Tour of Gravel California Announced Along With First Three Stages
A Tour Redeemed
Just when you thought the TOC was dead, the powers that be have enlisted the support of the original gravel company to carry California cycling into the future. In partnership with their Development Team, Gravelstoke announced this week the 2020 Tour of Gravel California, an untold number of adventures that will explore parts unseen throughout the Golden State, with each stop featuring its own unique challenges.
After a mass start, riders will assume navigational responsibilities as they take on the first stage of a new series. PC: Chris Cox
Stage 1
The first stage is presented by 3T Bike, whose North American team will be joining the ride along with an impressive lineup of their award-winning Exploro gravel race machines. The course is set to start and end from The Lost Abbey, the host location of another familiar Classic. Local bike mechanic and owner of Lost Cyclery, Tim Trevino, will be handling the staging and start for course No.1.
Tour of Gravel California KOM #1 will take riders up a mixed surface category 4 climb to the summit of Denk Mountain.
Two routes have been prepared by local Dev Team member and 2019 BWR kUDOs award winner, Michael Macare.
G Route [business pace]
S Route [party pace]
Updated Route due to Sat rain: G Route
For S Route head straight back to Lost Abbey on road after Ridgeline Trail at mile 36.
The G-Route is a harder and longer course, 40mi / 3500ft, and includes the first KOM of the series. Prizes from 3T & Gravelstoke will be awarded to the top QOM/KOM finishers, who must be present at Lost Abbey post-ride to claim their prize. Tour of Gravel California KOM #1 will take riders up a mixed surface category 4 climb to the summit of Denk Mountain. An S-Route is also offered for those looking for a more enjoyable pace with 30 miles and 3000 ft of climbing.
Stage 1 will start and end at The Lost Cyclery in San Marcos, CA. PC: Chris Cox
SCHEDULE
The first three stops of the Tour will take place throughout Southern California from February to April 2020, with more stages in the planning. Each will feature its own unique challenges and demanding KOM sectors.
No.1 - San Marcos - Feb 23, 2020 - Presented by 3Tbike
No.2 - Orange County - March 15, 2020 - Presented by Voler Factory Gravel Team
No.3 - San Diego - April 26, 2020 - Presented by Spinergy
No.4 - TBD
No.5 - TBD
No.6 - TBD
No.7 - TBD
EQUIPMENT
With a diversity of paved and unpaved sectors, riders are urged to optimize equipment choices for the most demanding conditions. Gravel bikes with tires at least 35mm in width are expected, with some participants even opting for hardtail mountain bikes. Seen as unsupported adventures, participants will ride completely self-sufficient with only water stops and the occasional Albertsons marked on GPS courses to meet their hydration and nutrition needs.
Equipment choice will be key as riders prepare for a variety of conditions. PC: Chris Cox
What People are Saying
Ride the Tour
The rides are completely free, with participants encouraged to support Gravelstoke by purchasing branded soft goods online or on location. Learn more about Stage 1 here, and sign up for more updates on the series below.