Saturday May 16, 2026 - Alpine, CA
EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE GRAVEL ADVENTURE IN EAST COUNTY SAN DIEGO'S CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST.
The 2026 Great Western Reroute (GWR) builds on its rugged heritage with the most epic edition yet, featuring more remote terrain, more challenging climbs, and more unforgettable descents – all while maintaining the grassroots spirit that's defined this event since 2018.
Online Registration opens 8:00AM on February 2, 2026
About
The Great Western Reroute returns May 16, 2026 with plans for an entirely new route designed to push riders deeper into Cleveland National Forest's most challenging terrain. What began in 2018 with seven riders exploring a creative reimagining of the historic Great Western Loop has grown into Southern California’s Favorite Gravel Gathering. The new 70-mile course features approximately 7,000 feet of elevation gain across gravel roads, double-track, pavement, and flowing singletrack, while the 50-mile Short Course has also been extended and enhanced to deliver a more substantial challenge. Starting and finishing at Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine, the event welcomes up to 100 self-reliant riders ready to test themselves on San Diego's finest backcountry gravel.
The Route
Registered riders will receive detailed GPS coordinates the week of the event. The route features two strategically placed aid stations at mile 25 and 50 to support you through the backcountry. Both courses are entirely unmarked and require GPS navigation through wilderness terrain. Download the route on your device of choice and review all Points of Interest carefully, including safety warnings, critical turns, and aid station locations. Charge your device fully and download the Ride with GPS app along with the route on your phone as backup, as several sections have limited or no cell signal. This is semi-supported, backcountry riding: come prepared to navigate independently through remote terrain and manage your own supplies between aid stops.
Registration Details
Online registration opens on February 2, 2026 and closes May 14, 2026. The event will sell out prior to registration day so no day-of registration will be available. The deadline to transfer your registration to another rider is May 14, 2026. Online transfer fee is $10. For the best registration experience, create a Movemint account to easily manage all your registered events, track your results, and integrate your Strava account.
Equipment
The route mixes pavement, smooth dirt, washboard, sand, and rocky terrain. Tires at least 40mm wide are recommended, with most riders choosing gravel bikes running 45-50c semi-slick or side tread tires. Hardtail mountain bikes work well too. Tubeless setup is strongly encouraged for flat prevention. Riders must be completely self-sufficient: carry a hand pump, CO2 cartridges, extra tubes, and roadside repair essentials. We'll update you on conditions as the event approaches.
Location
Alpine sits 30 miles east of downtown San Diego via Interstate 8, serving as the gateway to Cleveland National Forest's backcountry. At 1,800 feet elevation, the town offers convenient access to exceptional gravel terrain. San Diego International Airport is 35 minutes away.
Segment Challenge
The popular Segment Challenge returns for 2026. We'll select three gravel segments on the Full Course where the lowest cumulative times for Male and Female categories will earn prizes from Holland Cycles. Segment details will be revealed once the final route is approved by authorities and sent to all registered riders closer to the event. To participate, join the Event on Ride with GPS and provide your name and gender. While this adds a competitive element, the GWR remains an adventure at heart. Ride your own ride and enjoy the journey.
Venue
The ride starts and finishes at Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine with free parking and bathroom facilities available for participants. We'll have exclusive access to the spacious outdoor patio, perfect for post-ride recovery with craft beer, pizza, sandwiches, and salads. The first 50 to register will receive a complimentary beer ticket with their entry. Address: 1347 Tavern Rd, Alpine, CA 91901
Volunteers
Our incredible volunteers are the heartbeat of this event, making every rider's adventure possible. If you’re not riding but still want to be part of this special day, we're looking for help with morning check-in and aid station support. Perks include early access to registration for 2026, t-shirt and swag. We couldn’t do this without our awesome volunteers! Contact hello@gravelstoke.com to join the crew. Gravelstoke is happy to provide letters of proof of volunteer hours served. For more information, please reach out to Dave Malwitz.
