Register today to ride the Wild Horse Gravel on May 15, 2021!

Back for 2021, 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 and its surrounding area isn’t open to riding year-round, so participants benefit from exclusive access to this secret stash of wild-west 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 when you get to back to the ranch? Then turn head back out for another lap. Feeling like 45 miles is plenty? Then rest your legs at the ranch Totally your call.

There are two timed segments that you can take as seriously or as frivolously as you 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 station. 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.

90-Mile Route

All riders on both routes start together, headed westbound on a wide gravel road for a good warm-up.

If you are up for a big day, the 90-mile route will not disappoint. The route is one loop done twice. How does 7,100 feet of climbing on dirt and gravel sound? We hope you weren’t expecting a bunch of pavement!

Our Wild West gravel goes deep into the backcountry, taking in the full gamut of conditions: smooth, rugged, rutty, rocky, sandy, steep. Be ready for a challenge! On this route we climb up to 7,000 feet – twice.

There are two timed segments. The first – The Valley and the Goblins – starts at mile 5.1 and finishes at mile 11.8. The segment begins on a gentle-grade county road. Towards the top, the road gets steeper, but be careful for the rough descent at mile 10.1. Zoom past the Goblins rock formation on your right (be sure to stop on your way back!), then get ready for the final uphill grind to the finish of the segment. We’d suggest waiting just past the finish of the timed segment for your buddies, taking on some water and taking in the views.

45-Mile Route

Everyone rolls out together at 8 a.m. for Wild Horse Gravel, regardless of which distance you choose. The first few miles is on a wide gravel road for a good warm-up.

The 45-mile route is one big loop, with most of 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 90-mile riders all the way into De Beque, climbing up over 7,000 feet and passing some crazy Goblin formations.

There is a timed segment – The Valley and the Goblins – that starts at mile 5.1 and finishes at mile 11.8. If you want to race it, go for it. If you want to ignore it, that is fine, too! It’s a sportive; we’re out here for fun.

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