Rothrock Grit Gravel Grinder
June 5, 2027
See you next year!
. 
Rothrock GRIT Gravel Grinder Race
The Rothrock GRIT Gravel Grinder is an epic off-road bike adventure over the rugged ridges of Rothrock State Forest. The awe-inspiring vistas, mountain laurel-flanked trails, and crushing climbs of this ride will leave you breathless in more ways than one.
We want to see more women on bikes! We aim to attract a substantial women’s field and support equality and inclusion in gravel racing. We will achieve this objective by reserving half of the 600 race spots for female-identifying athletes.
RECORD TIMES (65-mile):
(M) Ben Wright 3:33.29 (2026)
(W) Kae Takeshita 4:09:34 (2025)
USA JUNIORS RECORD TIMES:
Ages 17-18 (65-mile)
(M) Everett Radock 3:46:59 (2026)
(W) Kate Elwell 4:15:12 (2026)
Ages 15-16 (45-mile)
(M) Chris Schwarz 2:50:33 (2026)
(W) Stella Loverich 3:01:16 (2026)
START/FINISH/PARKING:
Tussey Mountain – MAP
301 Bear Meadows Rd, Boalsburg, PA 16827
SCHEDULE on June 6, 2026: TBD
AID STATIONS:
- Station 1: Top of Bear Meadows Rd. – Hammer products, water, food, bathrooms.
- Station 2/3: Penn Roosevelt State Park – Hammer products, water, food, mechanic, medical aid, bathrooms.
REGISTRATION LIMIT:
300 Women
300 Men
Expect…
Mixed Terrain – asphalt, hard-packed dirt, singletrack/fire roads with varying-sized rocks, roots, epic gravel climbs, and daring descents.
Stunning Scenery
Well-marked courses/GPS maps and course marshalls to help direct.
Fully stocked support stations (3) and mechanics
Fun, encouraging, and cheerful atmosphere
Podium Ceremony at Tussey Mountain
After race podium party! Early course finishers will be recogized at the pavilion. We’ll continue the fun at the Tussey Beer Garden with food/drink.
Choose Your GRIT Adventure
Day of Registration Open
GRITTIEST 65-Miler
6,226 FT ELEVATION - $90
Hard earned and breathtaking. Significant climbs, tunnels of mountain laurel, and views that make every painful pedal stroke worth it. Lives up to its name — and pays out $300 to prove it.
GRITTIER 45-Miler
4,269 Ft ELEVATION - $80
Rothrock doesn’t go easy on the GRITTIER. Big climbs, beautiful terrain, and a finish line that feels genuinely earned. A serious challenge with serious scenery to match. $200 payout waiting for those who want to win it.
GRITTY 25-Miler
2,254 Ft ELEVATION - $80
The perfect entry point into Rothrock’s legendary terrain. 25 miles of genuine challenge, stunning scenery, and climbs that will make you earn every view. No race experience required — just a willingness to dig deep. $100 payout for the winner.
Volunteer!
HELP SUPPORT THE RACE
Want to be a part of the show? We need course marshals, registration table help, bikers to sweep, course markers, people to direct traffic, and aid station attendants for the GRIT Gravel Grinder Race. You’ll find potential positions at the bottom of the the Bike Reg page. Click “Volunteer” to email Tom about your interest.
ENDURANCE 100 Course 2026 was been cancelled due to low registration numbers as of 10-days out. As race directors, we have a responsibility to make decisions that allow us to deliver a quality event while remaining financially responsible. Unfortunately, the additional resources required to safely support a 100-mile distance cannot be justified. We sincerely appreciate those who expressed interest in taking on the full 100-mile challenge. Your enthusiasm means a great deal to us! Course option is TBD in 2027.
Day of Registration Open.
The GRIT Gravel Grinder is one of 10 stops on the USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series. Earn points, earn cash (1st-3rd $250/$125/$75), and earn your place on the national stage. Win here and earn FREE entry to the 2026 USA Cycling Gravel National Championship. Rothrock doesn’t hand out anything easily — neither does this series.
You do not need a USA Cycling license to compete, but you do need one to earn points and qualify for nationals.
JR GRITTIEST 65-Miler
Ages 17-18 — $50
Ever ridden so hard your legs felt like jello? Welcome to the GRITTIEST. Epic climbs, insane views, and bragging rights that last all year. Oh, and did we mention cash payouts and a shot at Nationals?
JR GRITTIER 45-Miler
Agest 15-16 — $50
45 miles of Rothrock gravel and you’re going to crush every single one of them. Big climbs, insane views, cash on the podium, and national series points up for grabs. This is where your story starts. Let’s GO.
A U18 category is also available for the Gritty 25-miler (not associated with the junior gravel national series).
Why Race With Us
Rothrock GRIT Gravel Grinder Course Info
DAY-BEFORE REGISTRATION/PACKET PICKUP:
Register, pick up your race number, timing chip and swag bag with goodies from our generous sponsors the day before the race at our Pick-up Party (TBD).
Day of, please use the Tussey Mountain parking area.
Map: Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg, PA
DAY-OF REGISTRATION/Packet Pick-up @ the Fun Center:
- 7:30am-8:30: GRITTY, GRITTIER, and GRITTIEST
START TIME:
- TBD: Endurance 100
- 9:00am: GRITTY, GRITTIER, and GRITTIEST
The start and finish for this series is Tussey Mountain—a primary gateway to Rothrock State Forest. Due to its easy access and proximity to State College, as well as the exceptional trail system, this is a recreational hotspot. Within minutes of entering the state forest, visitors can easily access an array of hiking and/or biking trails.
