GRITUS 2026

GRITUS – Ripton, Vermont, United States

• Date: October 3, 2026
• Location: Silver Towers Camp, Ripton, Vermont
• Distances: 50 miles, 27 miles
• Event Type: Gravel Race

The GRITUS offers a classic Vermont gravel race experience, set against the backdrop of the state’s celebrated peak foliage season. From the start at Silver Towers Camp in Ripton, riders embark on a journey across a landscape defined by its unpaved roads and significant elevation. With two distinct distances available, the event caters to different ambitions while delivering the quiet beauty of autumn in the Green Mountains. The routes are primarily gravel, promising a day of challenging riding through quiet, forested terrain.

The main course is a demanding 50-mile loop that accumulates approximately 4,700 feet of climbing. This is a route for those who appreciate a challenge, featuring a pair of substantial climbs that reward the effort with sweeping views. The terrain is consistently rolling, a true Vermont gravel race where finding a rhythm is key. Seventy-five percent of the course is unpaved, ensuring a proper test of skill and endurance as riders navigate the quiet backroads. The atmosphere is one of self-reliance and adventure in a stunning natural setting.

For those seeking a more condensed but equally engaging day, a 27-mile short course is also offered. This route still packs a punch with 2,700 feet of elevation gain over its shorter distance, maintaining the character of the main event. It follows the same spirit of adventure, winding through the same beautiful, unpaved landscapes. While finishers receive an award, the emphasis on this route is participation and personal accomplishment rather than competition, creating a welcoming feel for a broader range of riders.

This Vermont gravel race is rooted in a spirit of self-sufficiency. Navigation is the sole responsibility of the rider, with no course markings to follow. Participants are expected to use GPS files, such as those from the Ride with GPS app, and carry a cue sheet as a backup. This approach fosters a sense of preparedness and heightens the connection to the remote landscape. With just one water stop on the course, planning and resource management become part of the day’s journey, adding to the satisfying challenge.

The event begins and concludes at the Silver Towers Camp in Ripton, providing a central hub for the day’s activities. The start is set for early morning, sending riders out to experience the crisp autumn air. The region is known for its vibrant fall colors, and the timing of the event is chosen to coincide with this spectacle. For those looking for other riding opportunities in the area, there are many other gravel events in United States that showcase the country's diverse terrain and dedicated riding communities.

GRITUS is more than just a race; it is an immersion in the rugged beauty of Vermont in the fall. The finisher and category awards are a token of a day spent pushing personal limits on demanding roads. The focus remains on the individual experience of moving through the landscape, the crunch of gravel under tyres, and the satisfaction of navigating a challenging course. For complete details and registration, please consult the official event website.