Race Guide
August 1, 2026
Bike Race
Welcome to Crooked Gravel 2026!
At Gemini Adventures, we believe this: competition makes us faster, but collaboration makes us better.
Inspired by Ron Kiefel’s original "Crooked Roubaix", a pioneering 95-mile dirt-road ride from Winter Park into the high mountains Crooked Gravel now offers two high-alpine gravel routes through Grand County’s finest terrain. Featuring sweeping climbs through pine and aspen forests and open descents beneath the Colorado sky, our courses begin at 8,600 ft.
Nothing comes easy at altitude but it’s all worth it. We can’t wait to share the ride, the run, and the beauty of Grand County with you.
August 1, 2026
August 1, 2026
Crooked Gravel 25 & 67-Mile Gravel
Date: Saturday, August 1st, 2026
Start Time: 8:00am Bike
Start Location:
Rendezvous Event Center
at Hideaway Park
Finish Line:
Same as Starting Location
August 1, 2026
Weekend Schedule
Friday:
5:00 pm-7:00 pm – Packet Pick-Up / Event Registration @Vicious Cycle Brewing
6:45 pm-7:30 pm - Racer Briefing
Saturday:
6:00 am-7:00 am – Packet Pick-Up / Event Day Registration @Winter Park Resort
6:30 am - 50K Run Start
7:00 am - 21K Run Start
7:00 am-8:30 am - Packet Pick-Up / Event Day Registration @Hideaway Park in the Town of Winter Park
8:00 am - 25 Mile & 67 Mile Bikes Mass Start
8:30 am - Winter Park Trail Runs 10K Start
8:45 am - Strider Race (ages 4 and Under)
9:00 am - Kids Running Race (ages 10 and Under)
10:00 am - 4:00 pm – Expo
10:00 am - 10K & 21K Awards
10:30 am - Short Course Awards
11:00 am - 4:00 pm - Post-Race Meal (included with registration)
11:00 am - 4:00 pm – Beer Garden
12:00 pm – Check Presentation & Awards Ceremony for Long Course
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm - Live music by the Taylor Scott Band
2:30 pm - 50K Awards
4:00 pm – Gravel Bike Course Closes
6:30 pm - 5Point Film Festival
7:00 pm - 50K Trail Run Cut-off
August 1, 2026
Watch Out for Wildlife & Safety Reminders
To avoid any encounters with wildlife, keep your distance. Here are some important tips.
Click here to learn more about how to deal with wildlife on trails and gravel roads.
ENCOUNTERING WILDLIFE
In most situations, people and
wildlife can coexist.
Rules of Thumb - don't approach or try to pass, don't harass, don't feed.
Respect their space and keep your distance!
Avoid Injuries - Keep Your Distance
August 1, 2026
Crooked Gravel Safety Plan 2026
Watch this video from our good friends at The Ride Collective for safety reminders,
Your safety is our top priority. Please read this carefully before event day.
On-Course Safety
Obey all traffic laws: Some roads are open to vehicles. Ride right, yield to emergency vehicles, and use caution at intersections.
Ride single file when appropriate and do not cross the centerline.
Wear your helmet at all times while riding.
No earbuds/headphones. You need to hear traffic and fellow riders.
Course Marking & Navigation
The course is well-marked with signs and arrows, but it’s your responsibility to know the route.
Download the GPX file to your bike computer or phone in advance.
If you go off course, backtrack to the last known marker or ask for help.
Emergency & First Aid
Medical staff and EMS will be stationed along the course and at the finish.
For serious emergencies, call 911 and then notify event staff.
Emergency contact info is printed on your rider bib — keep it visible at all times.
August 1, 2026
Mechanical Support & SAG
Neutral mechanical support may be available at aid stations and on course.
SAG vehicles will patrol the course. If you need to drop out or have a mechanical, move safely off the road and signal for help.
Have basic repair supplies (tube, CO2, tool) and know how to use them.
Hydration & Weather
Weather can change quickly at this elevation. Come prepared for heat, wind, or rain.
Stay hydrated! Carry two bottles and refill at aid stations.
If you feel dizzy, weak, or overheated, stop and ask for help immediately.
Look Out for Each Other
If you see a fellow rider in distress, stop and check in.
Report any accidents or safety issues to the nearest volunteer, aid station, or via the emergency number on your bib.
