Event Overview
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, transforms into a gravel cycling mecca in August 2026 for SBT GRVL. Known for its 'Parity, Community, and Excellence' motto, this race has quickly risen to become one of the most prestigious gravel events in the world. The 'Black' course is the flagship—a brutal yet beautiful 140-mile loop through the Yampa Valley. With its high-altitude setting and 'Champagne Gravel' (smooth, fast-rolling surfaces), it offers a unique challenge that combines pure speed with grueling endurance.
Course Details & Terrain
The Black course features roughly 9,000 feet of climbing, most of which occurs at an elevation between 6,500 and 8,000 feet. While the gravel in Steamboat is famously smooth compared to the chunky flint of Kansas, the challenge lies in the sheer volume of climbing and the thin air.
Key sections include the Cow Creek climb, which is early and fast, and the infamous Corkscrew—a steep, winding descent that requires technical focus. The final quarter of the race features rolling hills that can be devastating if the Colorado sun is out in full force. The terrain is 90-95% gravel, with very few paved connectors, meaning your tires are constantly working.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
Beginners: SBT GRVL is very beginner-friendly because it offers multiple distances: Green (37 miles), Blue (60 miles), and Red (100 miles). The atmosphere is welcoming, and the surfaces are non-intimidating for those new to off-road riding.
Experienced/Elite: For the pros and seasoned gravel grinders, the Black course is a tactical war of attrition. At the elite level, it’s about staying in the lead group during the fast, flat sections and having the 'climbing legs' to survive the surges on the back half of the course.
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Altitude Hydration: You lose more water through respiration at high altitude, and the dry Colorado air hides how much you are sweating. Aim to drink 750ml to 1L of fluid per hour, with a high electrolyte concentration (at least 700-1000mg of sodium per liter).
- Aerodynamics Matter: Because the gravel is so fast, speeds are high. Drafting is a massive component of SBT GRVL. Find a group of riders with a similar pace and work together. This can save you up to 30% of your energy over the 140-mile distance.
- Tire Pressure is Key: Don't over-inflate. For 'Champagne Gravel,' you want a balance of low rolling resistance and comfort. For a 40mm tire, depending on rider weight, 28-35 PSI is usually the sweet spot to absorb the vibrations of 140 miles of dirt.
How to Train for This Event
Preparing for SBT GRVL requires a huge aerobic engine and the ability to produce power at altitude. Raye, your endurance coach, develops a customized WhatsApp training plan that focuses on 'Sweet Spot' intervals and long, sustained endurance rides. Raye also provides guidance on altitude acclimation and heat training, ensuring that when you line up in Steamboat Springs, you have the physical and mental stamina to conquer the Yampa Valley.