40 Miles of Gravel fun

Introducing the new 40—the half-pint remix of our classic 62-mile route that still brings the flavor, just in a smaller pour. This is just a ride, not a race. No timing chips, no pressure—just good gravel, good views, and a chance to enjoy yourself at your own pace. You’ll roll through river bends, farmland, and timber forests before heading into Rock Mills, where you must take a moment to check out the shoals at the old mill—seriously, it’s a vibe. With just enough elevation to feel accomplished and plenty of scenery to soak in, the 40 is the perfect early-season ride to stretch your legs and still make it back in time for the party.

All the Details

Start Location: Franklin, GA
Date: Feb. 28, 2026
Start Time: 10:30am
Field Limit: 200
Distance: 40 MILES
Estimated Completion: 2:00pm
Difficulty: Moderate

Additional Info: The cost of registration comes with entry to the ride, rider tee, swag bag, and post-ride festivities and post-ride drawing. (must register by Jan. 24 to be guaranteed a rider Tee)

Camping: We’re excited to be able to add camping for both tent and RV this year. Click here for full details.

Post Ride Food: Soups, chili, burgers, hotdogs and a few other things, including vegetarian options (and chips – as promised). There will also be a variety of beverage options including delicious frosty beer from our friends at Halfway Crooks.

COST

$85

See the Beauty of Heard County

Located along the Chattahoochee, Heard County is known for its stunning wooded river views and charming, historic downtown. Find inviting shops, restaurants, parks, campgrounds and monuments, all peacefully nestled below its lush green Georgia canopy.

WHAT YOU GET WITH REGISTRATION

When you register, you’re not just signing up for a race or ride; you’re signing up for an experience. Your registration includes a Dope Rider t-shirt, Morning Snacks & Coffee to fuel your start, Paved Parking for easy convenience to the festivities, SAG Support for any on-road assistance, Aid Stop Food and Drink to keep you hydrated and energized. Finisher embroidered badge for completing the distance, plus a Post-Ride Meal and Drink(s) to replenish your energy, Post-ride Entertainment to keep the fun going, and a Post-Ride Drawing for a chance to win exciting prizes. Registration also includes as much Kick-a$$ Photography and Video as our crew can manage to get.

PLUS FRIDAY SHAKEOUT RIDE
This year we will be including a 20ish mile shakeout ride starting in Downtown Franklin at 2:00PM. We’ll head out on some different roads from the route for an afternoon fun to get the legs primed for Saturday. We’ll supply the route the week before, so there’s no surprises.

SUNDAY COFFEE RIDE
Before you hit the road, let’s get the blood going again in the legs. We’ll have some morning Joe then head out for a 20ish mile very casual ride using another route not yet traveled. We’ll start from Downtown Franklin at 10:00AM. Like Friday’s shakeout ride, we’ll supply the route a week before.

FIELD LIMIT, Categories & PRIZES

200 total riders for the 40-mile ride.
First come, first serve. We will not have a waitlist and there will be NO DAY OF REGISTRATION.

CATEGORIES

OPEN – JUNIORS 15-18

JUNIOR COSTS ARE ONLY $40.00

PRIZES

THIS IS JUST A RIDE. ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE AND COMRADERY

ALL FINISHERS – HOMEGROWN GRAVEL 40-MILE FINISHERS STICKER

40-Mile Route

Update Feb. 19, 2026: This is the final version of the 2026 40-mile course.

NOTE: Should the weather turn south for the event, we will modify the course to keep you off the worst roads. We can’t guarantee there won’t be any mud, but we can limit enough of it to make it still a great day out on the bike, just maybe a little soggier than you like.