Royal Gorge Gravel
Formerly “The Crippler”
August 23, 2026
Cañon City, Colorado
Four Distances. One Iconic Landscape.
THE EXPERIENCE
Gravel at Elevation. Racing at Scale.
Royal Gorge Gravel is a fully supported gravel cycling event set against one of Colorado’s most dramatic landscapes. Towering canyon walls. Fast, open gravel. Technical punchy climbs. Big skies.
This isn’t just a race. It’s a destination weekend.
Built by riders. Designed for challenge. Delivered with intention.
Choose Your Line.
Four Distances. One Start Line. All finishing back in downtown Canon City.
DISTANCES
***2026 routes will be updated and posted as permits get approved. Twisted Cistern single track will be removed.***
Phantom - 100
Big terrain. Big effort. Big reward.
Red Rock - 50
A balanced test of endurance and pacing.
Gorge - 30
Rolling terrain, classic Colorado gravel.
Skyline - 15
Fast, approachable, perfect for first-timers.
PLEASE NOTE: Route cannot be completed outside of race day. Entrance to the RGB park from the South side is prohibited. South entrance is closed to through traffic. There are also sections of Private Property throughout the courses.
WHY THE GORGE
A Landscape Worth Racing.
The Royal Gorge region offers a rare combination of:
High Speed county gravel
Remote canyon stretches
Sweeping Arkansas River views
Rugged Colorado backcountry
This terrain demands respect—and rewards preparation.
Each rider receives:
Official race number
Swag bag with partner handouts
Free post-race meal from World’s End Brewery
Finisher beer from World’s End Brewery
On course aid stations and medical support
Police lead-out for all distances
2026 -Tentative Event Itinerary
Saturday:
11:00 am: Donut Ride from Christy’s on Main (420 Main St.)
Come early for FREE coffee and donuts!
12–5 pm: Expo open
1–5 pm: Registration/Packet Pick-Up at Worlds End Brewing (401 Main St.)
Sunday:
6:30–7:30 am: Late Packet Pick-Up (Christy’s on Main)
7:30 am: First Call to Staging (Distances 100, 50, 30)
8:00 am: Race Start for Phantom 100/Red Rock 50/Gorge 30 distances (401 Main St.)
8:45 am: First Call to Staging (Skyline - 15)
9:00 am: Race Start for Skyline - 15 mile distance
10:00 am: First riders will begin returning
12:00 pm: Finish Line Party
1:00 pm: Podiums for 15/30 mile distances
3:00 pm: Podiums/Awards/Raffle (Pending rider attendance) Must be preset to win prizes
6:00 pm: Course is Closed
THE EVOLUTION
Formerly “The Crippler”
For years, The Crippler built a reputation for honest gravel and unforgettable routes. Royal Gorge Gravel carries that legacy forward—elevated, expanded, and reimagined for the future.
Same team. Same terrain. Bigger vision.
