Pre Ride Information

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

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.

Race Start: McNeil Ranch at Peaceful Valley, Elbert Colorado

22799 North Elbert Road, Elbert, Colorado 80106 (DIRECTIONS)

All races will start and finish in front of the dining hall at McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley.

What you can expect

  • Fully stocked feed zones with water, energy drink, BONK BREAKER products, and other goodies

  • Lead-out and Sag vehicles

  • Medical support throughout the course

  • Professional Timing

  • Post Race party and awards on the massive patio deck

  • Plenty o’ food, drink and beer by provided by our sponsors

  • Custom Mad Gravel/Hemi swag

  • Good times with your buddies

Additional Deets

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.

Race Rules

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Refund Policy

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.