The Whiskey Tango Fondo blends challenging gravel cycling with the dramatic backdrop of the Alabama Hills, where Hollywood Westerns have been filmed since the early 1900s. Set against the Sierra Nevada foothills near Lone Pine, this frontier gravel fondo offers three route options with challenging but accessible terrain and up to 11,750 feet of elevation gain.

The signature challenge is the End to End climb up Whitney Portal Road—13 miles of climbing that tops out at 8,374 feet elevation. This puts riders at the gateway to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. The route combines technical gravel sections with breathtaking high desert scenery, from distinctive rock formations to snow-capped mountain vistas.

What sets this event apart is its approachable yet epic character. The courses are designed to welcome first-timers while still challenging seasoned gravel riders. The terrain strikes a balance between technical enough to be engaging without being overly punishing.

The event is the brainchild of Phil Gaimon, the irreverent former pro cyclist known for his hill climbing prowess and “Worst Retirement Ever” YouTube series documenting his Strava KOM attempts. Gaimon also produces the popular Phil’s Cookie Fondo in Malibu, bringing his entertaining approach to event organization and community building.

The Alabama Hills location provides both stunning natural beauty and convenient access, sitting just three hours from Los Angeles and four from Las Vegas. The combination of challenging riding, unique desert mountain terrain, and Gaimon’s distinctive event style creates a memorable experience that goes well beyond typical gravel fondos.