Northwoods Gravel Grind 2026

Enjoy the beauty of Western Maine from the seat of your bicycle, as you grind the gravel for 35 - or more - miles. As the first and longest running Gravel Grind event in Maine, event coordinators are thrilled to invite you to take in the fresh air, foliage, wildlife and excitement as you embark on this ride through private, gated roads/trails, taking in breathtaking views and experiencing real Maine beauty.

The races is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am, but we reserve the right to move the time up or back as needed on race day.. More details to come on this.

2026 COURSE IS STILL IN THE WORKS. FINAL COURSE OUTLINE WILL BE DECIDED MID-SUMMER AND DISTANCES WILL BE ANNOUNCED.

It would not be Western Maine without being hilly terrain so be prepared to test yourself. Rest stops will be set up throughout the route with opportunities for cyclists to stop for water, a quick energy bar or simply a chance to give your legs a rest. Hop back on your bike, cross the finish line, and join us at Saddleback for food, prizes and telling race stories.

PRIZES:

• Men & Women Categories - Top 3 in each category. Some combination of local swag and hand made goodness.

Note: Event will take place rain or shine; all registration donations are non-refundable. Cyclists will ride at their own risk and must wear a helmet. Route is challenging with several hills and is not recommended for beginners. Registration requires waiver. Riders may change categories on day of the event.

One/Two stocked aid stations will be available on the course and limited support will be provided along the course. This area is remote so bring with you what you think you may need for before, during, and after the race.

Rules and General Information:

• Helmets MUST be worn and fastened at all times while on the bike.

• The course and all roads are open to traffic. ALL racers MUST obey all rules of the road along the course, at intersections and road crossings. Racers should yield to all traffic and should stop at all road crossings where traffic is present. There may be road crossings with heavy car and truck traffic. There may be an area of the course where the racers will share the road with car and truck traffic. Please keep to the right and ride single file except where passing. Following the rules of the road is for your own safety.

• Traffic may include hunters, fisherman, logging trucks, and other vehicles.

• Though there will be an aid station(s) and limited support on the course, racers should carry with them what they need including tools, parts and nutrition.

• Cyclocross, Gravel Grind, Mountain and Road bikes will be allowed and can be used. The best choice would be a cyclocross or gravel grind bike. A minimum of 28c wide tires with tread is recommended. Gravel can be very hard on tires with the possibility of potholes throughout. Don’t ruin your race by cutting an expensive tubular.

• No tri-bars or aero bars.

• Support crews are not permitted to help racers on the course except for the aid station. No motor pacing, no pacing from a rider not in the race, no external support. No use of the course prior to race start will be permitted.

• Please let the race officials or staff know if you leave the race. We want to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for at the end of the day.

• Pets are not permitted on the course.

• Absolutely no littering on the course. Littering on course will result in disqualification. It is vital we leave the area as we found it.

LODGING OPTIONS:

Camping: https://www.rangeleymaine.com/members/category/campgrounds

•All these campgrounds are in the region. Rangeley Lake State Park and Cupsuptic Lake Campground are the closest options to the starting line.

•If you want a no-frills place to park your van, car, camper with only a porta-jon for amenities we will be allowing camping at the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center. This is essentially boon-docking.

Inns and Hotels: https://www.rangeleymaine.com/members/category/inns-motel-hotels

Rangeley has a great variety of lodging options from no-frills to all out fancy.

Cottages and Condos: https://www.rangeleymaine.com/members/category/cottages-homes-condos

If you have a group of friends and want to rent something to house a bunch of people we suggest you call one of these listings. There are tons of options locally for rental homes and condos.

The Northwoods Gravel Grind is being held under a special use permit issued by Seven Islands Land Management for use of private/gated roads not typically open for public use.