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SweetWater Whiskey Rebellion Gravel Race
May 22, 2021
Race the same gravel roads where the free-spirited rebels of Western PA challenged and won repeal of the first national tax levied by the fledging U.S. Federal Government. You’ll be truly challenged as you ride through the historic and hilly landscapes of Washington County, PA, whether you ride the spirited SIP 35K, the SHOT 60K, the PINT 90K, the JUG 120K or the formidable CASK 200K. Compete with your friends and fellow riders from more than a dozen states with the addition of individually timed STRAVA segments in the 90, 120 and 200K distances. Or if you are new to gravel in PA, try the 35K and 60K shorter distances for a spirited ride. Perfect for cyclists who ride off-road including Gravel Grinders, Cyclecross Racers, Mountain Bikers and Adventure Cyclists. You’ll ride many of the original winding rural roads up steep hills to the ridge tops and then head down into valleys, crossing historic covered bridges before the next hill. Road surfaces vary from pea-sized to new uncompacted cobbles and are stitched together with pavement sections for your recovery. Coming back in 2020, you’ll be able to test your mettle on the CASK 200K. With over 12,000 ft. of elevation along with some mud and grass, it’s certainly among the most challenging gravel rides east of the Mississippi.
The SIP 35K (actual distance 21.6 mi/34.8K) is the shortest route and will give you a strong “sip of gravel riding” with 1,841 feet in elevation. You’ll start with a climb up Dry Run Road, and cross Mount Zion Road and then plunge down a steep descent into one of the PA state game land areas. The route has 6 significant climbs and is perfect swig of gravel riding for the new-to-gravel rider.
If the SIP 35K is not enough and you’re looking for a full shot of gravel, try the SHOT 60K (actual distance 38.4 mi/61.8K). You’ll be traveling on some of last year’s favorites like Boulder Road, with some coarse loose rocks and potholes too numerous to count. Riders will be rewarded at the end of many of the climbs with scenic vistas from the ridges, especially at the Aid Station. The course finishes up on Covered Bridge Road where yes, you’ll go through a historic covered bridge. Total Elevation: 3,491 ft.
For those hearty enough, the PINT 90K (actual distance 57.1 mi/91.9K) is the first racing distance. Containing several very fast gravel descents, you’ll ride two separate loops to cover the distance and face a challenging route with mixed gravel and crumbling asphalt, off-the-grid homesteads and off-the-beaten path covered bridges. You’ll pass through more state game lands and follow streams. Total Elevation: 5,522 ft.
The JUG 120K (actual distance 73.9 mi/118.9K) is the race course that most experienced gravel grinders like to tackle. You’ll ride two separate loops to experience the full course and cover favorites like Bradbury Hill, Boulder Road, Walker Road and Auld Hill. Long climbs with fast descents, and some unpaved access roads through more state game lands, covered bridges, homesteads and lots of wildlife. This course has it all! Total Elevation: 7,172 ft.
The updated CASK 200K (actual distance 126.6 mi/203.7K) is one of the most extreme and challenging gravel rides you are likely to ride and is for very experienced gravel and endurance riders only! A total of three loops make up this route for a gut busting 12,282 ft. of climbing. You’ll experience everything that Washington County gravel roads have to offer with rough, muddy roads, steep climbs and descents and you’ll cross over five of the region’s historic covered bridges. For the 200K, there will be FOUR aid stations including the start/finish station. This route is for the toughest of riders.
The overall course is comprised of 4 loops that all connect at the start and finish in Morris Township Community Park in Prosperity, PA. All routes are completed by riding one, two or three of the loops to comprise the total route distance. You’ll be within 20 mile circle (as the crow flies) of the start & finish at all points on the course, and the loops have very little overlap so you will be experiencing new terrain no matter the distance you choice; you will not ride the same loop twice to just to make up the distance!
No matter what length you ride, you’ll cross a finish line where we’ll welcome you back in friendly, mid-western style. After you put your bike away, come celebrate your ride or race at the best post-ride/race party at the Park Pavilion! Relax with friends, listen to local music and trade stories. Enjoy locally sourced farm fresh food from our partner, Springhouse Market and taste the best local whiskey from award-winning local distilleries. We’ll also raffle off some great prizes from our generous sponsors and celebrate our winners and finishers. All finishers will receive a Whiskey Rebellion Gravel shot glass.
To adequately conquer this ride, you’ll need a gravel bike, cyclocross, touring or mountain bike with at least 32 mm tires. We recommend 35 mm or wider. All routes will be marked, however we require GPS enabled devices. There is little to no cell phone coverage on the routes. GPS routes will be provided one week before event for download to all registered riders. Ride is limited to 300 riders. We reserve the right to make changes to the event and course for the safety of riders and for changes in roads on the course. An updated Riders Guide will be available shortly and will include more route detail and safety information.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? RIDE WESTERN PA’S BADDEST GRAVEL RACE! CHECK OUT THE WRG GRAVEL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL SWEETWATER BIKES