(Lander, WY) – The Gravel Grinder WYO-131 is back for another year of cycling fun on some of Fremont County’s most scenic routes.
Race Day is Saturday, Sept. 7. This year, cyclists have four route options to choose from: 13, 45, 75, and 131 miles. There is something for everyone!
Early registration closes on Aug. 31, saving you an average of $10. The early registration fee ranges from $35 to $125, depending on your chosen route.
All-bodies-on-bikes
The inaugural year of the WYO-131 was 2017, with only 19 registered riders and 12 finishers.
At its formation, the Gravel Grinder was a niche endurance ride. Still, after watching the gravel industry explode across the U.S. and seeing all body types and minority communities represented and celebrated, the Lander Cycling Club turned their event into an inclusive all-bodies-on-bikes event.
This transformation was in 2022, and racing numbers proved that inclusiveness was vital. Registrations for the race that year jumped from 30 riders to over 130, representing 13 states and three countries.
The goal for the Lander Cycling Club is to continue growing this event year-over-year.
Gravel bike not required
Gravel bikes are a cross between mountain and road bikes, shared Gwen Robson, WYO-131 Race Director. They have road bike-style handlebars but slightly skinnier tires that you’d find somewhere between a road bike and a mountain bike.
“While most folks use gravel bikes, many people just come out and ride the shorter courses on mountain bikes,” she said. “All bikes are welcome on these courses. We also have a 13-mile distance that is all paved, so road bikes are welcome. So really, you don’t have to have any kind of special bike to participate in any of the distances. Just a bike that’ll get you across the finish line.”
All routes begin and end in Lander’s City Park.
13-miles
The 13-mile route, which was new last year, is completely paved. Known as the “Inspiration Ride,” it is suitable for a variety of participants, who want to experience rolling hills with a few big climbs before a nice long downhill back into town.
“It’s a chance for people who want to participate in the event but don’t have a gravel bike or a mountain bike, or who maybe have kids or want to just participate while a spouse is maybe riding one of the longer distances, (or) maybe they’re going to be pulling a little trailer with a with a little kid on it,” Gwen continued. “So it’s something that’s truly accessible to everybody, because it’s, it’s 100 percent paved. Younger kids can do it, and you could potentially pull a little bike trailer with a little one behind you on that one as well.”
New this year, it includes an e-bike division.
45-miles
The 45-mile route offers a sampling of the full 131.
Expect punchy climbs, beautiful views of Wyoming Hoodoos, and generally decent road conditions as you explore the hills outside Lander. Riders turn around in Hudson and follow the same route back to Lander.
New this year, it includes an e-bike division.
75-miles
The 75-mile route offers 5-star gravel roads, chunky gravel roads, and some washboarding.
Expect three aid stations for this course and ~3,500 elevation gain. The route will not be under 70 miles and will not exceed 80 miles.
131-miles
The full WYO-131 is not for beginners.
This rugged course is well known for pushing riders to their limits while taking them on a journey across a diverse array of Wyoming ecosystems, from the sage brush seas surrounding the Red Desert to the subalpine lakes of the Wind River Range.
10,000 ft of elevation gain and five aid stations. The course record is 8 hours 11 minutes.
Inaugural race this year
The WYO-131 Push-Bike Race is new this year and will take place at Lander’s City Park. Kids ages 2-6 are welcome to register.
“We are having a small Strider race around the park this year, kind of right before the after party that little kids can participate in,” Gwen explained. “And that’s going to be super fun. There’s going to be little obstacles for them to ride their bikes over and a mini aid station with juice boxes, and there’ll be little metals. It’s just like a half-lap around the park kind of thing. But that should be a lot of fun for folks with kids.”
Visit the WYO-131 website here to learn more about the event, each course, volunteer, ask a question, and more. Check out the short video below for just a quick taste of what it has to offer.