2019 GWR Recap & Photo Gallery

It was shortly after a friend’s birthday road ride to the top of Palomar Mountain in February of last year that we first had the idea for our own ride of a similar theme. With little time to plan we reached out to our friend Roman for help in crafting a memorable route that would take riders on a gravel adventure in late March of 2018. The Great Western Reroute (GWR) was born.  

The inaugural GWR took just 7 riders on some incredible gravel roads, singletrack and pavement on and diverging from the popular Great Western Loop in East County San Diego. Known for its more remote setting, large private lands and National Forests, the trip is worth making for everything the region has to offer. 

For 2019 we certainly wanted to revisit the GWR, but it would have to maintain its humble beginnings. With our events growing in participation, we looked to keep the ride small yet inclusive. The solution would come with the launch of our Gravelstoke Development Team. This was our chance to support the riders who have supported us with unique experiences and strategic partnerships for the adventure cyclist. Invitations went out in early March with registration open for just 2 weeks.

The ride was spectacular especially given the ideal weather, amazing course and friends we shared it with. If you joined us, let us know in the comments below your favorite memory or other thoughts from the event!

We hope you enjoy the photo gallery below, and be sure to sign up for our next event on June 9, the Hunt of the North.

Thanks for reading! We would also like to thanks the following people and brands who helped make this ride possible:

Roman de Salvo for his masterful route planning, ride leadership and the water stash when we needed it most. Roman was rewarded the Grand Prize of our event, an ENVE G Series Gravel Bar!

Andrew Lee for running the B route and making us laugh several times. #radgravel365

Bonk Breaker for the excellent nutrition support! Be sure to stock up for your next adventure at bonkbreaker.com

ENVE for our grand prize carbon gravel bar

Eliel Cycling for creating our sweet riding apparel

San Diego Distillery for hosting us, the great service and providing parking

Michael Macare for coordinating the location and food

Explore With Chris for driving his Tacoma all over east county, flying drones, rescuing riders and taking photos 

Lost Abbey for the perfect post ride beverage

Eric Reed for stashing the beer for a few days and bringing it cold

GrillFellas for the great BBQ post ride