Embark on an Epic Gravel Adventure: Top 5 First Gravel Races (USA Edition) to Conquer in 2025!
- James Ion
- Feb 24
- 4 min read
Words by James Ion. Photography provided by race organizers.
Here at GRVL Magazine, we love gravel racing! Whether it be ripping off the front like Logan and Chris, going super long like Justine and Anton, or going fast on GRVL right in the middle of the Pack like me, it is just awesome. Add in the unique blend of adventure, scenic routes, and community spirit, and it just makes for an amazing day out!
For beginners, gravel racing offers an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking landscapes while pushing personal limits. The 2025 events promise to be more welcoming than ever, offering excitement and camaraderie to newcomers.
In this guide, we will highlight the Top 5 First Gravel Races of 2025 from across the USA. These events are measured on inclusivity, cost, location, and size. Whether you're preparing for your first race or seeking a fresh challenge, these races will help you feel accomplished and part of a vibrant community.
Why you should try one of the Top 5 First Gravel Races (USA Edition)!
Gravel racing breaks down barriers commonly found in cycling. It brings together a rich mix of participants, from complete novices to seasoned riders. The relaxed ambience creates a welcoming environment for everyone, making racing accessible. You'll meet fellow riders who share your love for the outdoors and adventure.
One of the best aspects of gravel racing is its affordability. Now this is relative, and of course, there are costs of travel and accommodation to consider which is why it is important to pick a race that you will enjoy but also have a chance of finishing.
This is why we picked races with different distances, with full weekend programmes and ones that are not completely in the middle of nowhere! Equally, there’s often no need for specialized gear beyond a reliable GRVL bike or a trusty MTB.
The Top 5 First Gravel Races offer stunning locations to enhance the experience. You get the chance to explore new landscapes and witness stunning beauty as well as get off the beaten path and race on traffic-free roads.
Top 1: core4 , Iowa City, Iowa
Date: August 16, 2025
Cost of Entry: $FREE - $134
core4 is becoming a go-to destination for not only racing but for community, opportunity, recreation and engagement. This ethos, along with their motto “no surface untouched”, has created an event that caters for all abilities and ages, from their free entry for those under 17 and the 20-mile core4 Crew Ride all the way to the Gravel Earth Series race which covers single track, gravel, urban areas and b-roads. So if you are new to racing and want to take on your first event you can find something to fit your current ability!
Visit www.core4.bike for more info.
Top 2: Gorge Gravel, Dafur, Oregon
Date: April 27, 2025
Cost of Entry: $175 - $185
Although one of the more expensive events the Gorge Gravel offers a lot for your money. Its popularity speaks for itself, with people coming back for more. The event offers Small, Medium, and Big gravel options from 45-100 miles. On offer is a full-on race experience for those wanting to go for it and for those just starting. The beautiful Oregon scenery promises breathtaking backdrops so if it starts getting tough you can still enjoy the view! There are on-site camping options, and a pre and post-party!
For more info visit www.oregongravelgrinder.com
Top 3: Belgian Waffel Ride AZ, Cave Creek, Arizona
Date: March 1, 2025
Cost of Entry: $115-$215
The Belgian Waffle Ride series offers the chance to race all over the USA and once in Mexico. One of their main events is the BWR Arizona held in Cave Creek. Here you can dip your toe into racing and rub shoulders with the top pros including our very own Logan Jones-Wilkins! With distances ranging from 30-100(ish) miles, you can find something to match your ability. At the event, you will be treated to mountains and deserts with stunning purple skies and epic trails. The location is easy to access with a lot of nearby accommodation options and activities for the whole family.
For more info visit www.belgianwaffleride.bike
Top 4: The Midsouth, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Date: March 13-16, 2025
Cost of Entry: $150
The Mid South has an awesome reputation. For it’s inclusivity, it’s friendliness, it’s party and for it’s racing. It was one of the first events to offer a non-binary category and also caters for para-athletes. You can even do a running event if you are that way inclined! The whole weekend offers great riding conditions and offers distances for you and your family. Just be quick to register as it sells out quickly! For more info visit www.midsouthgravel.com
Top 5: Steamboat Gravel (SBT), Steamboat Springs, CO
Date: June 26-29, 2025
Cost of Entry: Saturday Sold Out - Sunday Waiting List
SBT has gone through a lot of changes this past year. The result is a completely new format that in our opinion could be a test event for future big gravel races. Held over the weekend amateurs of all abilities will be able to select various distances from 37 - 100 miles. On Saturday riders can take on the Gravel Ride which is more of a Fondo-type ride, so not a “race” but gives you a chance to ride through stunning countryside and over epic terrain. On Sunday things get spicy as the pros and amateurs alike will take on a 37-mile circuit of fast racing. So even if you don’t race on Sunday you can make a weekend out of the event and witness first-hand how the pros do it!
For more info visit www.sbtgrvl.com
Ready to Get Started?
If you're looking to break into the world of gravel racing, any of these Top 5 First Gravel Bike Races in 2025 is a great choice. With a fabulous mix of excitement, community, and affordability, you'll challenge yourself and connect with friendly cyclists.
Have you joined any of these races before? Do you know of other beginner-friendly events? Or are you planning on signing up for one on the list? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments!
Happy riding! May your gravel journeys lead you to unforgettable adventures and new friendships!
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