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DIRTY KITTEN GRAVEL FEST (formerly DKGR)
July 25 & 26, 2026 @ Locust Hill Farm & Preserve (Rapidan, VA)
Presented by Dirty Kitten Productions
Dirty Kitten Gravel Fest/DKGF (formerly DKGR) is our newly designed, community-focused, festival-style, off-road adventure, bike party weekend at Locust Hill Farm & Preserve (LHFP) in Rapidan, VA - the same location where we hosted DKGR.
Co-hosted by Dirty Kitten Productions and local equestrian group, Bull Run Hunt, our events always help to support and make donations to local, non-profit organizations in the surrounding area.
DKGF 2026 will be the 8th year we have hosted an event at the farm; however, this year will NOT have a mass start gravel race as we've done in the past. Instead, we want to celebrate and showcase our grassroots, adventure-gravel and off-road cycling community by throwing a festival-style bike party weekend with various rides, challenges, activities, skills sessions, workshops, clinics, talks, demos, food, beverages, music, entertainment, expo, vendors, community hangs, camping* and a damn good time!
*NOTE: There are off-site camping options available for both Friday & Saturday (at an additional cost). Sorry, there is NO participant camping available on-site at LHFP. Information can be found in the “Camping” section below.
Registration: DIRTY KITTEN GRAVEL FESTIVAL
Registration opens to the public on March 9, 2026. Participants can register for one or both days. Juniors (U18) receive a $25 registration discount. Sorry, no same-day registration. There are a total of 200 registration spots available.
Your entry fee includes: Access to the property, parking, event swag, rides, activities, clinics, lunch, beverages, snacks, music/entertainment, group tent spot, expo, and a damn good time!
NO REFUNDS!!! Unfortunately, there are NO refunds, but you can opt for a registration credit (prior to 1 month before the event) or transfer your entry to someone else (see below). A $10 transfer fee will be applied.
Entry Transfers: All transfers must be completed prior to July 20, 2026. If you are unable to participate and would like to transfer your entry OR if you would like to move into another category/field, you can do so directly through BikeReg (info here).
Weekend Schedule (TENTATIVE): Updated 6/18/26
Subject to change depending on weather and other safety precautions
- Saturday, July 25th (8am-4pm)
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6:30am - Property opens for parking
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7:00am - 8:00am Check-in at the cabin (coffee & refreshments)
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8:00am - 12:00pm Morning Challenges, Rides, and Skills Sessions
o Challenge: Zoomies! (short-track, gravel circuit)*
o Rides: Adventure Gravel & Mixed-Surface (various options 20-50+ miles)
o Skills Sessions/Clinics: Off-Road Skills Sessions & Rides (mtb/gravel/cx)
- 12:00 - 2:00pm Picnic Lunch, Talks, Workshops, Expo, Demos, Hang, Music/Entertainment
o Music: Joe Reiman
o Talks & Workshops: Riding, Training & Racing Q&A (w/ Coach Jill Patterson); Getting Your Mind in Gear (w/ Pat Spencer); Bikepacking Adventures (w/ Tia Moore); Bike Maintenance (TBA)
- 2:00pm - 4:00pm Afternoon Rides, Skills Sessions, and Activities
o Rides: Adventure Gravel & Mixed-Surface (various options 20-50+ miles)
o Skills Sessions/Clinics: Off-Road Skills Sessions & Rides (mtb/gravel/cx)
o Activities: Bike Rodeo, Relay Games, Obstacle Course (DK GravelCX), more TBA
- Sunday, July 26th (8am-4pm)
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6:30am - Property opens for parking
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7:00am - 8:00am Check-in at the cabin (coffee & refreshments)
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8:00am - 11:00am Morning Challenges, Rides, and Skills Sessions
o Challenges: Kitten Crusher Hill Climb Challenge & DK Gravel TT Challenge
o Rides: Adventure Gravel & Mixed-Surface (various options 20-50+ miles)
o Skills Sessions/Clinics: Off-Road Skills Sessions & Rides (mtb/gravel/cx)
- 11:00 - 1:00pm Picnic Lunch, Talks, Workshops, Expo, Demos, Hang, Music/Entertainment
o Music: Joe Reiman
o Talks & Workshops: Riding, Training & Racing Q&A (w/ Coach Jill Patterson); Getting Your Mind in Gear (w/ Pat Spencer); Bikepacking Adventures (w/ Tia Moore); Bike Maintenance (TBA)
- 1:00pm - 3:00pm Afternoon Rides, Skills Sessions, and Activities
o Rides: Adventure Gravel & Mixed-Surface (various options 20-50+ miles)
o Skills Sessions/Clinics: Off-Road Skills Sessions & Rides (mtb/gravel/cx)
o Activities: Bike Rodeo, Relay Games, Obstacle Course (DK GravelCX), more TBA
*NEW: Zoomies! Presented by Reynolds Subaru of Orange. On Saturday morning (8am-12pm), we will host a lapped, gravel circuit challenge ride on part of the classic DKGR course (approx 5-10 miles/lap). Think: gravel crit! Riders will be challenged to complete as many circuits as they can or want within a specific time block (approx 3-4 hours) either solo or as a relay team (2-4 members). Riders will start in waves and laps may be timed, but there will be no awards or podiums (we may have some random prizes). This is NOT an “official” race; it's a fun challenge. Get ready to Zoom!
Property Info: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Locust Hill Farm & Preserve (LHFP) is a private farm that encompasses over 5,000 continuous acres of privately-owned land with 20+ miles of scenic, gravel/dirt farm roads and wooded trails. The property features historic farmland with serene creeks and ponds, open fields, and forest trails. The Robinson River runs parallel to one side of the property providing a great option for cooling off in the summer heat. This area is an outdoor-adventure and off-road cycling enthusiast's dream as well as a beautiful wildlife haven.