(The Rothrock GRIT Gravel Grinder is truly a grand tour of Rothrock State Forest. Starting in the popular Tussey Mountain area, you’ll ride through Whipple Dam State Park, and Bear Meadows Natural Area. Grittier, Grittiest and Endurance riders head deep into the forest as they zig zag through Bear Meadows Natural Area, Detweiler Run, Thickhead Mountain Wild Area, and Colyer Lake. Grittiest and Endurance riders also visit Alan Seeger Natural Area, Greenwood Furnace and Coopers Gap. Endurance riders get an added bonus of Rudy Ridge, Harry’s Valley and Pennsylvania Furnace along the further reaches of Tussey Mountain. Click here to learn more about these sections of forest.
Support stations with food, water and bathrooms will be located at miles 20.5 (Bear Meadows Road), 30.5 & 50 (Penn Roosevelt State Park) for the Gritty, Grittier and Grittiest Routes.
Finish and Award Ceremony
You’ll be cheered on by family and friends, both old and new as you cross the finish line. Celebrate your accomplishment and reward your hard work with a cold beverage and tasty food. We’ll have two lively award ceremonies. Early finishers at the pavilion at 2pm; 2nd ceremony for longer distances at the Beer Garden at 4pm. Celebrate with us whether you’ve made it to the podium or not!
Endurance GRIT 100 riders will find support stations with Hammer/water at miles 12.5, 42; medical aid and water at mile 32.5; and food, water, and bathrooms at 61.9, 71.9, and 91.4.
‘GRITTY’
Distance: 25-mile
Elevation Gain: 2,254 ft
Markers in BLUE.
Download 25-Mile Course Map:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48924736
‘GRITTIER’
Distance: 45-mile
Elevation Gain: 4,269 ft
Markers in RED.
Download 25-Mile Course Map:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48924740
‘GRITTIEST’
Distance: 65-mile
Elevation Gain: 6,226 ft
Markers in BLACK.
Download 65-Mile Course Map:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48924742
Click image to enlarge GRITTY, GRITTIER, and GRITTIEST courses.
‘GRIT 100’ ENDURANCE – CANCELLED
Distance: 106-mile
Elevation Gain: 10,000 ft
Markers in ORANGE + BLACK.
Download 106-Mile Course Map:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48924743
Click image to enlarge GRIT 100 (orange + black) course.
Registration + Podium Celebration Provided by
Race Categories
(Top 5 Podium; Cash prizes for specified places.)
GRITTIEST:
Grittiest Women ProEx Open (Cash Prize: 1st–$300)
Grittiest 40+ Women
Grittiest 50+ Women
Grittiest 60+ Women
Grittiest Single Speed Women
Grittiest Athena Women (160lbs+)
Grittiest USA Cycling Junior Girls 17-18 (Cash Prize: P1–3: $250 / $125 /$75)
Grittiest Women E-Bike & Adaptive (non-competitive)
Grittiest Men ProEx Open (Cash Prize: 1st–$300)
Grittiest 40+ Men
Grittiest 50+ Men
Grittiest 60+ Men
Grittiest Single Speed Men
Grittiest Clydesdale (200lbs+)
Grittiest USA Cycling Junior Boys 15-16 (Cash Prize: P1–3: $250 / $125 /$75)
Grittiest Men E-Bike & Adaptive (non-competitive)
Grittiest Non-Binary / Gender Expansive
GRITTIER:
Grittier Women (Cash Prize: 1st–$200)
Grittier Men (Cash Prize: 1st–$200)
Grittier USA Cycling Junior Boys 15-16 (Cash Prize: P1–3: $250 / $125 /$75)
Grittier USA Cycling Junior Girls 15-16 (Cash Prize: P1–3: $250 / $125 /$75)
Grittier Non-Binary / Gender Expansive
Grittier Class 1 E-Bike/Adaptable
GRITTY:
Grit Women (Cash Prize: 1st–$100)
Grit Men (Cash Prize: 1st–$100)
Grit Men/Women U18
Grit Non-Binary / Gender Expansive
Grit Class 1 E-Bike/Adaptable – Non-Competitive
Timing, Prizes + Other Details
Seasons of Rothrock - Whipple Dam State Park Gravel Race provides you with:
-
Falcon Timing will provide a professional timing service.
-
Number plate.
-
A fully marked course.
-
Podium and cash awarded as stated in the category.
-
Awards and podium medals in every category.
-
Strava QOM & KOM segments will receive awards and bragging rights.
-
Well-stocked support station(s), including Hammer Nutrition products
-
Post-race event snacks and beverages.
-
Race swag is guaranteed to riders who register 30 days before the event. Register early!!
Seasons of Rothrock is a non-profit that raises money for the local cycling community. Since 2021, we have donated $54,000 to community programs by allocating 100% of the net proceeds from GRIT entry fees to these initiatives. In the past, several organizations have benefited from the participants' contributions, including Nittany Mountain Bike Association, Harvest Fields Community Trails, National Interscholastic Cycling Association, Highpoint Skate Park, Girls Rock, YMCA, Friends of Rothrock, Center Volunteers in Medicine and Penns Valley Pedals and Pints.
Volunteer
We are grateful for all of the volunteers that come out to help us coordinate and execute successful Seasons of Rothrock races. Want to be a part of the show? We need course marshals, EMS, registration table help, bikers to sweep, course markers, people to direct traffic, and aid station attendants for the Grit Gravel Grinder Race. You’ll find potential positions at the bottom of the the Bike Reg page. Click “Volunteer” to email Tom about your interest.
About Rothrock State Forest
Get to know the course…
Want to know more about each section of the forest you’ll visit? Keep on reading about Rothrock State Forest…
Contact Us
Have questions about a race, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor? Reach out!