The Homegrown Gravel Adventure (formerly known as Border Wars) is a premier early-season cycling event held in the "gravel country" of Franklin, Georgia. Known for its independent spirit and festival atmosphere, the race takes participants through the remote, rolling hills of the Georgia-Alabama border.

Course Description

The course is characterized by a "constant up and down" rhythm with a diverse mix of road surfaces.

Terrain: Expect a combination of normal gravel, hard-packed Alabama red clay (which can become sticky when wet), and sections of "secluded pavé," dirt, sand, and singletrack.
The "Hooch" and Beyond: Routes typically feature scenic views of the Chattahoochee River basin and crossings into Alabama.
Elevation & Difficulty: The flagship courses are grueling, with the 100-mile route featuring roughly 8,500 feet of climbing and grades that can reach 27%. Most routes include at least one ridable creek crossing.

Event Highlights

Festival Atmosphere: The event includes a full After-Party in downtown Franklin featuring live music, a community market with over 30 vendors, and a bike expo.
Weekend Schedule: The festivities often span three days, including a Friday afternoon "Shakeout Ride" and a Sunday morning "Coffee Ride".
Post-Ride Feast: Finishers enjoy a catered meal with options like chili (meat and veggie), burgers, and jambalaya, along with "frosty beer" from local partners like Halfway Crooks.
Unique Awards: Top finishers in the competitive categories (62 and 100 miles) receive custom, hand-thrown ceramic "Honey Pot" trophies.

Participant Details

Location: Franklin City Square, Franklin, GA 30217.
Registration: Register online. There is no day-of registration for the major race distances.
Distances:
- 20 Miles: An out-and-back "intro" ride with 1,200' elevation.
- 40 Miles: A "punchy" non-competitive ride with ~3,000' of climbing.
- 62 Miles: A "classic" race distance with 4,000'–5,000' of climbing.
- 100 Miles: The signature "soul-crusher" race for experienced endurance riders.
Mandatory Gear: A helmet and a rear flashing light are required; a front light is also recommended. Because the course is not marked, participants must use a GPS device or phone with the route downloaded.

Homegrown Gravel Adventure Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the route options at Homegrown Gravel Adventure?

We offer four distance options to suit every rider: a brand-new 20-mile intro ride perfect for those new to gravel, a punchy 40-miler, the classic 62-mile race, and our full-send 100-mile soul-cleanser for the truly committed. Whether you're testing the gravel waters or going all-in, there's a Homegrown route with your name on it.

What kind of terrain should I expect?

The Homegrown course features the real-deal Southern gravel we're known for - think constant up and down rolling hills through the Georgia-Alabama border region. You'll experience two distinct states of gravel packed into one unforgettable ride, mixing red clay therapy with genuine mixed-surface adventure. It's gritty, grassroots, and gloriously unpolished - exactly as gravel should be.

What tire and bike setup do you recommend?

Check the event website for the latest course updates and detailed terrain breakdowns to help inform your setup. Generally, gravel-specific tires with decent tread for mixed surfaces are your friend on Southern clay. Most riders come prepared for variable conditions - bring what works for your chosen distance and the conditions on race day.

Is this event suitable for beginners?

Absolutely - we built the brand-new 20-mile intro ride specifically for riders new to gravel or testing the waters. But Homegrown welcomes all skill levels across all distances. This is a community-focused event where folks shake off cobwebs, get dirty, and celebrate the joy of riding bikes together. Whether you're a local or flying south to escape the snow, there's a place for you here.

Are there aid stations on the course?

Check the event website for specific details on aid station locations and support along each route. Longer distances (62 and 100 miles) will have support stations to keep you fueled and hydrated through the rolling terrain.

What makes Homegrown different from other gravel events?

Homegrown is grassroots through and through - no corporate rulebook, no cookie-cutter courses, just real-deal Southern gravel organized by folks who want a pat on the back and a cold drink after a job well done. All profits, after expenses, go straight back to the Franklin community. Plus, you get an early-season festival atmosphere with finish-line brews and the chance to chase chili with your fellow riders in the post-ride community celebration.

How do I get to Franklin, Georgia?

Homegrown is just an hour south of Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport - one of the world's busiest and easiest to fly into. If you're looking to skip the snow and start your season warm, pack your bike and head south. It's the perfect destination event for riders wanting to escape winter and ride in shorts (or maybe knickers and arm-warmers) under Southern sunshine.

Homegrown Gravel Adventure

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