October 4, 2025

Gravel Day

Pelotonia’s third annual Gravel Day was October 4, 2025. Stay tuned for 2026 date and details!

Gravel Day offers unique adventures on the gravel roads and outdoor trails of beautiful southeast Ohio. Participants can select from 11-mile to 48-mile looped cycling routes or the new Trail Run/Hike!

NEW FOR Gravel day 2025

Introducing the Trail Run/Hike!

Gravel Day’s newest adventure, the Trail Run/Hike will offer a 3.5 mile looped route through the picturesque property of Snow Fork Event Center! Participants may opt to challenge themselves to both ride and run/hike at Gravel Day. For this option, Riders will first complete their selected cycling route then enter the Trail Run/Hike course, which participants can complete multiple times between 10am and 2pm.

Gravel Day
Countdown

Gravel Day 2025 has concluded.

Gravel Day 2025 Routes

Sat 10/04

$1,500 Fundraising Commitment

Nelsonville Loop Route

11 Miles

Want to try out gravel riding? This introductory loop route includes a mix of paved and gravel roads but will challenge you with an elevation gain of 900 feet. Riders should be sure to properly prepare prior to Gravel Day to ensure a great experience!

Sat 10/04

$1,500 Fundraising Commitment

Nelsonville Loop Route

25 Miles

Winding through the hills of Athens County, this loop route is an exciting challenge for all Riders, with a total elevation gain of over 1,600 feet. Riders should be sure to properly prepare prior to Gravel Day to ensure a great experience!

Sat 10/04

$1,500 Fundraising Commitment

Nelsonville Loop Route

48 Miles

Riding through the hills of Athens County, this loop route is a true adventure and very challenging option for experienced Riders. This ride will feature multiple sections of climbing with a total elevation gain of over 4,200 feet.

Sat 10/04

$1,500 Fundraising Commitment

Trail Run/Hike

3.5 Miles

Gravel Day’s newest adventure features a 3.5-mile looped route through the scenic Snow Fork Event Center property. Runners and Hikers can complete the course as many times as they wish between 10am to 2pm.

resources

gravel day event handbook

This comprehensive resource includes safety guidelines, training tips, and packing lists to prepare for Gravel Day. Participant schedules are outlined for Friday evening and Saturday routes, plus important information for all Gravel Day Riders and Runners/Hikers to know.

Gravel Day Weekend

community gathering

Immerse yourself in the Gravel Day experience by joining us at Snow Fork Event Center for a community gathering on Friday evening, October 3, from 6-9pm. Enjoy music, food, drinks, and s’mores by the campfire to come together ahead of Saturday morning. All participants and supporters are welcome to attend, setting the stage for an incredible weekend in southeast Ohio.

Stay tuned for 2026 date and details!

Gravel Day Weekend

Camping

Gravel Day participants have the opportunity to camp on-site at Snow Fork Event Center on Friday evening. Campsites are available for tents, cars, RVs, and motorhomes to make the most of the outdoors, Gravel Day weekend experience.

Gravel Day FAQs

Gravel Day 2025 took place on October 4. The date has not yet been announced for Gravel Day 2026. Please stay tuned!

The minimum age to ride or volunteer is 14; however, any age can participate in Pelotonia as a Challenger.

Yes! Riders can participate in both Ride Weekend and Gravel Day. Riders’ fundraising commitment will increase based on the Ride Weekend route that they select. High Rollers ($5,000 fundraising minimum) will be able to participate in both events at no additional commitment increase.

Some more current road bikes (likely sold in the last five years) allow for more robust tires which is key for safety and the best experience during Gravel Day. The minimum tire width we would recommend is 35mm. Hardtail mountain bikes would also be a great option that would allow for better handling, more robust tires and a really fun experience.

Pelotons

Start or Join a Team

Interested in starting or joining a Peloton? Contact the Community Engagement team at pelotonia@pelotonia.org.

Funding Partners

Thanks to our generous funding partners

100% of every participant-raised dollar goes to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.