SEPTEMBER
5-7, 2026
presented by
Elbert County, Colorado is where you want to be to celebrate Labor Day weekend in 2026!!
Mad Gravel celebrates it’s 6th year! Located south of Kiowa, Colorado, come enjoy the amazing views and high peaks of the Colorado front range. Bring the family, camp, and join us for some amazing racing, live music, daily award ceremonies, cycling tours and kids events. For you Front Rangers of Colorado, driving east is a lot easier on your sanity than heading to the mountains. Why go west!
Take advantage of great camping options Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at the McNeil Ranch at Peaceful Valley. If you haven’t been to this part of Colorado, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Mad Cross on Saturday is new and starts the Cyclo-cross season in Colorado. Racers will navigate a 2-mile course surrounding the massive dining hall and headquarters. An ever popular team relay will be fan favorite after all the waves go off. Sunday brings to you 3 options; the Hemi, Hemi Five-O and the Hemi Hustle. The three course options deliver you epic terrain, punchy climbs, quick descents, wide open spaces, and will take you back to remote and beautiful country in the Colorado Front Range and Elbert County. Oh, and all these events are 100% on gravel and dirt roads! You can expect fully stocked feed zones, custom swag, post-race BBQ (Sunday), live band and killer awards ceremony on the huge deck overlooking the venue.
For those of you that want to just relax and spectate, Mad Gravel is an excellent race for that too. Hang out on the large deck and watch from above as you watch racers finish. You can also see them approaching from afar. Aid Stations are also a great way to see the action. Why go west?!
2025 photos
events
All Hemi distances are on 100% gravel and dirt roads. You will leave peaceful valley only feet away from the 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. The courses are all challenging with a fair share of climbs and short quick descents, along with great wide open sections where you will be blown away (hopefully not literally) by the views. The finish will bring you back to Peaceful Valley in front of the giant patio. Let the party commence!
race details
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Hemi - $150
Hemi Five-0 - $100
Hemi Hustle - $85
Mad Cross - $40
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Number plates must be handlebar mounted. DO NOT CUT, FOLD, WRAP OR BEND YOUR PLATE. Number plates will have a disposable timing chip attached to the back.
If you do not complete your registered race distance, DO NOT cross the finish line, and immediately inform the timing team for results accuracy
Helmets: Mandatory
No Aerobars
No headphones. Work with your group to entertain yourselves.
While the course will be marked at all critical locations, it is the riders responsibility to study the course and have directional backup
All local traffic rules apply
Motor pacing is not allowed.
Littering: please pack it out.
Make sure you start at the correct time for your distance.
Family and friends, please try to keep the course clear during the event.
Medical team and marshals will be roving on course - as always 911 is your friend - good communication wins the day
Unregistered riders are not allowed to ride with race participants
Please ride smart, it’s just not worth taking chances.
In the event of an on course emergency, call 911 and locate a marshal or sheriff.
Race officials reserve the right to delay or alter course due to unsafe weather conditions.
We will provide sweep if you need a ride back to the finish line due to injury or mechanical. Remote areas could take a while.
E - Bikes are allowed for the Hemi Hustle only
Please let race officials know if you have to drop out.
Please lock up your bike if left unattended.
Electronic results will be submitted by Rattler Timing. Your time starts when your wave starts, not at the mat.
Although unlikely, we reserve the right to change the course prior to race day. Updates will be made to the website ASAP
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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.
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Packet pickup will be available at Race Headquarters during the entirety of the weekend. Please stay posted to the website and follow us on Instagram for the most updated race details.
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22799 North Elbert Road, Elbert, Colorado 80106
All races will start and finish in front of the dining hall at McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley.
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Learn about the Junior Cycling Project and donate HERE!!
venue map
media
Mad Gravel Recap Reel 2025
Mad Gravel Promo Video 2024
2024 Recap Reel
Mad Gravel Intro Reel 2025
If Mad Gravel were a Planet Earth episode
2024 DAY 1 Intro
Donate to the Junior Cycling Project!!
Mad Gravel and the Hemi have combined efforts with the Junior Cycling Project, a Colorado non-profit charitable organization. Together, we can work to expand on the shared mission of getting juniors on bikes, introducing new cycling opportunities, and working with like minded non-profits to get bikes in the hands of those juniors in need. By working and partnering with the community, we can advance the cause of supporting junior riders and giving them the resources and events to help them grow. After all, they are the future of the sport!
Junior Cycling Project is a public charity designated by the IRS under section 501 (C)(3). Donations are tax deductible.
#83-2900491
Mailing Address: Junior Cycling Project
10236 Woodrose Ln, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Phone 303-817-6523
