The Mainely Gravel ride is an event for all riders and is designed to challenge everybody on a mixed surface route over rolling hills. The gravel sections are everyday roads and can be ridden with either a road bike (30+mm tires recommended) or a gravel bike. The dirt road surfaces can vary day to day depending on weather conditions and pot hole development. Please know that the last 5 kilometers of the route are on Pineland Farms xc ski trails that are well maintained and mown but could prove tricky on a road bike.

This year there are two course length options. The Long Course is 58 miles, and the short course (35 miles) is per the Long Course until mile 25 when the Short Course riders head for home while the Long Course riders do a 20-mile loop and then come back to hit the final 7 miles per the short course.

Riders will start en masse on Pineland Farms’ Oak Hill field adjacent to the parking lot. Please line up per your attitude toward the ride (Race? Ride? Adventure?). There is a lead car neutral start as the ride exits the 300 yards of the starting Oak Hill field and heads down Route 231 until the right hand turn onto Doughty Road. Pre-ordered food and drink (Order from the merchandise section during registration) will be delivered to the post ride picnic where tables will be set up family style at the Oak Hill field. A band will be playing to keep things lively. There is an awards ceremony at the picnic area adjacent to the finish starting about an hour after the first rider finishes, and it includes a raffle for prizes so keep your bib number.

This year Mainely Gravel is the concluding race of the 3 event New England Gravel Triple Crown series comprised of Pavement Ends Gravel (April 6 in Henniker, NH), Guilford Gravel (June 29 in Guilford, VT) and Mainely Gravel (August 10th in New Gloucester, ME). Points for placing will be award and top 5 placing in each category will receive an award. Points are distributed 1 - 200, 2 - 190, 3 - 180, 4 thru 10 points descend by 5, 11 thru 20 points descend by 2, 21 thru 199 points descend by 1 and 200+ is 1 point.

USA Cycling membership is not required for this ride.

Safety is paramount so follow the rules of the road. There will be road crossings. Stop! Check for traffic. The roads are open so stay right especially on blind sections such as corners and rolling hills.

Plenty to do at Pineland Farms. Bring the family who can enjoy a hike or run on the trails while registrants are out riding. Guests can buy lunch at the Pineland Farms market.

Port-a-johns are adjacent to the Oak Hill field parking lot/

Finally, Downeast Racing donates $5 of every registration to Independence Association (IA) which, for the last 56 years, has been dedicated to assisting adults and children with disabilities in obtaining full and inclusive lives in their chosen communities. As you will notice, we have included a donation option on the registration page. All donations (none too small!!) are used to enhance the programs for the Independence Association clients. Independence Association (IA) does fabulous work assisting those with disabilities lead full lives in the communities of the Maine Midcoast Region. Supervised independent living homes and apartments, outreach programs, work training, multiple physical fitness activities, friendship and caring. Last year due to the generosity of the Mainely Gravel riders, we were able to give Independence Association a check for $4,500. We thank you!!

Download Course files

Short Course - https://www.strava.com/routes/3173986322689642556

Long Course - https://www.strava.com/routes/3173985912345064726