Bighorn Gravel 2026: Off-road cycling event emphasizes rider experience and community connection in fifth edition

Bighorn Gravel returns to Eagle County for its fifth year with a $10,500 purse and a focus on the “overall experience,” according to founder and organizer Jake Wells. The event features three race distances—85, 50, and 20 miles—with a participant cap of 300 riders to maintain event quality.

What are the Bighorn Gravel race schedules and distances?

The flagship Ram’s Horn Escape covers 85 miles with over 10,000 feet of climbing, starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday with a two-mile neutral rollout. The 50-mile Little Bighorn follows at 8 a.m., and the 20-mile Gravel Curious begins at 8:30 a.m., according to event organizers.

All Saturday races start and finish at the Gypsum Town Hall. An expo opens at 10 a.m., and the awards ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Festivities begin Friday in Gypsum with shakeout rides and a mandatory racer meeting at the Vail Brewing Club.

Did You Know? To preserve the rider experience, organizers capped this year’s event at 300 participants, a decrease from previous editions which attracted approximately 500 riders.

Why is the event changing its organizational structure?

Co-founder Mike Brumbaugh has transitioned to a behind-the-scenes support role through his business, Venture Sports. Brumbaugh stated the shift was due to limited bandwidth and commitments with his business, as well as recovery from recent back surgery.

Wells noted that roughly 50% of current registrants are locals. The 2026 edition will introduce a dedicated ceremony for the 50-mile podium to further recognize participants in that category.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by capping registration and integrating professional athletes with amateur riders, the event attempts to balance high-stakes competition with a grassroots community feel. This strategy may help the race avoid the saturation seen in the broader gravel market.

Who are the top contenders for the 2025 race?

Defending champion Cobe Freeburn, who placed second in 2024, headlines the men’s field. Caroline Tory, who took third in 2022, is competing for the women’s title, according to event data.

The Gralloch 2026 | UCI Gravel World Series Race Highlights

Local riders include Sam Brown, a two-time fourth-place finisher, and Haley Dumke, who won both the Bighorn Gravel and Road titles last year. Josiah Middaugh, the only Eagle County cyclist to reach a long-distance podium with a third-place finish in 2022, is also a key competitor.

How does the race manage competitive fairness and payouts?

Wells and Brumbaugh implemented equal pay for men and women from the start. However, the event does not use separate gender starts. Wells explained that the steep backcountry terrain eliminates the “draft effect” after about 2.5 miles, making separate starts unnecessary.

Wells stated he prefers all riders to start together and use the same aid stations to maintain the “community side” of the event. Life Time Grand Prix stars, including Howard Grotts and two-time winner Cecily Decker, compete alongside amateur riders for the $10,500 purse.

What may happen as the event evolves?

As the gravel racing market grows, the event could further refine its “wide net” approach to appeal to both elite pros and entry-level riders. Organizers may continue to adjust logistics and systems to improve efficiency.

Future editions might see further shifts in registration caps or course directions to manage the impact on the backcountry and the local community in Gypsum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three race distances offered?
The event offers the 85-mile Ram’s Horn Escape, the 50-mile Little Bighorn, and the 20-mile Gravel Curious.

Where does packet pickup take place?
Packet pickup and the mandatory racer meeting are held at the Vail Brewing Club.

How much is the total prize purse?
The event features a $10,500 purse.

Would you prefer a gravel race with separate gender starts or a community-style mass start?