Nearly all cycling events all have one thing in common, maybe even two.

Certainly the format, culture and characteristics of each can be extremely unique, not to mention the broad spectrum of bikes and skills required. Gravel events have surged across the US, bringing a fresh energy to our sport not seen perhaps since mountain biking in the 80s. It should be safe to say that everyone entering the gravel scene comes from a former cycling discipline, most often road or mountain. So it comes as no surprise that race organizers have pulled from prior experiences to create events that resemble known formats with a gravel bent. For example: DK200 = Double Century, Grinduro = Enduro World Series, BWR = Paris-Roubaix.

And while these are certainly amazing and massively popular events drawing grinders from all over the world, what would a gravel inspired event look like?

Defined courses and race formats are the two common themes you will find in nearly all events. Should gravel be any different? Does an event exist that embodies adventure, exploration, camaraderie and that post-ride stoke?

A year ago we set out to create an event that would be true to these things we love about gravel. Hunt of the North would not be a race, nor would it involve a set course. Instead, riders would become hunters of gravel, literally. Departing from a single location at a set time to locate and ride five carefully selected dirt sections across North County San Diego to locate and retrieve one piece of unique gravel from each. Encouraged to go in teams of two or more, riders would be expected to mark their own course and return to the start by a set time. Post ride festivities would be enjoyed by all, from the fastest to the slowest of riders who were given recommended distances of 40-60 miles.

On June 9, 2019 we were thrilled to have enjoyed another successful adventure, the 2nd annual Hunt of the North. Thanks to all of our volunteers, sponsors and partners who supported our vision and to the riders who took on the challenge and embraced a new kind of cycling event.

Today we present to you the official 2019 Hunt of the North Photo Gallery, all photos courtesy of Explore With Chris. Enjoy!

Riders from as far away as Santa Barbara and Arizona gathered at Canyon Bicycles USA on Sunday June 9 for the 2nd annual Hunt

Participants listen in to final instructions before the start

Not everyone would be riding gravel bikes, two young mountain bike racers would also take on the challenge

Marc Aguilar eagerly awaits his chance to collect all five

Rouleur roller and pro beer crusher Marc Chilcote was well prepared for his second Hunt

Local route expert Andy Brightman makes his final adjustments to the all important GPS

After the start, many riders would encounter steep climbs on their way to The Smokestack checkpoint

Many riders didn't take their chances down the first technical descent of the day

Sweeping views of the North County coastline were enjoyed from Veterans Memorial Park

Coureur rider Casey Cohenmeyer doesn't give a Fck about bridges, and they don't give a Fck about her

Event videographer Ryan Burns captures the shoeless guy making his way towards The Singletrack checkpoint

Hunters would find small collections of gravel somewhere near each checkpoint location

Gravel pro and 2017 DK200 winner Mat Stephens was among event participants

Mat with two Gravelstoke Development Team riders stoked on their Hunting progress

Celo Pacific rider, and local gravel legend, Brent Prenzlow makes quick work of his second checkpoint with lots of groad still ahead

Into the singletrack, riders would make their way on self prescribed routes

Another tricky descent would take riders down a loose, blind corner to find a locked gate

CX skills would come in handy given the terrain in Rancho La Costa Preserve

A rider makes her way south in search of the aid station

Combining local trail knowledge was a good strategy taken by those who joined larger groups

Mat Stephens takes a pull towards his fourth checkpoint

Riders would enjoy support from Velofix as they entered the aid station

Making quick work of the course, Development Team rider Sammy Crane-Solis, waits for her fellow Hunters

The fifth and final checkpoint would be a welcome sight for riders before making their way to the finish

With all five pieces collected, riders would receive a coveted raffle ticket back at Canyon HQ

Post ride festivities included Rouleur Brewing beers and a full taco bar

Riders tell stories of the day's adventure

The official Hunt of the North trophy would be awarded during the raffle ceremony

The trophy winner and rider who most embodied the spirit of the event was Brent Prenzlow

Staff from sponsor brands Canyon and Eliel helped make the event a success

Prizes included everything from OtterBox coolers to Alba Optics sunglasses and Topo Designs backpacks

Prize winner and event volunteer Matteo Pistono stoked after his very first Hunt

All photos courtesy of Chris Cox, @explorewithchris

Special Thanks

We would like to thank all of our event Sponsors and Partners for making the 2019 Hunt of the North a success.

CANYON US for providing an incredible venue and hosting the event
ENVE for donating two G Series gravel handlebars for the raffle and having Brandt MC the start
Wahoo for donating a top prize ELEMNT Bolt for the raffle
WTB for letting us take over their Instagram page for a day and donating a few sets of gravel tires for the raffle
GU Energy for providing nutrition support at the start and aid station
Rouleur Brewing for all the post-ride beers and crafting a special Hunteur Ale for our riders
Eliel Cycling for the raffle prizes, our Hunting kits and helping with event set-up and tear-down
Orucase for collaborating with us on our very first phone case / gravel bag
Velofix San Diego North for the amazing on-course rider support

Event Sponsors

Event Partners

Staff / Volunteers

The event was also made possible by some of our amazing volunteers and staff. Thanks Lexie, Ryan, Chris, Laura, Edgar, Sammy, Matteo, Amy, Esther, Marci, Jennifer and Michael!

Merch

You can find limited edition Hunt of the North gear now on sale. All proceeds go directly back to creating more Gravelstoke events and goods. We are sold out of mason jars, where all proceeds went to the San Diego Mountain Bike Association. Thanks!

You can view the entire Explore With Chris event gallery via the link below.

Full Photo Gallery

The Definitive Photo Gallery and Event Recap: Hunt of the North 2019