Cyclists, grab your sleeping bag and gravel bike because the 2024 Mad Gravel Memorial Day weekend gravel bike race registration is now open.

Held over the three-day weekend May 25-27 at the McNeil Ranch at Peaceful Valley in Elbert County, the event keeps growing each year.

“This year we have a similar format to 2023 with the exception of dropping the two MTB races and adding MG REVOLVR, which will be an eight-hour relay team event,”  Dave Muscianisi with Rattler Racing said. “We wanted to make this (year) entirely gravel and we are hoping to clear the 700 mark this year (since) we have a cap of 750.”

Pricing is the same for the Hemi distances:

• $150 for the full Hemi
• $100 for the Hemi-Five-O
• $65 for the Hemi Hustle
• Camping is $20 per night per vehicle (not based on how many people)

“We will have a band on Sunday night after the Hemi races, Manitou Strings. Same vibe with after party, band, and award ceremony,” Muscianisi said.

In accordance to wishes from the Boy Scouts of America, there is a limit on the number of event goers at 700, but Mad Gravel wants to continue to grow the event into 2025 with a goal to hit 1,000 event goers.

“With big sponsors like Lauf Cycles behind us, and the support of Boy Scouts of America and Elbert County, I think we will get there,” he said. “We have folks stepping in this year as well to help support other fun events, like a ‘Kids Cup’ for young kids that teach them about cycling, safety, skills, etc.”

Muscianisi also said they also have looked at the idea of a Saturday evening family adventure race, or even a family time trial, but those ideas are still being putting together.

“We want this to be more than a specific event. We want it to be a family weekend with a fun competitive component to it,” he said.

Race information about each race:

• The HEMI – Covers over 6,400 feet of climbing while topping out at 7,300 feet of elevation in 100 miles.
• The HEMI Five-O – At a hefty 50 miles, Hemi Five-O is slightly less sadistic than its parent. Plenty of mileage while still enjoying an epic tour of the eastern plains.
• The HEMI Hustle – At 30 miles, the Hemi Hustle is the best route for those that want a great sampling of the region while still enjoying the unique roads and views of Elbert County.
• MG Circuit – Each lap is roughly 7 miles and will explore the entire scout ranch. 
• MG Revolvr– An eight-hour relay race on a closed course. Teams can consist of Solo, 2, 3, 4 or 5+ person teams.
• MG Run – Utilizing some of the MG Circuit race, this fun and unique 11K trail run starts and finishes in front of the dining hall.

Mad Gravel and The Hemi are part of the Junior Cycling Project nonprofit organization. Donations and sponsorships will generate funds for junior development.