Visit Loudoun secures Gravel Grinder National Championship

The Gravel Grinder National Championship will make its Mid-Atlantic debut in May, bringing hundreds of riders to Loudoun.

Presented by US Endurance and in conjunction with Dirty Kitten Productions, the May 7 event will feature a 100-mile “Grinder Nationals” championship race and a 30-mile “Mini G” recreational ride beginning at B Chord Brewing Company and winding its way through Bluemont, Philomont, Purcellville and Round Hill.

“We chose Loudoun County for its amazing roads, beautiful scenery, friendly people and all of the amazing activities that are available when our participants and spectators are not riding,” US Endurance President Troy Farrar said.

Visit Loudoun, through its Loudoun Sports Tourism brand, secured this event as part of its continued effort to foster economic development through coordinating and developing Loudoun’s role as a leading destination for sporting events and organizations.

“We are very honored to be selected to host the Gravel Grinder Nationals in Loudoun County,” said Visit Loudoun Director of Sales and Services Torye Hurst, who also oversees Loudoun Sports Tourism. “Sports tourism can come in many forms, from attracting tournaments to our fields to unique opportunities like this to showcase our rural roads.”

The event is expected to attract 500 riders and their families. Open to the public, race categories include pro/open and age-group fields, as well as single-speed, fat tire, tandem, military, collegiate and e-bike options.

“Loudoun has one of the largest rural road networks in the country,” Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson said. “This is a great way to invite visitors to celebrate, preserve and experience this public and important historic asset while leaving nothing more than the footprint of a 1.42-inch bicycle tire. An event like this will also drive people to the wonderful businesses that make up Loudoun’s rural economy.”

There are no qualification requirements to participate in this event and registration is now open. Winners from each category will receive a custom USE Gravel Grinder National Champion Jersey by Champion-System. Volunteer opportunities are also available by contacting Farrar at advrace@aol.com. To register and get more information visit: http://grindernationals.com/

US Endurance has been producing and competing in off-road, endurance events for over 25 years. The groups’ mission is to support the positive growth of endurance events at the grassroots level. USE celebrates off-road endurance racers’ hard work, dedication and love of competition by producing national highlight events. These events provide the opportunity for athletes to compete with one another around the country for national championship status.

Dirty Kitten Productions is an event management and promotion company that produces and assists with cycling events throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Visit their website to learn more about their events: www.dirtykittengravel.com.