Royal Gorge Gravel

Formerly “The Crippler”

Illustration of the Royal Gorge Gravel Race logo featuring mountains, a sun, and a river in a shield shape.

August 23, 2026

Cañon City, Colorado

Four Distances. One Iconic Landscape.

2026 RIDER GUIDE
Four cyclists riding on a dirt trail surrounded by yellow wildflowers and sparse trees in a desert 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

Phantom - 100

Map showing a 100-mile cycling route called RGG 2026 The Phantom 100 in Lincoln City, with elevation profile and summary details.

Big terrain. Big effort. Big reward.

Red Rock - 50

Map of a cycling route named 'The Red Rock 50' in Canyon City, showing a 50.9-mile loop with elevation gain of 4,647 feet and maximum grade of 9.7%, including a graph of elevation profile.

A balanced test of endurance and pacing.

Gorge - 30

Map of a cycling route in Canon City, showing a 28.3-mile loop through surrounding areas with trail and elevation details at the bottom.

Rolling terrain, classic Colorado gravel.

Skyline - 15

Map of a cycling route in Canon City with red and blue lines showing the route. The route includes residential areas and wooded green spaces. The bottom displays statistics: 16.3 miles, 1,344 feet elevation gain, and 8.9% maximum grade, along with an elevation profile graph and a bicycle icon.

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.

A dirt road winding through a mountainous, forested landscape with two cyclists riding on it. The sky is overcast, and there are steep rocky cliffs and dense trees surrounding the scene.

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

Two smiling men wearing bicycle helmets pose with their bikes in front of buildings during an outdoor event. Both have race bibs on their bikes reading '2024 CRIPPLER' and numbers 157 and 140.

2026 -Tentative Event Itinerary

Saturday:

10:00 am: Donut Ride from Christy’s on Main (420 Main St.) p/b Gloworm Lights

Come early for FREE coffee and donuts!

11–5 pm: Expo open/Registration/Packet Pick-Up at Worlds End Brewing (331 Main St.)

Sunday:

6:30–7:30 am: Late Packet Pick-Up (Christy’s on Main)

7:30 am: First Call to Staging

8:00 am: Race Start for all distances

9:00 am: First riders will begin returning

12:00 pm: Finish Line Party - make sure to redeem you beer and meal ticket at World’s End Brewing!

1:00 pm: Podiums for 15 & 30 mile distances

3:00 pm: Podiums for 50 & 100 mile distances/Awards/Raffle (pending rider attendance) Must be preset to win prizes

6:30 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.

A dirt trail through a lush green forest with sunlight filtering through the trees. A group of people riding bikes is visible in the distance on the trail.

This Is The Ride You Train For.

August 23, 2026

Cañon City, Colorado

Registration is limited.

Register Now