GRizzly Gravel Hugger
Grizzly Gravel Hugger: Important Race Details
Day Of Registration is available if you missed cutoff for online.
The race starts at 10 a.m. Saturday June 21
Getting there: the race starts and finishes on the south side of Howard Prairie Lake. GPS coordinates: Click here for a Google Maps location, or click here for directions from the base of Dead Indian Memorial Road in Ashland. Expect a 45-minute drive from the south Ashland I-5 exit.
Parking: All racers can park at the start-finish area.
Packet pickup: is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the starting line on Race Day.
The route is very technical. If you can download your race route GPS files to your bike computer or cell phone, please do so. This course is tricky, and there are many small roads everywhere. While we will do our best to mark the course, it’s essential to be prepared.
Camping is available at the start-finish area on Friday and Saturday nights. There are van, tent, and RV dry camping options. This is dispersed camping, not a campground. We have portable toilets available. If you prefer actual campgrounds, there are several in the area. If you’re not into camping, no problem. There are plenty of hotels in the Medford area. Just be prepared for the over-an-hour drive from Medford to the start-finish area.
Tire Selection: I would recommend 50mm or possibly larger if you can fit them. There are sections of loose cinders, and occasionally some chunky roads. It won’t hurt to have bigger tires. I currently have 45mm Schwalbe G-One RS on and they were fine.
Spectators: See the spectator route here. There are several places you can get access to the route easily. But do not drive the course during the event. For one, we don’t need traffic on the sleepy dusty roads. Two, there are several roads used that are two track, so a vehicle will take up the whole road. Third, the tunnel of love is only rideable on a bike or a motorcycle! You will block the whole race if you try to get in there!!
Missing some details you want? Email ben@ashlandgreenhouses.com and I will try and add them.
The routes are updated
RideWithGPS and Strava uploadable files are finally here.
the full hug
71 MILES / 5,000+ft climbing
The Full Hug route is designed for those craving a robust challenge. Covering 71 miles with 5,000 feet of climbing, this course offers a mix of hard-packed fast gravel, loose sandy sections, and the distinctive "Forest Floor" paths without gravel. Set on a plateau, it avoids many of our region’s notorious sustained climbs, delivering a balanced ride with steady pacing and high overall speeds.
the half hug
45 miles / 3,300+ft climbing
For riders seeking a shorter adventure, the Half Hug provides a compact version of the Grizzly Gravel Hugger experience. Spanning roughly 40-50 miles, this route features a selection of the same gravel surfaces and terrains as the Full Hug but with half the commitment. It’s perfect for cyclists who want a taste of the action without going the full distance.
Grizzly Social Ride
30 miles (tbd) - 2,100+ft climbing
Looking to have some fun, enjoy beautiful gravel terrain and be free to push yourself while feeling the joy of exploration? The Grizzly Social Ride is the route for you. Don’t let the title fool you — this ain’t no baby bear, and at 30 miles, it’s still a good day in the saddle while not being too overly ambitious. You’ll get to experience the same first miles as the bigger rides, then cruise your way back to base at whatever pace you want.