It will be a great day on the bike for The Forge Gravel Grinder. Forging takes a mighty hammer and for riders who complete the event under 2 hours 10 min (Male riders) or 2 hour 15 minutes (Female riders), you're earning the custom hammer! You smashed it and this hammer will be one of your most unique pieces amongst other trophies and medals! 30 is the theme of the day but make no mistake, it will be a barn burner. Hop up on your gravel, cx, 29er hardtail, full squisher or fatbike. Keep your eyes up, get that tire pressure not too soft-not too hard.

Important: The surface of the course has some loose rock around the size of a cue ball to baseball size. Some of the rocks are sharp edged. On your cx/gravel bike, go with robust casing and wider the better. As one racer put it, 'I wouldn't ride anything narrower than 37-38mm. Next time I'll be on 40's.' Knowing that, please be super careful at speed while descending to avoid punctures. Front suspension crowd won't have this concern but gravel bikes, please bring tube(or 2) tubeless plug and co2's to address punctures. The Forge is an equipment demanding event. If you have questions, please check in with your local trusted shop or that know-it-all cycling friend. Support is in the form of water and a sag. Limited mechanical support on course.

The surface and elevation gain will be in the spirit of true Gravel Grit and you're invited to ride as competitively or as comfortably as you like. There are several short watts buster inclines which present the challenge of a clean line rather than burning a match. Recommended low gearing minimum 34/30(1 to 1 for a very short period isn't a bad idea). The Gravel Grinder will be a timed event with overall winners (Male/Female/Masters Male/Female). There is also a 20 mile option for less conditioned riders. Same course but only one loop (top). Race start will be a Trail entrance at Rt 28/Herreshoff Rd. just past the Railroad Bridge. Race will end at the George T. Hiltebrandt Rec Center @ 201 North St., Old Forge, NY

For 2024 all participants will receive custom socks as well as a custom event poster. Awards for top finishers and of course a post race party for all to enjoy.