unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley 2026

unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley 2026

Presented by GRO Races
Gravel Mixed Surface
Lewisburg, PA
Oct 11, 2026
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About This Event

A relatively new event that has rapidly gained popularity, unPaved attracts hundreds of riders drawn to its exceptional routes and weekend festival atmosphere in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. What sets this event apart is its remarkable flexibility: riders can choose distances and start times as they go, with interconnected courses allowing mid-ride route decisions.

The course lineup spans from the accessible 30-mile all-gravel route with 3,000 feet of climbing to the extreme Big Lick 200, featuring a punishing 18,311 feet of elevation gain limited to just 30 applicants. The signature Full-120 delivers 10,000 feet of climbing with four timed segments competing for “Champion of the Whoopie Pies” honors. Recent course updates eliminated the chunkiest sections while maintaining the challenging character that defines Pennsylvania gravel riding.

Start times run from 6:30-9:00 AM for most routes, with Big Lick riders beginning as early as 5 AM. The beauty lies in the adaptability—ambitious riders can tackle extra sections if they’re making good time, while others can cut routes short and still make the post-ride festivities.

Most gravel sections are smoother than many paved roads, though “unpaved” occasionally means rougher, unpredictable terrain. A 700×35-40 tubeless setup with fresh sealant at 30-45 PSI handles the conditions well. Aid stations are well-stocked throughout the courses.

The weekend extends beyond riding with Saturday’s fall festival, the DONEpaved post-ride party, and an optional camping experience at R.B. Winter State Park that transforms longer routes into a social, multi-day adventure with both familiar faces and new gravel companions.

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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