This Wyoming gravel race delivers an authentic Wild West cycling experience through Cody’s diverse terrain. The course winds through a compelling mix of smooth and chunky gravel, packed dirt, occasional singletrack, rocks, and sandy sections, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the McCullough peaks.

What makes Fistful of Dirt special is its exclusive access to private ranch land, including the iconic Hoodoo Ranch, giving riders terrain they can’t experience elsewhere. The route showcases some of the best gravel riding the Rockies have to offer, from rolling ranch roads to technical rocky sections that demand bike handling skills.

Four distance options accommodate different ambitions and abilities: The Good at 20 miles for newcomers, The Drifter at 40 miles, The Bad at 60 miles for serious gravel enthusiasts, and The Ugly at 100 miles for those seeking a full century challenge. Each route maintains the event’s signature character while scaling the difficulty appropriately.

The event captures the grit and camaraderie that defines gravel cycling culture. Participants consistently praise the stunning scenery and the authentic Western atmosphere that permeates the entire experience. Located in Cody, known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” the race setting adds genuine cowboy character that goes beyond typical cycling event marketing.

The mix of terrain keeps riders engaged throughout, with enough technical variety to challenge bike handling skills while rewarding those who can maintain power over extended gravel climbs.