BOULDER, Colorado (June 5, 2025) — Tucked high in Colorado’s Front Range, at the cusp of alpine wilderness and bohemian charm, Nederland is no stranger to grit, grandeur, or good coffee. But once a year, the town’s winding roads, wildflower-lined climbs, and weathered soul converge in something altogether magical: Ned Gravel.
Now entering its fifth edition on July 12, the Ned Gravel event returns not only bigger, but more thoughtfully dialed than ever—a celebration of both cycling’s rugged individualism and its enduring power to build community.
From its start in 2021, Ned Gravel has quickly evolved into a must-ride for gravel connoisseurs. Equal parts challenge and celebration, the race attracts everyone from elite riders chasing altitude-induced transcendence to locals and newcomers eager to test their legs—and lungs—on some of the highest gravel terrain in the U.S. Courses range from accessible to audacious, with routes spanning altitudes of 8,000 to 10,300 feet, across a medley of chunky dirt, weathered tarmac, technical descents, and grinding climbs.
But Ned Gravel is more than just elevation and watts. It’s a vibe. A mountain town festival-meets-endurance crucible, where inclusivity and community aren’t marketing bullet points—they’re baked into the DNA.
“Ned Gravel is such a great bike race, but it’s also so much more than that,” says Founder and Race Director Gavin Coombs. “We’ve worked hard to cultivate something that feels genuinely local, genuinely inclusive—and powerful in its ability to give back.”
Indeed, every rider who clips in is also supporting something far bigger. Ned Gravel is the flagship event for the Peak to Peak Endurance Foundation, a nonprofit rooted in Nederland that funds youth sports programs including hockey, soccer, basketball, and mountain biking. With registration proceeds and fundraising efforts, the event is expected to top $50,000 in local contributions this year—a milestone that reflects the generosity and values of the Ned Gravel community.
The expo and race bring a seasonal boost to Nederland’s economy as well, filling cafés, taprooms, and restaurants with riders and spectators who often return later in the year—not for a KOM, but for a good pour-over or a hike with the family.
Still, make no mistake: Ned Gravel is a serious test of form. Whether tackling the short but spiky “Taster” course or the grueling “Big Daddy” route, riders should come prepared for lung-searing climbs and technical terrain—with panoramic payoffs and a roaring local crowd to soften the suffering.
But the real magic? It’s the feeling that this race—this place—belongs to everyone. The vibe is unfussy, the support is fierce, and the air at 9,000 feet has a way of clearing more than just the lungs.
Event Details
Nederland, Colorado
July 12, 2025
nedgravel.com
Come for the gravel. Stay for the soul.
