Epic Tales from the 2025 Great Western Reroute
Words by Dave Malwitz / Photos by Jake Orness
After eight years of careful cultivation, the Great Western Reroute reached new heights in 2025. What began as a small group ride in the untapped wilderness of East County San Diego has evolved into a thriving event that maintains its intimate spirit while expanding in all the right ways.
Saturday dawned with perfect conditions as 100 riders gathered at Mike Hess Brewing, buzzing with anticipation. After collecting their tickets, Carbs Fuel gels, and exclusive ALMSTHRE bags, participants listened as Brian Mcculloch and Dave Malwitz shared final wisdom before wheels rolled out onto Alpine Blvd toward Viejas Grade's storied gravel—the first test of many.
For the first time, riders chose their own adventure with our two course options. Most tackled the Full Course—a formidable 70-mile journey featuring 8,000 feet of elevation gain, the majority coming in the punishing first 35 miles. This route carried riders from Viejas up through the venerable Boulder Creek Road, where Cleveland National Forest revealed its most demanding pitches, technical descents, and tight turns. Meanwhile, Short Course riders embraced their own 45-mile challenge that delivered some the event's signature sections while requiring less preparation time in the saddle. Both groups experienced the day's most epic singletrack and technical highlights, creating a more inclusive GWR experience.
The Full Course intensity reached another level as riders—visibly worn by mile 25—were immediately refreshed at the sight of our camper van aid station with its bounty of supplies enhanced by Mammoth Tuff, Stroop Club, and Freak Shake. After a quick chain re-lube or revitalizing sip of Pepsi at the Velofix San Diego East station just 5 more miles up the road, riders tackled the Engineers climb before circling Lake Cuyamaca, where a tunnel of wind revealed wild panoramic views across Anza Borrego Desert. Sweet singletrack followed as riders traversed grassland valleys, crossed Sunrise Highway, and battled through sharp rocks and rough brush before earning the reward of Green Valley's flowing paved descent.
Green Valley's pristine gravel flowed through meadows ablaze with wildflowers, leading to Aid Station 2 and Cuyamaca's legendary singletrack where smiles matched the technical features in abundance. The rugged Merigan Fire Road tested riders to their limits before a final flowing descent down Viejas delivered everyone back to Mike Hess Brewing for a well-earned feast and cold brews.
Back at the brewery, dirt-caked faces shared battle stories over recovery drinks and craft beer, while admiring the stunning collection of Holland Cycles custom bikes on display. The Holland team's passion for craftsmanship was evident not only in their showcase frames but also in the coveted ENVE Composites prizes they contributed to our top finishers and segment challenge winners. From first-time G'stokers to seasoned veterans, everyone conquered their own Reroute—each earning the unique satisfaction that only comes from navigating San Diego's most magnificent terrain under your own power.
The Great Western Reroute isn't just a ride; it's a true gravel adventure that becomes part of who you are, and we're grateful you chose to be part of it.
SEGMENT CHALLENGE
While the Great Western Reroute celebrates adventure over competition, this year's new Segment Challenge added an exciting dimension to the day. Riders tested their mettle against the clock on three distinct gravel sectors that showcased different aspects of the route. From the sustained climb of Viejas Grade to the steeper challenges of Boulder Creek and the fast flats of Green Valley, these segments rewarded both power and technical prowess. Below are links to each Strava segment and the crowned winners who earned well deserved prizes from Holland Cycles.
Viejas Grade ➤ https://www.strava.com/segments/635586
Adam Cordi - 21:16
Sally Aston - 24:03Boulder Creek ➤ https://www.strava.com/segments/39184834
Blake Becker - 21:34
Sally Aston - 28:12Green Valley ➤ https://www.strava.com/segments/39168834
Blake Becker - 6:38
Joy McCulloch - 8:45
2025 GREAT WESTERN REROUTE PHOTO GALLERY
Jake Orness (@jpovphoto) documented this year's Great Western Reroute. When sharing these photos on social media, please credit @jpovphoto and tag @gravelstoke.
Our Partners in Adventure
The Great Western Reroute thrives because of our incredible partners. A sincere thank you to Holland Cycles, ALMSTHRE, Jake Orness, Velofix San Diego East, Big Wheel Coaching, Mammoth Tuff, Stroop Club, Carbs Fuel, Freak Shake, Mike Hess Brewing, ENVE Composites, and Sport Clips. Your generosity, products, and passion elevated the rider experience at every touchpoint. We're proud to showcase your brands to our community and grateful for your belief in what we're building.
