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 eastern 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 7,500 feet of elevation gain, while the 50-mile Short Course delivers a substantial challenge for those seeking a shorter 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 Reroute challenge. Starting and finishing at Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine, the event welcomes up to 100 riders ready for a memorable day in San Diego's backcountry.
The Route
Starting from Alpine at 1,800 feet, this year's 74-mile main event crosses into Viejas Reservation before climbing into Cleveland National Forest and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, where wide oak-shaded paths give way to the slopes of Cuyamaca Peak, the county's second highest summit. This is backcountry riding at its finest: 61% dirt, 7,200 feet of climbing through chaparral-covered foothills, oak woodlands, mixed conifer forests, high-elevation meadows, and the shores of Lake Cuyamaca. Time it right in spring when we’ll get wildflowers, tall grass, and the kind of high-elevation riding that makes it hard to believe you're still in San Diego. This is as good as it gets in Southern California, an uncompromising experience 9 years in the making.
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. 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.
Support
The route features two aid stations strategically placed to support you through the backcountry. We'll also have dedicated mechanical support 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.
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
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
