Pennsylvania’s premier gravel cycling event will offer cash prizes for the first time when unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley returns for its eighth edition on October 12, 2025.
Event organizers announced expanded racing options Tuesday, including a new 200-mile overnight race and lower entry fees for recreational riders. The event attracts cyclists from across the country to central Pennsylvania’s challenging terrain during peak fall foliage season.
“Some really want to test themselves against others so we’re putting more attention on the racing and results, including a cash purse to make it a little more serious than ‘racing for whoopie pies,'” said Dave Pryor, co-founder and event director.
The competitive “Race for Whoopie Pies” category will take racers across 130 miles featuring 13 hills and 11,500 feet of climbing. Organizers will time competitors over four segments totaling 56 miles and more than 7,000 feet of elevation gain. Six untimed aid stations will allow racers to refuel during the course.
Event officials plan equal prize money for men’s and women’s categories, with a podium presentation scheduled during the post-race party.
The event has expanded its inclusivity efforts since adding Non-Binary/Gender Expansive and Para-Cycling categories several years ago. Organizers will donate $100 to related charities for each Full-130 finisher in those categories this year, and will provide equal cash payouts if five or more riders complete the full distance.
“It’s amazing to see the wide variety of gravel cyclists that come to unPAved,” said Race Director Cimarron Chacon. “We’ve built the event with a lot of options.”
The new Big Lick-200 targets experienced backcountry adventurers seeking an ultra-endurance challenge. The popular SlumberPArty category combines overnight camping with catered breakfast service from Backyard Beans Coffee Company.
Recreational riders can choose distances ranging from 30 to 130 miles using interconnected course loops. All participants receive whoopie pies and finisher prizes at the concluding DONEpaved Party.
The event has grown from a single-day race to a three-day weekend celebration. Activities begin Friday night with pub crawls through Lewisburg, continue Saturday with the Lewisburg Fall Festival and social rides, and conclude Sunday with the main racing events.
“The Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau has proudly supported the unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley gravel cycling event since its launch in 2018,” said Judy Machesic, member and community engagement director. “Over the years, we’ve watched it grow into a premier event that draws riders from across the country.”
Corporate sponsors include Stan’s NoTubes, Lauf Cycles, New Trail Brewing, and more than a dozen cycling industry companies. Event proceeds support Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Penns Valley Pedals and Pints.
Registration opens at bikereg.com/unpaved-of-the-susquehanna-river-valley. The full event schedule runs October 10-12, 2025, in central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River Valley.
