RiotGRRRaveL Debuts to Introduce Gravel Racing to Women, Their Families and Friends

Riot GRRRaveL is new to the Minnesota gravel scene this year with a 30-35 mile free race/ride that is designed to introduce more women to gravel racing.  Cyclist Ellie Skelton wanted to make this happen after watching her friend Trenton Raygor's Filthy 50 race come together. "The idea for the ride came from attending several biking events where the field was predominantly male. After riding the Filthy 50 last fall, I started thinking of ways to get women to try riding on gravel. 30 miles seemed like it would make a low barrier to entry for women who may have heard about longer gravel races but were intimidated by the long distances. Having two teenage daughters, I wanted to expose them to gravel racing as well. That's really the goal: get more women & teens excited about gravel racing."

Ellie at The Filthy 50
Image Credit:  Ellie Skelton

"We wanted something close to the Twin Cities.  Right now we're evaluating course options that are 30-35 miles. We definitely want to develop a scenic route with a good climb or two--but not as intense as some of the climbs on the Almanzo 100 course.  The ride will be unsupported with the same, "you are responsible for you," philosophy that other free gravel races have."

Riot GRRRaveL will be held on Saturday, June 21st south of Hastings, MN and will be limited to 100 riders.  The event will start at 9:30 am and have a time limit of five hours.  Is this a ride or is it a race?  The answer is both.  "We are open to however someone wants to ride this!  Riotgrravel will showcase the speed of  some of the area's amazing female gravel racers and offer an opportunity for new racers to experience an entry ride at their own pace."

Sign up, volunteer for race day or introduce someone new to gravel by visiting the sign up sheet.  Sponsors are also needed for Riot GRRRaveL, visit the sign up sheet to get in touch with Ellie and help her make this inaugural event a success.

For more updates or to share your first gravel racing stories with Ellie, visit the Riot GRRRaveL Facebook page.  Riot GRRRaveL is also on Instagram.