Fall Mountain Gravel Ramble, 2026

A week long gravel adventure through the heart of Colorado. As supported as you'd like it to be, Misti and Louie will be driving the big truck and hauling all the gear you don't want to carry on your bike. They will also happily sag you through the parts you aren't feeling.

Each day's ride will be jubilant and different, way out there but never too far, a test of your fitness and talent but with a soft, underlying caring group mentality. The goal is to get everyone to the end of each day, celebrate the accomplishment of what you just did while setting you up for success the next day with good food and lodging. Leave when you want, go as fast as you like, be part of the group when it suits you and find some solo soul time when you need.

Seven days of riding, it's in the mountains so expect to climb and descend, bring gear that allows you to go up high and handle the elements, a bike that works perfectly and an attitude of companionship and gratitude. The group will support you but not drag you so pack your skill set and ask for help when you find yourself wanting, and pitch in when the moment arises.

It's going to be great. Please ask all the questions you would like but know that we want you to come and do this.

Non-riding spouses are very welcome.

Day 1 Basalt- Buena Vista, 83 miles, 8700' https://www.strava.com/routes/3520524950161779626

Day 2 BV-Salida 40 miles, 4200' https://www.strava.com/routes/3520524319736100334

Day 3 Salida- Gunnison, 84 miles, 5876' https://www.strava.com/routes/3520521617631951786

Day 4 Gunnison- Lake City, 85 miles, 7678' https://www.strava.com/routes/3520521617631951786

Day 5 Lake City- Montrose, 76 miles, 6677' https://www.strava.com/routes/3520537176178256810

Day 6 Montrose- Paonia, 68 miles, 3881' https://www.strava.com/routes/3520536682873554222

Day 7 Paonia- Basalt, 81 miles, 7752' https://www.strava.com/routes/3520538587220429738

Volunteers for this are very helpful, but really you are a participant not on two wheels. Non-riding spouses are very welcome to come but will likely have to drive their own vehicle, which is its own wonderful trip and adventure as well. Fall in the rockies is about getting back into the hills and trees, driving is a fine way to do that. Each day we will establish meeting points with driving and riding routes to get there, somedays that will be the same course, other times not necessarily, it will depend on your vehicle capabilities and comfort level of back country driving. Everyone who wants to come will be included.

We will make hotel reservations about a month from the start of the ride, when we know how many people we will be dealing with. You are welcome to bring a tent and camp as well. Expenses for this are your own- you may choose a nicer or cheaper hotel as you like, spend as little or as much as you prefer. We are mid-range, dog friendly hotel people for the most part- a comfortable bed in a clean place that doesn't cost too much. Meals are arranged as needed- usually we eat out at a restaurant as a group for dinner, grab burritos or pastries as you like for breakfast and put the vehicle on the route to restock riders during the day. We have bbq'd when we find the space.