True Grit Gravel Epic 2027

True Grit Gravel Epic 2027

Presented by GRO Races
Gravel Mixed Surface
Santa Clara, UT
Mar 18–21, 2027
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About This Event

Now celebrated on its own weekend, the True Grit Gravel Epic has become a highlight for cyclists aiming to conquer the wild backcountry of Southern Utah. With under 200 participants, this intimate event takes riders through the desert landscapes where the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert, and Great Basin converge.

The signature “Tough Stuff” course covers 84 miles with nearly 7,000 feet of climbing, with 80% off-road terrain that truly embodies the True Grit name. Starting at Santa Clara town hall, riders enjoy a 7-mile neutral escort through St George before hitting dirt on Navajo Drive. The course heads west on Curly Hollow Road, building through challenging steep pitches to Hard Rootbeer Hill at mile 21.

From there, the route winds through Joshua Tree Road and BullDog Pass with more steep climbs before a rewarding descent through Beaver Dam NCA to Joshua Tree Basin. The remote high desert scenery is captivating, but riders need to stay focused on technical sections. At mile 32, the course hits SR Old Hwy 91, offering a brief reprieve before the “Rollers of Doom” and sandy sections leading to the critical Motaqua Road intersection at mile 52—take a wrong turn here and you’re Nevada-bound.

The final stretch includes a fast 10-mile descent starting at mile 59, followed by a ride through the Santa Clara River Corridor before the push to the finish. Five well-stocked feed zones and mechanical support keep riders fueled, with strict cutoff times at 12:15 PM (Feed Zone 1), 2:15 PM (Feed Zone 2), and 6:00 PM at the finish.

The shorter “Sweet Stuff” option covers 64 miles with 5,300 feet of climbing, skipping Curly Hollow for a climb up Utah Hill before rejoining the main course.


GRO Races

Event Organizer
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GRO Races, founded in 2009 by Cimarron Chacon, is a premier event producer known for organizing some of the most challenging and scenic cycling events in the U.S. and internationally. Their portfolio includes a variety of mountain bike and gravel races, each designed to push the limits of participants while showcasing stunning landscapes.

One of their flagship events is the True Grit Epic MTB, held in Santa Clara, Utah. This race is renowned for its technical singletrack and scenic desert terrain, making it a bucket-list event for many mountain bikers. The event is part of the National Ultra Endurance Series (NUE), which includes some of the most demanding endurance races in the country​ (Strambecco)​​ (Strambecco).

Another standout event is unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley, which takes place in Pennsylvania. This gravel race is known for its beautifully maintained gravel paths, scenic countryside, and festive atmosphere. The event has quickly gained popularity and is celebrated for its combination of challenging routes and community-driven fun​ (Strambecco).

GRO Races also produces the 25 Hours in Frog Hollow, a unique endurance event held in Hurricane, Utah. This race challenges participants to complete as many laps as possible within 25 hours on a 13-mile loop, offering a mix of technical and scenic desert riding. The event fosters a lively, communal atmosphere with camping options and local dining​ (Strambecco).

For those looking to experience international racing, GRO Races partners with events like The Rift in Iceland, providing riders with an opportunity to tackle the rugged and beautiful Icelandic terrain.

Overall, GRO Races excels in creating memorable and challenging cycling events that attract athletes worldwide. Each race is thoughtfully organized to highlight the natural beauty of its location, offering participants an unparalleled racing experience both on and off the bike​ (Strambecco).

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