FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tanya Campbell, Race Director Seasons of Rothrock 814-280-0710 tanya@hvwcycling.com rothrock.hvwcycling.com
STATE COLLEGE, Pa., May 22, 2026 — “The path to the National Team starts on the gravel,” reads the USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series motto — and for eastern juniors, that path now runs through Rothrock State Forest.
The Seasons of Rothrock GRIT Gravel Grinder has been named the only east coast stop on the 2026 USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series, a 10-race national calendar culminating in the USA Cycling Gravel National Championship this September. The designation recognizes Pennsylvania’s gravel cycling community and provides east coast junior riders their sole regional opportunity to earn national series points without traveling west.
Gravel racing has emerged as one of cycling’s fastest-growing disciplines, and the USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series reflects that momentum — providing riders ages 15 to 18 a structured, points-based pathway to national-level competition. Until now, that pathway has been largely concentrated in the western United States. The GRIT Gravel Grinder’s inclusion on the 2026 calendar signals growing national recognition of Pennsylvania’s gravel riding infrastructure and the strength of its racing community.
The race takes place June 6, 2026, starting and finishing at Tussey Mountain in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. Junior Boys and Girls ages 15–16 will compete on the GRITTIER course — 45 miles with 4,269 feet of elevation gain — while Junior Boys and Girls ages 17–18 will take on the GRITTIEST: 65 miles with 6,226 feet of elevation. Cash prizes of $250, $125, and $75 will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category, and any junior who wins their category earns complimentary entry into the September National Championship. A USA Cycling annual license is not required to race, but is necessary to earn series points.
Junior registration is $50, and the registration deadline is Wednesday, June 3 at noon ET. Information and registration are available at rothrock.hvwcycling.com.
About Seasons of Rothrock Seasons of Rothrock is a nonprofit cycling event series organized by Happy Valley Women’s Cycling and based in central Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest. The series is committed to creating a fun, welcoming, and professionally run race environment — one that actively champions getting more women on bikes. Seasons of Rothrock directs 100 percent of net proceeds from GRIT entry fees to local cycling and community programs, and since 2021 has contributed more than $54,000 to initiatives including the Nittany Mountain Bike Association, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, and Friends of Rothrock. Learn more at rothrock.hvwcycling.com.
About the USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series The USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series is a 10-event national competition platform for junior cyclists ages 15–18, with the Overall Series Champion determined following the USA Cycling Gravel National Championship in September. More information is available at usacycling.org.
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