Terrain: Locust Hill Farm & Preserve is 100% unpaved with the majority of the terrain being secluded gravel farm roads, as well as some dirt/grass double-track and wooded, forest trails. The roads vary from being smooth and groomed in some areas to rough, choppy, and bumpy in other areas with the possibility of some mud if there is rain. There is a VERY STEEP climb in the middle of the property (containing grades over 20%) that is rideable by some but a hike-a-bike for many. Be prepared to suffer. Only the toughest can conquer the KITTEN CRUSHER!!
*Gravel, cross, and mountain bikes are recommended (anything with 32mm tires and up). Road bikes are NOT a good choice. E-bikes (pedal assist/non-throttle powered) are welcome. HELMETS REQUIRED! NO AEROBARS!
Private Property - Locust Hill Farm & Preserve is a working farm* that we have so graciously received permission to use from the landowners for our events. The only public roads connected to the farm are Robinson River Road/Rt. 721 and a small portion of Peacock Lane (both are small, local, gravel roads). Riding ANY private sections of the property prior to event weekend will be considered trespassing and could seriously jeopardize the event, as well as our ability to host anything at this venue in the future (and will result in immediate registration removal).
*Please keep in mind that this is a working farm. Although we are in constant contact with the landowners and farmers to ensure everyone’s safety, there is a possibility that you will encounter farm vehicles, livestock, and wildlife. Eyes up and ears open at all times!!
Property Map & Elevation Profile:
Directions: Start & Finish @ Locust Hill Farm Preserve - 8070 N James Madison Highway, Rapidan, VA 22733 (turn off Rt. 15/James Madison Highway and continue down gravel road).
Parking: Grass/field parking ONLY - The property will open at 6:30AM on both Saturday & Sunday. When you enter the farm, continue along the gravel road until you see volunteers and/or parking signs. The landowners have asked that we park in specific areas so as not to damage crops or interfere with livestock. Please be patient and respect our volunteers when you arrive.
Camping: $20/person
Freedom Fields Farm - 8048 Oak Park Rd, Locust Dale, VA 22948 (Owner: Rosie Campbell)
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Approx. 2 miles from event site
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Limited availability (~50 spots total)
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Tent & car camping options available
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RV/Large Vehicle camping available at an additional charge (+$10/vehicle)
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Open field parking & camping (plan accordingly)
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Camping areas will be clearly marked (look for signage)
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NO power or hookup available (potable water available on-site)
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NO open fires; camp stoves permitted (for cooking purposes only)
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Restrooms/Port-a-John & wash station available
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SORRY, NO DOGS PERMITTED ON THE PROPERTY
*Campers must sign a separate camping waiver and are responsible for their own gear/vehicles. Plan to bring additional camp equipment (stakes, weights, etc) and prepare for a range of weather (heat, rain, wind, etc).
Vendor/Expo Booth: Reserved 10x10 spots are available near the registration area for one or both days (Sat/Sun) - $25/day or $40/weekend. Registered participants and event partners can contact the Event Director for a FREE expo/vendor pass. You must provide your own tent/table and supplies.
Water, Support, First Aid: There is limited access to well water on-site so please plan on bringing your own supplemental water and supplies. Temperatures can be scorching in the area during the summer, and although it is cooler in the woods, parts of the property run through open farmland which can feel like desert temperatures later in the day. We will have bottled water available in coolers along with additional hydration and fuel options throughout the weekend. Bike tech assistance will be available throughout the weekend. Basic First Aid supplies will be at the cabin.
Food & Beverages: We are always exploring options for providing food & beverages to participants at our events. Breakfast and lunch details will be provided closer to the event. There will be vegetarian and vegan options offered. Various beverage options will be available throughout the weekend. Outside food and drink are welcome. Please be conscientious of your surroundings and use the trash cans that are provided or take your trash with you.
Restrooms: Available on-site throughout the weekend (port-o-pots & wash stations)
Accommodations: Off-site camping is available 2 miles from the event venue (see camping section for details). We have a room block at The Baymont by Wyndam Culpeper ($125/night). Contact the hotel and let them know you are booking under “Dirty Kitten Gravel” room block for July (Group Block Code: 072426DIRm Group Block ID: Block462744). Booking link HERE.
Partners/Sponsors/Supporters: We would like to thank our event partners, sponsors, and supporters without whom our events would not be possible! Entourage Talent Associates, Reynolds Subaru of Orange, Blue Ridge Cyclery, Bike Doctor Frederick, HandUp Gloves, Cutaway Custom, HiFi Wheels, Chamois Butt'r, Wegmans, Athletic Brewing Company, Far Gohn Brewery, Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters, Visit Culpeper, and more TBA.
Dirty Kitten Gravel 3 Commandments: Be Safe, Have Fun, Don't Be a Jerk!
DK Event Policy: Dirty Kitten Productions is dedicated to providing fun, safe, and inclusive events for ALL riders, We will NOT tolerate any hateful, disrespectful, or inappropriate language/actions at our events. We reserve the right to ask someone to leave if they are unable to meet this expectation.
Contacts: Alex & Chris Howell (Event Co-Directors); Rosie Campbell (Freedom Fields Farm, camping)
For additional information, visit the BikeReg link, Dirty Kitten Gravel website, or our social media pages (Facebook & Instagram) for daily updates. Additional pre-race emails will go out prior to the event. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us via email, phone, text, social media, or messenger pigeon. See you in July!
-Alex & Chris Howell (Dirty Kitten Productions)