Now in its 18th year, the Waterbury Gravel Grinder has been at it since before gravel was cool. Join us for all your favorite classic Vermont backroads, local food, craft beer, and the iconic aid stations you know and love.
The Gravel Grinder is also the largest fundraiser for the Waterbury Area Trails Alliance, accounting for over 25% of our annual budget. By riding, you’re directly supporting the local trails that make Waterbury such a special place to recreate.
Whether you’re chasing miles or just looking to shake the rust off after a long winter, this ride delivers a quintessential Vermont gravel experience—equal parts challenge, community, and celebration, all while supporting a good cause.
Route Signage: Riders this year will be expected to be self-sufficient with route following! A handlebar-mounted GPS or cell phone synced with your respective route is HIGHLY encouraged. This will help with some of the more confusing turns or where vandalism of route signs has occurred in the past. We will mark certain major intersections and have queue sheets to help with turn by turn directions/mileage if a GPS or cell phone isn't an option for you. Also, our guide for any marked arrows is to only follow those arrows on the RIGHT side of the road (no pun intended).
Route Links (Options to cover most devices…)
The Traditional Grind: Keeping with the “Tradition” the traditional grind stays on the roads of Waterbury/Waterbury Center - heading straight up Perry Hill road, then meandering through the scenic backroads we all know and love. This route strikes the perfect balance of challenge and fun for anyone easing back to bike life after a winter of skiing or binge-watching Netflix. Along the way, you'll find all your favorite aid stations, beautiful views and good vibes.
26.2 Miles
2745 Vertical Feet Climbing
The Big Grind: You love the Traditional Grind… so this year we’re doing it twice! This one’s for the folks looking to rack up the elevation and really push themselves. Ride your favorite Waterbury Center roads, tackle the climbs, soak in the scenery and then, surprise - do it all again! Why settle for one grind when you can double the fun?
50.2 Miles
5,344 Vertical Feet Climbing
Location: The 18th Annual Gravel Grinder will be held at 5 pilgrim park in Waterbury Village Historic District! Lots of green space, tents, and fun.
Start Times: Big Grind Start - 8:30AM | Traditional Grind Start - 9:00AM | Traditional Run Start - Any time preferred (posted or earlier). Big Grind riders must begin the extension no later than 12PM past HQ to ensure that you can make it back in time before we're cleaned up. The second portion of the Big Grind has no aid stations, pleae prepare!
Online registration: Includes a limited edition Gravel Grinder t-shirt(must sign up by 4/25), aid stations, and food and beverage tickets after the event.
*We will be featuring the "Self-Guided Grind" ride again this year for anyone who might not be able to make the event or aren't into big group events. We'll map out the route for you and have a shirt waiting for local pick-up and you can complete the ride any time you'd like.
Refreshments
Pre-ride breakfast: STAY TUNED - some of your favorite amazing local shops will help get you fueled for the ride.
On the ride: We're still kitting out the mid-ride aid stations, but we will make sure you are fueled for miles ahead.
Post-ride refuel: After the ride, we will be serving up a tasty and satisfying meal in partnership with some of the best local restaurants this side of the Mississippi. They've taken great care of us in the past and we're stoked they're back this year. Beverages will be provided by Big Tree Brewing!
This event obviously would not be possible without the many generous sponsors who are donating things to help keep our bellies full, keep us hydrated or rehydrate us, last minute mechanical help, or even just unlimited stoke for the season upon us. WE ALL THANK YOU!
Your registration gets you a delicious meal and 2 drink tickets.
Weather: We ride rain or shine - it's a gravel grinder after all!