Saturday May 16, 2026 - Alpine, CA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S FAVORITE GRAVEL GATHERING
About
The Great Western Reroute returns May 16, 2026, bringing together everything that makes a great ride: good company, challenging terrain, spectacular views, and exceptional gravel roads, pavement, and singletrack deep in the mountains of East County San Diego County. 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 70-80-mile Long Course features approximately 8,000 feet of elevation gain, while the 50-mile Short Course delivers a substantial challenge for those seeking a condensed adventure. A new 100-mile Lion’s Share category has been added for the first time ever limited to just 20 riders for the ultimate GWR challenge. Starting and finishing at Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine, the event welcomes up to 120 riders ready for a memorable day in San Diego's backcountry.
The Route
Starting from Alpine at 1,800 feet, you'll hit Viejas Grade first, a gravel opening climb that sets the tone before smooth pavement gives way to 13 miles of premium Cleveland National gravel, big views, quiet miles, and your first aid station waiting at mile 25. From there the route climbs to its high point at 4,800 feet before cruising down to the shores of Lake Cuyamaca, then pushing into the high desert landscapes and rough dirt roads of Anza-Borrego, then back into the pine-covered valleys and oak woodlands of Cuyamaca. You're 50 miles in, enjoying an ice cold Pepsi at Aid 2, with 25 more miles of singletrack, gravel, and pavement still ahead. This year's new Long Course is San Diego backcountry riding at its finest: 75 miles, 50% dirt, 8,000 feet of climbing through chaparral foothills, mixed conifer forests, high-elevation meadows, and wide open desert.
Registration Details
Online registration opens on February 2, 2026 and closes May 14, 2026. The event will sell out prior to event 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.
Included with your registration to the 2026 Great Western Reroute:
Two fully stocked aid stations on course
Fresh brewed Tidewell Coffee
Two Carbs Fuel gels at check-in
Free parking and restroom facilities at venue
On course mechanical support and course sweepers
Access to Segment Challenge with prizes
Post-ride feast and craft beer at venue
Complimentary drink ticket for all riders
Rider gift for all participants
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 tires. Mountain bikes are a great choice 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.
Support
The route features two aid stations strategically placed to support you through the backcountry. We'll also have dedicated mechanical support with Cadence Cyclery Encinitas and medical support positioned on course. Both courses are entirely unmarked and require GPS navigation through wilderness terrain with limited to no cell service in several sections. All participants receive detailed GPS files ahead of the event. Riders are instructed to download the route to your device 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. This is a semi-supported backcountry adventure: come prepared to navigate independently through remote terrain and manage your own supplies between aid stops.
reroute race - presented by holland cycles
Introduced in 2025 and back for another year, the Segment Challenge adds a light competitive element to the GWR's adventure format. Three timed segments are selected on the Long Course, and the top three riders with the lowest cumulative times in both Male and Female categories earn prizes from Holland Cycles. To participate, simply join the Gravelstoke Club on Strava to be included. Segment details will be shared with all registered riders closer to the event.
Reroute hunt - presented by ENVE
Because sometimes the best part of a ride is what you find along the way. The Reroute Hunt sends every registered rider out with a set of clues and a mission: six engraved ENVE GWR medallions are hidden at marked locations across the course, each linked to its own ENVE prize. Find one, redeem your prize. But one medallion holds something extra special, a brand new set of ENVE gravel wheels for whoever tracks it down. Study your clues, stay curious, and ride with your eyes open.
Venue
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. 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. Address: 1347 Tavern Rd, Alpine, CA 91901
