The Ultimate Nebraska Adventure: Solstice Gravel Grinder

Conquer the Nebraska Backroads

Our mission is to foster a community of adventure-seekers. From the competitive "Hundy" to the more approachable "Kindler," every route is crafted to provide a mix of physical challenge and natural beauty. Expect a warm, inclusive atmosphere where the focus is on the journey, the camaraderie, and the shared experience of tackling the elements. We welcome riders of all skill levels to join us for a Saturday filled with dust, sweat, and the unmatched satisfaction of finishing a true gravel grinder.

What to Expect

Varied Terrain - Prepare for a diverse mix of steep hills, long rollers, and the legendary minimum maintenance roads that Nebraska is known for.
Scenic Vistas - Experience the quiet beauty of the countryside as you navigate northern and eastern Gage County.
Inclusive Atmosphere - With categories for juniors, teams, and e-bikes, this event is designed to bring the entire cycling community together.
Unique Trail Segments - Shorter routes feature sections of the historic Chief Standing Bear Trail, offering a smooth contrast to the rugged gravel roads.
Limited Field Sizes - To ensure a high-quality experience and maintain the community feel, several distances have capped registration numbers.

Course Description

The courses are designed to test your legs and your spirit, featuring a variety of surfaces that require both power and technical handling. From fast-rolling gravel to chunky minimum maintenance sectors, there is never a dull moment on these routes.

Route Name	Distance	Key Features
Solstice 100 (The Hundy)	100 Miles	The original challenge featuring the steepest hills and most technical minimum maintenance roads. Limited to 150 riders.
Solar Fiddy	66+ Miles	A substantial mid-distance grinder that captures the essence of the Hundy with a slightly shorter footprint. Limited to 150 riders.
The Kindler	38+ Miles	An approachable distance that mixes classic gravel with miles on the Chief Standing Bear Trail. Perfect for newer gravel riders.

Event Highlights

The Solstice Gravel Grinder is built on the spirit of innovation and inclusion. We have expanded our categories to ensure that every type of rider has a place at the start line. Our Hundy Team Relay and Single Speed Hundy Team Relay options bring a unique co-ed competitive element to the day, requiring at least one female rider per team to promote gender diversity in the sport.

For the younger generation, our Juniors Category in the Kindler and Fiddy distances offers a reduced-price entry to encourage youth participation in gravel cycling. We are also excited to support the growing e-bike community by offering dedicated Men’s and Women’s E-bike categories within the 38+ mile Kindler division. Beyond the ride, the vibe is all about community support and celebrating the grit it takes to finish. From the well-stocked aid stations to the post-ride stories shared among friends, the Solstice Gravel Grinder is the definitive way to kick off your summer of cycling.

See What Solstice Gravel Grinder Is All About

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain should I expect on the Solstice Gravel Grinder routes?

Riders will experience a beautiful mix of steep hills, rolling gravel, and challenging minimum maintenance roads north and east of Beatrice. The course is designed to showcase the scenic Nebraska countryside while providing an adventurous challenge for all participants.

Which distance is right for my skill level?

We offer three distinct routes to accommodate different goals and experience levels:

The Hundy (100 miles): Our original premier endurance challenge for experienced gravel grinders.
Solar Fiddy (66+ miles): A substantial mid-distance ride for those seeking a solid day in the saddle.
The Kindler (38+ miles): An accessible distance that includes scenic miles on the Chief Standing Bear Trail.

What type of bike and tires are recommended for this event?

A gravel bike or mountain bike is highly recommended to navigate the varied surfaces and steep rollers effectively. We suggest using tires with a width of 38mm or wider and a versatile tread pattern to handle the minimum maintenance road sections.

How do the Hundy Team Relay categories work?

The Hundy Team Relay and Single Speed Hundy Team Relay are co-ed events focused on community and teamwork. To qualify for these categories, each team is required to have at least one female rider on their roster.

Are E-bikes and younger riders allowed to participate?

Yes, we offer Men-s and Women-s E-bike categories specifically for the 38+ mile Kindler division. Additionally, we have Juniors categories for youth 18 and under in both the Kindler and Solar Fiddy distances to encourage the next generation of gravel riders.

Will there be aid stations and support along the course?

Strategic aid stations will be available to provide hydration and nutrition, but we encourage all riders to be self-sufficient by carrying basic repair kits and extra water. Check the event website for the latest details on station locations and post-ride community celebrations in Beatrice.

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