Homer Gravel Grinder

Welcome to the Homer Gravel Grinder! Join us for this fun, exciting and rider favorite gravel race due to its mostly flat and fast course on Saturday, August 23rd at 8:00 am! The gravel race will start and end at the tranquil village of Homer, Ohio situated between Columbus and Cleveland, and a convenient venue from all parts of the state.

The rolling course features some stunning views of Ohio's country landscapes of Licking and Knox Counties that will test and challenge the beginner gravel cyclist to the most experienced.

Note: Event has a participation cap so register early! Note: Event shirts have participant names listed if registered by August 10.

COURSE INFORMATION

There are several course options - 21,30 and 60 mile options for gravel cyclists, mountain bikers, adventure cyclists and riders of all levels.

The 21 mile course features a mix of rolling terrain and scenic views for participants who may be new to gravel or not ready to take on the 30 mile distance.

The 30 mile course features a mix of rolling terrain and several modest climbs and downhills that give you a thrilling ride.

The 60 mile course is 2 laps on the 30 mile course.

Both courses have several flat and fast sections that will allow you to drop into a bigger gear and hammer. The ratio of gravel to paved surfaces is approximately 60:40. Regardless of the course you choose, you are certain earn your finish.

30 Mile & 60 Mile Course - Click HERE

21 Mile Mile Course - Click HERE

All turns and road crossing will contain directional signs and Licking and Knox County Sheriff Deputies supporting key turns and areas on the course (see Traffic Control Plan below). Rules of the road are in effect for all areas where a county sheriff is not staged to provide you with the right away.

Technical Support on the course may be available and a sweep vehicle will bring any cyclist back to the finish if you can not continue.

Although course support is available, each cyclist should be self-sufficient and carry your own water, hydration, food, spare tubes, and tools, etc. We encourage cyclists to take care of each other on the course. If you see a disabled cyclist, please stop and give them a hand. If you stop and help a rider and are unable to continue yourself because you stopped, no worries we will comp your entry into next year's event or another event. We are strong advocates for cyclists taking care of each other.

KEY EVENT INFORMATION

Event Location: Northridge-Homer Ball Fields 1427 Homer Road NW, Homer, OH 43027

Main Parking: 1227 Homer Rd NE, Homer, OH 43027 **

Overflow Parking: Homer Ball Fields – off Simmons RD behind Fire Station **

** Note: There is no parking in Ballfield parking lots.

The entrance to the Main Parking will be off Homer Rd NE. The exit will be to South Street. If you finish early, remember that Homer Rd is an active part of the bike course to please use the South Street exit to OH-661.

Packet Pick-up: SATURDAY, August 23: 6:30 am – 7:45 am – Event Site

Packets will include your race number bib, official navigation cue sheets (See Attached), and twist ties for bib. All race bibs are placed flat on the front of handlebar. The race bib contains a foam timing device. Please do not remove it from the back of your bib. Also, please check to make certain a foam device is attached before starting your distance.

POST-EVENT CELEBRATION

One Love Café and Bike Shop will be providing post-event goodies. Each participant will receive a ticket after they finish which will can be redeemed for your choice of a:

• Protein Cake
• Baklava
• Smoothies (strawberry banana, wild berry, peach)
• Coffee items (Iced coffee, espresso, Iced Latte, Americano)
  

There will also be bottled water and light snacks available.

AWARDS, DIVISIONS, SWAG & MORE

Overall Finish Awards: The top 3 Overall Male, Female, and Non-Binary finishers in each distance (21, 30 & 60) race will receive a custom award to commemorate your finish. (Note: Recreational division not eligible for awards)

Age Division Awards: The top Male and Female division winners will receive a custom commemorative award. Division categories: Open, U19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Fat Bike division: Cyclists must have tires 3.8 inches (97 m) or larger. The Top overall male and female in the Fat Bike Division will receive a commemorative award celebrating their placement. All division participants will be timed.

Recreational division for non-competitive cyclists in the 21 and 30 mile distances. E-Bikes are permitted but must participate in the recreational division. There are no awards for this category.

Official Homer Gravel Grinder Event Shirt and Official Homer Gravel Grinder Hoodie are available for purchase in registration. (NOTE: Items pictured are from 2024).

MYLAPS TIMING

All Homer Gravel Grinder cyclists will be timed by the MyLaps timing and scoring system, the leader in cycling timing around the Globe. Each cyclist will receive a bib tag plate to attach to their handlebars to capture their start and finish times. Live results will be displayed on large screen monitors at the race site.