2026 Texas Gravel Champs

Champion is both a noun and a verb. This event is designed for everyone who wants to share their love of unpaved bicycle adventures, whether you are lining up to prove your best possitble time or just riding for the love of the gravel.

Located at the beautiful Lofers Bend Day Use Area along the shores of Lake Whitney, this is primo gravel that is just a stone's throw for riders in DFW, Waco, and Austinand well worth the drive if you are coming from further out!

THE PERKS:
Post-Ride Celebration: Marked routes with after-ride food and drinks for all participants.
Club Spinistry Member Benefits: Untimed options are FREE for current members, and all annual members save at least $55 on the timed 80-mile route ( balance is for timing reimbursement). Carbon and Titanium Members receive free entry to the 80 mile route..

Camping: Group camping spots are limited, and nearby lakeside tent camping fills up fast. Message useserve your spot early!

ROUTE OPTIONS & SUPPORT
Distances: 80, 55, and 35 miles

Self-Supported Ethos: This event is considered self-supported.

Hydration: Neutral water tables will be available to all riders, but you should carry what you need.
Outside Assistance: No hand-ups or on-course support is allowed.
SAG: We will NOT be able to provide SAG support. If you cannot complete the course for any reason, you are responsible for making your own transportation arrangements.

RECOGNITION

Awards are based on registration numbers. Every single rider is considered a Champion of Gravel. Highlighted recognition for:

Minimum of Top 3 times Overall and Top Female.
Gender-based recognition (3 deep) if there is a minimum of 10 participants in that gender category (age/gender categories to be adjusted as needed).
Age/Gender-based recognition if there is a minimum of 10 racers in a specific age/gender group.

RULES & SAFETY REGULATIONS:
Riders are expected to adhere to the Texas Traffic Code at all times. Please read the following rules carefully before registering.

Category Protests: In the event of a results protest concerning a participant's registered gender category, organizers will default to the gender listed on the rider's official Texas State ID. If the participant in question cannot produce a valid State ID at the time the protest is filed, the protest will be automatically granted.

THE FINISH LINE:

For safety reasons, the finish chute is configured to NOT allow for a sprint finish. The timed distance is treated as a mass-start time trial. Earn your spot out on the course, not by sitting on a wheel and saving your legs for the last 100 yards. Note: Riders finishing within one second of each other will be awarded identical times.

Important: Number Plate Mounting! Thanks to our friend Dylan Johnson doing the math, it is now a REQUIREMENT that all timed riders properly mount their number plates. Failure to do so will result in a time penalty.

Proper Mounting: On the handlebars or cables, facing straight forward with numbers clearly visible.
Not Allowed: Wrapping it around the head tube, stuffing it in a pocket or bar bag, or mounting it sideways on your frame/fork.
The Penalty: An improperly mounted plate will cost you the greater of 5 minutes per 100 miles (5-minute minimum for shorter routes) OR however long it takes us to chase you down and manually identify you.
Equipment & Drafting:

Aero Bars: Comfort/aero/gravel bars are permitted for all riders. (Since everyone has the option to use them, the aero benefit more than offsets our strict number plate rules!)
Drafting: Permitted. However, no pack/group riding outside of what is explicitly allowed by the Texas Transportation Code.
E-Bikes: Permitted but will not be timed. We kindly ask that e-bike riders to not lead bridging efforts for acoustic/traditional riders.

The registration fees cover a trial membership for non members on event day. The full fee can be applied towards an annual membership of the participant's choice within 14 days of the event.

More details to be announced soon!