Before You Ride:
Check your bike and brakes
Double-check tire pressure
Carry ID, phone, nutrition, and repair kit
Know your route and your limits!
August 1, 2026
Course Support
At the aid stations, racers will receive Precision gels, chews and electrolyte drink. Water, skittles, PB&J Uncrustables and potato chips. Aspirin. NSAIDS will NOT be provided. And to reduce waste, cups will not be provided at the aid stations.
Radio contact will be available at all aid stations and each one will have the necessary medical materials to nurse any bumps, cuts, bruises, and/or blisters.
August 1, 2026
Packet Pickup - Friday, July 31st, 2026
5:00 pm-7:00 pm – Packet Pick-Up / Event Registration @ TBA
Registration and packet pickup will also be available race morning from 6:30-7:45am
Lodging Inforamtion:
Runner’s discounted room block:
August 1, 2026
CROOKED GRAVEL 25-MILE “Mini” COURSE
Distance: ~25 miles
Climbing: ~1,700–2,000 ft of elevation gain
Start/Finish: Rendezvous Event Center at Hideaway Park (~8,700 ft)
Course Highlights:
Begins with a police‑led rollout downtown before turning onto scenic forest service roads. This course features a moderate climb up Winter Park Resort’s backside, offering wide alpine views and fresh mountain air .
The route flattens before returning via a bike path into town, making for a smooth and accessible finale.
One aid station mid-course (~mile 17–18) for fuel, rest, and bike support
Timing starts around mile 4 and ends around mile 23—choose competitive timing or ride the recreational category, untimed & relaxed!
Why Ride It?
Perfect for those new to mountain-high gravel or riders looking for a scenic warm-up. This course is challenging, beautiful, and entirely rideable.
Finish beneath the arch at Hideaway Park, and enjoy post-ride refreshments, music, and community vibes.
August 1, 2026
CROOKED GRAVEL 67-MILE COURSE
Start/End: Downtown Winter Park (8,700 ft)
Climb: ~5,600 ft, topping out near 10,400 ft on a sustained ~13-mile climb (about 2,500 ft vertical)
Ride Overview
After a police-led neutral rollout from town, you’ll turn onto gravel and begin climbing through the Arapaho National Forest. The timed route starts at ~mile 4 and continues through all aid stations until ~mile 62.5
Aid stations are positioned strategically:
Church Park (Mile 13.5): First chance to regroup
Willow Creek (Mile 39.5): Fuel up before the biggest sustained uphill section
Church Park #2 (Mile 53.5): Final top before descent
Terrain & Finish
Expect a mix of rough forest roads and wide, flowy dirt that will feel smoother than pavement. After descending Crooked Creek, your time ends at the timing mat, followed by a neutral cruise back into town along a bike path. Cross under the finish arch at Rendezvous Event Center for food, beer, and live music.
Why Ride It?
It’s a challenge set high at 8,700 ft with big climbing, iconic alpine views, and pure gravel adventure. A true highlight for anyone who loves mountain riding.
August 1, 2026
August 1, 2026
August 1, 2026
Route Details / GPX File
Be ready for a big day! We will have the courses marked, but you are encouraged to also put the route on your Garmin, Wahoo or whatever computer you use.
August 1, 2026
Crush the ride. Stay for the party!
After you cross the finish line in town and get off the saddle make sure to stick around for lunch (included with registration), one free beer from Vicious Cycle Brewing (also included with registration) and live music from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m from the Taylor Scott Band
August 1, 2025
Cash Winnings - $2,000
1st Place - $500
2nd Place - $300
3rd Place - $200
We will be giving men's and women's age group awards in the following categories for both the 67 mile and 25 mile races.
Under 20
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+
AWARDS
August 1, 2025
What should I wear in the mountains??
Bring a number of layers for all weather including rain, then decide in the morning what to wear and carry. Cool mornings usually become warm afternoons with a chance of showers.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 10-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR WINTER PARK
August 1, 2025
At Gemini Adventures, our races are about more than extraordinary feats of athleticism. Each event that we coordinate and host is held in a gorgeous location that exemplifies the great outdoors and a sense of adventure. At our events, you can bike and run through rugged landscapes and beautiful scenery that will wow you and challenge you
We hope you have fun, safe and rewarding race in Winter Park 2026!
August 1, 2025
Friends and Sponsors