THE FORGE - 26.2 Mile Gravel Grinder 2026

The race.

The Forge Gravel Grinder is a 26.2-mile gravel event taking place on August 22, 2026, in Old Forge, NY. The race starts and finishes at the George T. Hiltebrandt Rec Center at 225 North Street. The course features loose rock terrain with significant elevation gain and includes several steep climbing sections. Riders may use gravel bikes, cyclocross bikes, hardtails, full suspension bikes, or fat bikes. Custom hammer awards are given to male finishers under 1 hour 42 minutes and female finishers under 1 hour 50 minutes. Overall winners in male, female, masters male, and masters female categories receive 1st through 3rd place awards; a fat bike division will be awarded if 10 or more participants enter that category. On-course support includes water and a sag vehicle, with no mechanical support available.