Calendars out — it's time to sign up for 2022 gravel

Published October 27, 2021 10:00AM

The dust from the 2021 gravel season has barely settled, and there are a few more races yet to come. But if you want to get in on 2022 gravel race goodness, now is the time to set your alarm — registrations start this weekend.

With the continued growth of gravel races, events are not always easy to get into. Many larger races like SBT GRVL and The Mid South have turned to random selection — ie. lottery — entry formats like that of Unbound Gravel.

Here are eleven of the many, many gravel races next year with upcoming registration dates to put on your calendar.

The Mid South, March 14, Stillwater, Oklahoma

New for 2022? Run and ride both the Mid South and Gravel Worlds in the first-ever Double Double Championships. Also, juniors under 18 can register for 50 percent off either the 50-mile or 100-mile Mid South courses. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required!

Rasputitsa, April 30, Burke, Vermont

Registration: Open, but the 70k and 100k distances already have waitlists. Spots remain for the 40k.

New for 2022: Self-directed wave starts. For example, those who estimate their finish time to be 2-3 hours will line up in ‘The Mullet Posse’ corral. Also, this year’s pre- and post-race rock n’ roll concerts pay tribute to AC/DC.

Belgian Waffle Ride, May 1, San Diego, California

New for 2022: BWR San Diego is the original and biggest. BWR first added Utah, and then North Carolina and Kansas editions (the latter of which is this final weekend in October). Next year, BWR will have the Quadruple Crown of Gravel, a series that combines all four.

Gravel Locos, May 14, Hico, Texas

New for 2022? The addition of a 100-mile route, bringing the total of courses on offer to four (GL30, GL60, GL100, and the GL150). This race was free in 2021 in the hopes that participants would make large donations. They didn’t, so this year there will be an entry fee for the ongoing support of the Hico Volunteer Fire Station

Stetina’s Paydirt, May 21, Carson City, Nevada

New for 2022: Since the event has been canceled twice due to COVID and wildfires, it’s all new in 2022. Notables include a $4,000 prize purse for women only and a mechanical bull competition for time bonuses.

Unbound Gravel, June 4, Emporia, Kansas

Registration: Deferral registration will be open November 1-30; XL Lottery: December 1-15; 200/100/50/25mi; Lottery: January 5-18.

New for 2022? New para-cyclist category, increased rider numbers, and all women guaranteed entry. Expanded live coverage with FloBikes

Rooted Vermont, July 30, Richmond, Vermont

New for 2022? 50 percent of registration spots are reserved for women. Also, the race is adding two categories — non-binary/gender non-conforming and para-cyclist.

SBT GRVL, August 14, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Registration: November 20 – December 8 for deferred riders; December 5 – 8: Priority registration for advocacy partners, parity initiatives, 2021 volunteers, junior program; December 10 – 12: Random selection entry

New for 2022? 200 spots set aside for junior racers, and the promoters are launching SBT TRVL, a three-day supported riding experience in Colorado.

Gravel Worlds, August 20, Lincoln, Nebraska

Registration: November 6, Land Ho 50k run and Long Voyage 300; November 13, Gravel Worlds 150, 75, and 50k

New for 2022? The Land Ho 50k ultra marathon debuts the Friday before Gravel Worlds – run, ride, and/or combine the Gravel Worlds events with The Mid South run and ride for the Double Double Championship.

Vermont Overland, August 27-28, West Windsor, Vermont

New for 2022? These organizers are coy but hint at “a few more Overland events on the 2022 calendar.” Juniors ride for free.

Rebecca’s Private Idaho, Sept 1-5, Sun Valley, Idaho

New for 2022? RPI is offering the Be Good grant/scholarship program which will sponsor riders and teams from underserved cycling communities to train and race in Idaho.