# Planning Your 2027 Gravel Cycling Calendar Five essential gravel events to structure your training and reignite your passion for riding. - **Source:** [Bicycling](https://www.bicycling.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d1d74c5d-96a5-4d82-9511-ba59d5b325ff ## Breaking the Training Rut Cyclists often fall into repetitive routines, leading to a loss of motivation during weekly or weekend rides. Signing up for a specific event months in advance provides a clear goal, encouraging structured training like strength work or zone two sessions. This proactive approach helps maintain enthusiasm throughout the challenging winter months. ## The Mid South Challenge Held in Oklahoma’s red-dirt country during late winter, this event is notoriously unpredictable. Participants face either fast, dry conditions or a grueling, muddy death march across 100 miles. With over 3,600 registrants, the race fosters a strong sense of community, culminating in celebratory finish line hugs from promoter Bobby Wintle. ## Grinduro’s Unique Format This event blends gravel racing with enduro-style segments, covering 60 miles and 8,000 feet of elevation. Winners are determined by performance on specific timed sections, allowing riders to enjoy scenery near Mt. Shasta. The course incorporates technical singletrack trails, making it ideal for those who enjoy riding drop-bar bikes on challenging terrain. ## Unbound: The Gravel Standard Often called the Super Bowl of gravel, the 200-mile Unbound race is a legendary test of endurance in the Flint Hills. Riders face sharp, chunky gravel and extreme weather conditions, aiming to finish before the 3 a.m. cut-off. Due to high demand, entry is managed through a lottery system closing in November. ## Steamboat’s High-Altitude Test This Colorado race features a 144-mile course with 9,400 feet of climbing, reaching altitudes of 8,200 feet. The event offers equal payouts for men and women, attracting a deep field of professional riders. Participants navigate diverse terrain, ranging from fast hard-pack roads to soft, sketchy moon dust sections throughout the high-altitude route. ## Endless Climbing in Pennsylvania This Pennsylvania event focuses on sheer elevation gain rather than alpine vistas. The 115-mile route utilizes minimal paved roads, showcasing the region's vast network of gravel paths. Organizer David Landis notes that the area contains even more potential routes, requiring participants to bring significant climbing fitness to complete the challenging course. ## Logistics and Event Expectations Gravel events typically provide entry perks like branded apparel, food, and beverages. Many races are also affiliated with charitable causes, donating a portion of registration fees to support them. Participants should expect evolving entry costs and festivities, as the sport continues to grow and change rapidly across different regional locations annually. ## Strategic Event Preparation Selecting the right event requires balancing personal fitness goals with the specific demands of the course. Whether tackling high-altitude climbs or technical singletrack, preparation is key. For longer events, riders must often carry GPS devices for live tracking, ensuring safety while navigating the diverse and demanding landscapes of the American gravel scene. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bicycling.com/rides/a74324925/best-gravel-events-calendar/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._