful Valley.
Equipment: This year pedal assist E-Bikes are good to go for the Hemi Hustle distance (30 Miles). For the Hemi and Hemi Five-O, we will not have an E-bike category but all other bikes are legal. We can’t overstate the importance of your bike running in top condition on the day of the race. Like you, it will be challenged. And, it’s your friend. Help a friend out.
Course 411: Courses will be marked at all critical intersections. It is the rider’s responsibility to study the course and have directional backup. Remember, we must adhere to all traffic rules (if applicable). Always stay to the right of the center, especially on the fast descents. Weather can always be a factor in Colorado. Plan accordingly! We will have a medical team on course in various areas and roaming. As always 911 is your friend. Marshals will have radios as well. Good communication wins the day.
Spectating: The main patio is a great place to watch the start and finish. If you choose to cheer on the course, aid stations are always a great place to hang out. There are many ways to get around the county roads. Please consider routes that don’t interfere with riders as you make your way to a spectating spot. A map will be provided as we get closer to race day. For events inside Peaceful Valley, take your pick! Plenty of places to watch.
Lodging: McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley has amazing camping and tons of room, and you’re just a few feet from the start line. There is room for large RV’s down to small tents. Facilities nearby. Castle Rock and Monument are 2 great places for hotels and about a 40 minute drive. Depending on what part of town you’re in, both Denver and Colorado Springs have accomodations that would be within 1 hour of the venue. Also see here for information regarding our hotel sponsor.
Mad Gravel does not offer refunds. We completely understand that unfortunate circumstances happen, but we plan this event way in advance from a cost and resource allocation perspective, and the financial and administrative burden is high. On the plus side, Mad Gravel does offer transfers and deferrals. If you would like to transfer your entry to another rider, no problem. Just drop us a line and we can get it taken care of for you at no charge. The same goes for deferrals. We realize schedules change, life events happen, and injuries can surprise us. We will happily defer your entry fee to next year. Again, no charge, but you must let us know prior to race day.
