Welcome to the Black Hills Gravel Series! The Gravel Series is string of community group events that allow you to explore the area with like-minded people one ride at a time. The intent of these rides is to be open to all abilities and ages.
There is no entry fee for the rides, no support, no medals, no course markings. Come for the experience, challenge and community! If this sounds like something you are interested in, make sure to sign up using the form on this page.
Historically the Gravel Series has been held in April and May; however, last spring was extremely wet, causing events to be rescheduled and cancelled. In an attempt to land in favorable weather and to continue the fun for more of the year, the Gravel Series is moving to having an event once a month for the majority of the year!
See the schedule and details below!
Regardless of where you are on your cycling journey, the gravel series has a route for you! For now, there are three different route options to choose from on each event day. Due to alliteration issues, the route names have changed for 2020 to a recognized system: Green, Blue and Black.
GREEN: Routes will be 10-15 miles in length and will feature minimal elevation gain (<1000'). These routes are designed for getting someone new into gravel riding or pulling kids or dogs in a trailer. The navigation and roads on these routes will be kept fairly straightforward.
BLUE: Routes will be 25-30 miles in length with 1500' to 3000' of elevation gain and are perfect for getting out on your bike with some friends and earning that post-ride reward!
BLACK: Routes will be around 50-60 miles in length and can have elevation gain ranging from 2500' on prairie gravel to over 5000' in the heart of the Hills.
To navigate routes, cue sheets and GPS files will be provided. Using only a cue sheet and simple cycling odometer, you will be able to navigate these routes. For those that want their GPS to guide them, you can download the appropriate file directly from RideWithGPS. If you are using a GPS to navigate, I strongly recommend having a printed copy of the cue sheet as well. Routes for each event will be posted as well as emailed out once the event gets closer.
Start and finish locations are selected on several key factors. We strive for a combination of great access to gravel for all route lengths, ample parking, and options for food and beverages after the ride.
We hope you stick around after the rides to socialize with your riding pals old and new!