Rattlesnake Gravel Grind

Wednesday, March 18, 2026CR 264 , Sweetwater, TX

Event Details

Event Type

Gravel

Location

CR 264 Sweetwater, TexasOpen in Maps

Links

Website

Upcoming Dates

Wednesday, March 18, 2026Register

Event Location

About This Event

The Rattlesnake Gravel Grind is a premier West Texas cycling festival and community-driven fundraiser held in the "Gravel Capital of Texas." Part of a multi-day event, the race is renowned for offering more support than almost any other gravel event in the state. Proceeds benefit the five Volunteer Fire Departments of Nolan County, who also staff the many rest stops along the route. The event challenges riders with wide-open West Texas landscapes, featuring a mix of public gravel roads and exclusive access to private ranch trails. After conquering the "predictable unpredictability" of the terrain, participants gather for a massive post-race party with live Red Dirt country music and Texas-style hospitality.

Additional Information

Event Overview

Location: Lake Sweetwater Municipal Campground, County Road 264, Sweetwater, TX 79556
Registration: Categories include Gravel Open, XCMTB, and Juniors.
Distances: 100 miles (premier race), 70 miles, 50 miles, 30 miles, and 15 miles.
Perks: Entry includes an event t-shirt, OrangeSeal sealant, meal tickets (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and a drawing for one of 200 Western hats.
Prizes: A $10,000 total prize purse for the 100-mile race ($2,500 for 1st place M/F), plus custom belt buckles for age group winners.

Course Description

The course is characterized by its rolling hills and rugged valleys, with approximately 85% of the route consisting of unpaved surfaces including gravel and two-track ranch roads.

Sector	Description	Key Notes
Start/Finish	Lake Sweetwater Hub	Mass start beginning at 8:30 AM (100m) and 9:00 AM (all other distances).
Initial Miles	Paved / Hardpack	Often starts on paved road to allow the field to settle before hitting technical gravel.
Ranch Sectors	Private Two-Track	Exclusive access to local ranches; featuring rugged, scenic, and "gnarly" sections.
Rolling Valleys	Mixed Gravel	Relentless "up and down" hills across Nolan and Taylor Counties.
Support Zones	Aid Stations	Highly supported; stations every 8–10 miles staffed by local VFDs.
The Cutoff	Mile 76 (100m) / Mile 48 (70m)	Strict 2:30 PM cutoff; riders failing to reach this must take an alternate 17-mile return route.
The Finish	Lake Sweetwater	Final push back to the campground for the hamburger/hotdog lunch and live music.

A Recap of the Rattlesnake Gravel Grind

Rattlesnake Gravel Grind Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the course options and distances?

The event offers five fully supported gravel routes traversing scenic ranch roads, rolling hills, and rugged valleys:

100-Mile Race: The premier endurance challenge with a strict 2:30 PM time cut-off at mile 76.
70-Mile Open & XCMTB: A long-distance option for both gravel and cross-country mountain bikes.
50-Mile Open & XCMTB: A mid-distance competitive challenge.
30-Mile & 15-Mile: Shorter routes available for open categories and Juniors (ages 8–18).

2. What can winners expect for awards and prizes?

The event features a deep prize purse and unique custom trophies:

Cash Prizes: The 100-mile race typically features a $10,000 total prize purse, with $2,500 for 1st place (Male/Female).
Custom Buckles: Age group podium prizes across all distances include custom-designed belt buckles.
Podium Awards: Winners in various categories receive custom metal art prizes and gear from sponsors like Moosepacks.

3. What food is provided at the event?

Your registration includes multiple meals and on-course support:

Included Meals: Participants receive tickets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Post-Race Party: A celebratory hamburger and hotdog lunch is served in the park alongside live Texas country music.
Aid Stations: There are approximately 10 rest stops (every 8–10 miles) stocked with hydration and fuel, supported by local Volunteer Fire Departments.