SBT GRVL, a world-class gravel bike experience presented by Canyon Bicycles, is launching a new virtual ride in place of the canceled August event. SBT VRTL is a free community ride experience that will be held on Sunday, August 16, with participants choosing where, when and how long to ride.
“After announcing the cancellation of our event, we knew we wanted to still create a memorial gravel experience for everyone and couldn’t just leave this amazing gravel community without a goal on their calendars.” said Ken Benesh, co-founder and race director of SBT GRVL. “SBT VRTL will give new to experienced gravel riders from around the world a chance to participate in an epic day, stay connected with fellow riders and give back to our bike and local communities.”
Leading with the core value of inclusivity, SBT VRTL will be open to all, regardless if riders were registered for the original event. Participants will be able to choose any of the four distances from SBT GRVL (GREEN 37 miles, RED 64 miles, BLUE 103 miles or BLACK 144 miles) and can ride inside or outside, solo or with family. Riders can select a local route they know or the SBT GRVL team has created suggested routes for 34 cities across the USA, and will unveil these routes beginning in July.
Furthering its pillar of advocacy, SBT VRTL will give riders the ability to give back to Steamboat Springs and cycling community nonprofits. Participants who want to support SBT GRVL’s advocacy partners will have the opportunity to make donations upon registration and leading up to the August event. Any donation of $1 or more will enter riders to win a number of prizes from sponsors throughout the summer and on the day of the virtual ride event. Those riders not currently deferred to SBT GRVL 2021 will have the opportunity to guarantee their registration and entry into the 2021 event by donating $50 or more to any of SBT GRVL’s designated advocacy partners which include People for Bikes, NICA GRIT, Alpine Bank, Community Agriculture Alliance, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Colorado.
Registration is open, and you can sign up for SBT VRTL now. The SBT GRVL team urges all participants to continue to adhere to safety precautions in their areas.
Stay tuned for suggested route announcements by following SBT GRVL on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For additional information, please visit sbtgrvl.com.
About SBT GRVL
SBT GRVL launched August 2019 as a world-class gravel bike experience committed to Beauty, Inclusivity, Family, Challenge, and Fun. The event enables gravel fans of all ability levels to experience the unmatched gravel roads winding around and through the iconic, beautiful mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colo. Riders are invited to push their abilities on four-course distances ranging from 37 miles to 144 miles. Those seeking the ultimate challenge can saddle up to 9,400 feet of climbing on the Black 144-mile racecourse—a sought-after title for endurance gravel pros. The Blue Course is a ‘best-of-Steamboat’ experience wrapped up in 103 miles and the Red course is a condensed 64-mile “best of” route offering challenge, beauty and fun. The Green Course is a 37-mile introduction to the area’s unrivaled gravel roads. Come experience high-altitude gravel, a weekend full of events for the whole family and ranch-town hospitality at SBT GRVL.
Photo courtesy of SBT GRVL.