The roads of Franklin County offer adventure gravel riding at its best. Routes over smooth gravel, low-traffic pavement, and singletrack will have you out and about exploring new places with fun people in the crisp fall weather. Plus, free camping and post-ride music!

Routes

All routes will be marked. However, it is ultimately your responsibility for navigation. We recommend downloading the GPS routes to a cycling computer. Join Cardinal Bicycle on Ride with GPS for free turn by turn navigation.

18-Mile Short Ride: This route is mix of gravel and pavement on low-traffic rural roads. This ride has some steep climbs, and includes the soon-to-be famous Will Hill Climb. This ride may be short, but it is not easy. Bring your climbing legs!

33-Mile Adventure Ride: This ride is a mix of gravel, pavement, and singletrack. This is a long 33 miles. Expect ride times of 3 to 4+ hours. Your day will start out mellow enough, and it gets spicy as you ascend the soon-to-be famous Will Hill Climb. Enjoy more rural gravel and pavement before hitting the rolling singletrack along Philpott Lake. This singletrack is gravel bike appropriate. Most riders will prefer at least a 40mm tire. We will clear leaves the best we can, but much like your yard, we can't really control what the leaves want to do.

44-Mile Adventure Ride: This ride is for those seeking adventure. Expect ride times of 4 to 5+ hours. This ride is a mix of gravel, pavement, and singletrack. Your day will start out mellow enough, and it gets spicy as you ascend the soon-to-be famous Will Hill Climb. Enjoy more rural gravel and pavement before hitting the rolling singletrack along Philpott Lake. This singletrack is gravel bike appropriate. Most riders will prefer at least a 40mm tire. We will clear leaves the best we can, but much like your yard, we can't really control what the leaves want to do.

Camping

Camping Friday and Saturday nights are included in your Gravel Gathering registration. Chose from tent sites or full RV hookups. Call 540-483-9293 to reserve your campsite. Limited camping is available--sign up early to claim your spot. You must be registered to reserve camping.

Food & Music

Live music and great food! Steph Custer and Deep Creek will be back again this year for post-ride music, and Driftwood Catering food truck will be onsite Saturday.

Weather

November weather in Franklin County can range from about 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit--also known as perfect fall riding weather! While November is typically the driest month of the year, we will ride rain or shine. The gravel and singletrack both ride great in wet weather.

Refunds and Cancellations

Full refunds given two weeks before the event. Within two weeks of the event, you may receive credit to another Cardinal Bicycle event. You can process an event credit within two days before the event via BikeReg. Cancellations after that time cannot be processed. Riders will also have the option to buy event insurance at checkout.