VT Monster Gravel Grinder - Stratton, VT

Get ready to unleash your inner Monster in Summer 2026 at the VT Monster Gravel Grinder, one of New England’s most epic gravel bike challenges! Starting and finishing at the iconic Stratton Mountain Resort, this legendary ride throws down three killer distance options — the 48-mile Nano, the classic 78-mile Sentinel, and the full-on 101-mile Titan — each weaving through Vermont’s breathtaking backcountry with over 70% gravel and rugged mixed surfaces that test strength, grit, and pure determination. 

From steep climbs and technical descents to memorable rest stops and a vibrant finish-line atmosphere, the VT Monster is more than a ride — it’s a gravel adventure you’ll be talking about all season! 

VT Monster Nano Course – 48 Miles – Don't be fooled by the Nano Monster, it packs a punch in its pint size. After few rollers and scenic down hill to Jamaica, the course makes a sharp right turn on to the first big climb of the day. There is one tough class IV section on Mowery Road that has a steep, technical and loose decent followed by a stiff climb that will likely require a dismount at the peak. Then a long technical decent bringing you to the river river trail. This year we have to ride around the West River Trail and the Devils Staircase due extensive debris and trail damage from heavy rains last year. We’ll route around on Route 30 to the Townshend Dam, where you'll find the rest stop before the final 22 mile climb back up to Stratton Mountain.

VT Monster Sentinel Course – 78 Miles – – The Stalwart Sentinel is our original Monster distance. The course is mostly gravel roads but has a few challenging nuggets. 1 Class IV section just after Rest stop 2 that has some wet spots and rough terrain. It trends downward and is rideable but if in doubt, dismount. There are a few wet rocky sections and better safe then sorry. There are two ripping descents, stay in control, bringing you down to Rt 30.  This year we have to ride around the West River Trail and the Devils Staircase due extensive debris and trail damage from heavy rains last year. We’ll route around on Route 30 to the Townshend Dam, where you'll find the rest stop before the final 22 mile climb back up to Stratton Mountain.

VT Monster Titan – 101 Miles – The Astral Titan is the colossal beast of the day. The course largely follows the 78 mile Sentinel but has 3 leg crushing divergents adding spectacular views and gravity defying vertical. This course shares the Class IV section just after Rest stop 2 and the descents to RT 30. This year we have to ride around the West River Trail and the Devils Staircase due extensive debris and trail damage from heavy rains last year. We’ll route around on Route 30 to the Townshend Dam, where you'll find rest stop 3. From there it is 33 miles back up to Stratton Mount and the finish. Make sure you stock up on water and fuel!