Brand new for 2019, Wild Horse Gravel showcases the unique high desertscape of the Western Slope. Hosted on the luxury High Lonesome Ranch, riders will be treated to a country cook-out, campfire, cabins, camping – or glamping – and the best local music. In short, there will be a Colorado country party to accompany the ride.

In addition to being hidden well, well off the beaten path, The High Lonesome Ranch simply isn’t open to riding year-round, so participants benefit from exclusive access to this secret stash of top-shelf gravel. You’ll only be disappointed if you were hoping for a bunch of auto traffic on the route…

We have two routes to choose from, and riders can decide which one on the day – even mid-ride. Feeling strong? Go long. Feeling like 50 miles is plenty? Totally your call.

Held early in the season, Wild Horse Gravel seeks to blow out the cobwebs and blow riders’ minds with a full spread of gravel terrain. There will be timed segments that riders can take as seriously or as frivolously as they like — the name of the game is doing a big gravel ride with friends new and old. Even those that hammer away at maximum speed will stop to regroup, taking in the views and the delicious local goodies at the well-stocked feed stations. As with all Roll Massif Sportives, you’re going to want to bring your camera.

Details

In addition to a great experience riding some of Colorado’s most scenic dirt roads, each participant will receive:

• Pre Ride Breakfast on Ride Morning
• Refreshments and support throughout the ride
• Opportunity to participate in timed segments
• Post-ride Cookout
• A chance to win dozens of valuable prizes
• Bike Number and Wristband (see below)
• Commemorative item
• Riders under the age of 18 are FREE and must be accompanied by an adult.

Routes

Everyone rolls out together at 8 a.m. for Wild Horse Gravel, regardless of which distance you choose. All routes start together, headed westbound on a wide gravel road for a good warm-up.

80-Mile Route

Every single inch of this gravel sportive is on gravel. We hope you weren’t expecting a bunch of pavement! If you are up for a big day, the 80-mile route will not disappoint. How does 7,200 feet of climbing on steep dirt and gravel sound?

Being the Wild West, our Colorado gravel route isn’t just wide-open roads; we go deep into the backcountry on rugged two-tracks as well. The mid-point is punctuated with a stunning overlook view of the Colorado River. From there, it’s a steady push up to 7,100 feet. From there, you might be tempted to head straight back to the High Lonesome Ranch on the main gravel road – and you can – but the full 80-mile route tackles one last steep climb. It’s just two miles, but at an average gradient of 8% it’s going to sting!

Once atop the ridge, it’s time to enjoy a winding cruise with expansive views of the entire valley below before finishing with a steep, slaloming descent back down to the High Lonesome Ranch.

50-Mile Route

The 50-mile route is one big loop, with nearly all the climbing coming in the first half as we got deeper into the wilderness before banking back towards the Colorado River. We will be on the same route as the 80-mile riders for the first third, climbing up over 7,000 feet and passing some crazy gremlin formations.

The second half is either downhill or flat, with great views out to the Grand Mesa to the south. A quick run through De Beque and we’re headed back to The High Lonesome for a proper cowboy cook-out. Swimming, anyone?

Post-ride cookout and expo

Stick around after your ride for the post ride celebration, lunch/BBQ, ranch activites and live music.  Inform your friends and family that the expo is also open during the ride itself, so while you are on the course, they can enjoy the exhibits.

Beneficiary

A portion of all registration proceeds will go to support Friends of the Mustangs in their efforts protecting and preserving wild horses throughout Grand Junction.

Friends of the Mustangs (FOM) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization established in 1982 in Grand Junction, CO. We work alongside the BLM to keep water holes and tanks flowing and clean, mountain trails clear and marked, help with gathers and adoptions, and even provide birth control to mares. We have received several awards from the BLM for our volunteer support of the horses and five of our members most recently were nominated for volunteer of the year award. We are passionate about protecting and preserving wild horses in our community