ABOUT ROYAL GORGE GRAVEL
Gravel Worth the Journey.
Royal Gorge Gravel is a premier gravel cycling event set in the dramatic high-desert terrain of Cañon City, Colorado.
Defined by canyon walls, fast county gravel, remote backroads, and sweeping Arkansas River views, this is terrain that demands respect — and rewards preparation.
We believe gravel should feel big.
Big landscape.
Big challenge.
Big experience.
Royal Gorge Gravel delivers all three.
The Evolution
Royal Gorge Gravel was formerly known as The Crippler.
For years, The Crippler built a reputation for honest courses, punchy climbs, and a grassroots gravel community that embraced the grind. As the event grew, so did the vision behind it.
The rebrand reflects that growth.
This isn’t a departure from our roots — it’s an expansion. A name that honors the region we ride in and matches the scale of what we’re building.
Same team.
Same rugged terrain.
Elevated experience.
Built by Riders.
Royal Gorge Gravel is organized by cyclists who understand what makes an event unforgettable.
We focus on:
Well-marked, thoughtfully designed routes
Rider-focused aid stations
Professional timing and results
A welcoming start/finish atmosphere
Meaningful sponsor partnerships
A strong volunteer foundation
Whether you’re lining up for the Skyline - 15 or taking on the Phantom - 100, you’ll find the same attention to detail and respect for the rider experience.
The Landscape
The Royal Gorge region offers one of the most unique gravel environments in Colorado:
High-speed hardpack county roads
Technical canyon stretches
Rolling high desert terrain
Remote sections that feel truly backcountry
This isn’t manicured bike-path gravel.
It’s real Colorado.
Community First.
At its core, Royal Gorge Gravel is about people.
It’s about the rider chasing their first finish.
The group of friends who train all summer for one big day.
The local businesses that show up to support.
The volunteers who make the day possible.
We are committed to growing this event responsibly, intentionally, and with respect for the land and the community that hosts it.
