Through Sand and Sky: 2024 Mammoth Tuff
Words and photos by Dave Malwitz
The 2024 Mammoth Tuff once again delivered as an iconic West Coast gravel event—featuring breathtaking alpine views, diverse terrain, and a weekend centered around a camaraderie that continues to draw the gravel community. Since attending the inaugural Tuff in 2022 I've been looking forward to a return trip. That first year, my buddy Danny and I tackled the TUFFER course—80 miles and 5,000 feet of climbing that, on paper, seemed reasonable. However, the combination of high elevation, loose gravel, and unrelenting wind quickly redefined my sense of “tuff”.
This time, we arrived with an even larger crew and embraced a more expansive approach to the weekend. Instead of centering all our energy on race day, our group of five made the most of three days on the bike. Thursday and Friday were spent carving through Mammoth’s singletrack and joining lively shakeout rides hosted by Gravel Bike California and Thank Gravel It's Friday. By Saturday, we opted for the 40-mile TUFF, a route that packed 2,500 feet of climbing and no shortage of rugged terrain. With course options ranging from 40 to 90 miles that are each at least 60% unpaved, Mammoth Tuff caters to every kind of rider, but the real test is found in the altitude and the ever-shifting, sandy landscape that defines Eastern Sierra gravel.
What makes Mammoth Tuff deceivingly difficult is its unique set of challenges: the starting altitude of 8,000 feet, long stretches of sandy and loose terrain, and the near absence of course markings. Riders are well warned to rely on their own navigation rather than following the course blindly. Even the shorter TUFF course demanded full attention and preparation, as one mistake could easily lead to getting lost in the maze of forest roads. Yet, it’s precisely this unpredictability and intensity that adds to the experience, rather than detract from it. Tuff is a true test of self sufficiency, navigation, and fitness.
Rounding out the weekend is a sizeable expo in the Village on Friday and Saturday afternoons with brands including Turner Bicycles, Bellweather, Shimano, and RiGd Supply among others. Friday entertainment was highlighted with the Mammoth Buff competition, tempting riders with the opportunity to drink three 12oz beers over the course of three 0.3mi laps. The weekend wrapped on Sunday morning with an award ceremony for top finishers across races and categories, and a generous raffle with tons of gravel-specific prizes.
Equipment isn’t everything, but having the right setup can certainly help. My bike for Mammoth Tuff weekend was the Revel R+ Titanium with the full SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS groupset. Equipment included a 42t chainring and 10-44 cassette, Revel carbon wheels with Soma Cazadero 700x50 tires, Orange Seal Endurance, the Ergon SR Allroad saddle, an Easton cockpit, and Wahoo Roam GPS unit. Bags included the new Topo Designs Top Tube Bag, a small Topo handlebar bag, and Outershell Saddle Bag. The Revel titanium frame does an excellent job at smoothing out rough terrain, while the wider tires helped me float across many sandy sections. Here’s the bike just after the race, and prior to the outstanding cleaning job performed by the Pelli Bike Care team.
I have no doubt I’ll find myself back in Mammoth for another edition, and I’m already eyeing the legendary TUFFEST course for next year. A huge thank you to Dave and Amanda for organizing another unforgettable Mammoth Tuff experience. The event perfectly captures the magic of this surreal landscape, where each ride was a memorable encounter with the extraordinary. If you're up for the challenge, mark your calendars—Mammoth Tuff returns September 12-14, 2025.