20-Mile Ride Notes

Homegrown Gravel Adventure — 20 Mile Route
Brought to you by Outback Bikes — Ride what you dig. Celebrating 40 years serving Georgia’s cycling community.

This is the 2026 20-mile route. It follows the opening miles shared by all distances until you reach Houston — Houston, we don’t have a problem — as long as you use caution once you turn off Strickland Road onto Tower Road and ride the downhills with care.

Tower Road: The county has recently resurfaced this road with a fresh crushed asphalt and gravel mix. It’s mostly smooth riding, but ruts have formed near the bottom of each descent, so stay alert and ride within your comfort zone.

Turn-by-turn cues are included in the GPX and TCX files, as well as on Ride with GPS:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53977236

A few additional notes:

• This route is roughly a 50/50 blend of gravel and pavement on mostly low-traffic roads. You will have two very short sections on Highway 219 at approximately mile 8.5 and mile 14 that may see a bit more traffic — use a little extra caution, though volumes are still generally low.

• Total climbing is approximately 1,300 feet, with nearly half occurring between miles 8.5 and 14.

• If you’re feeling unsure of your fitness by mile 8.5 and don’t want to tackle the next gravel section (which includes a few descents), you can stay on Highway 219 for one mile and turn right onto Boggus Road to rejoin the route.

• An aid station will be located at mile 11.5 in Houston — little more than a crossroads with an old water well, but a welcome stop nonetheless.

Remember, this is a fun ride — not a race. Take your time, ride with friends, and enjoy the day.

Also remember, this is an open course route. While traffic is generally very light, you are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and riding safely.

40-Mile Ride Notes 

Homegrown Gravel Adventure — 40 Mile Route
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This is the 2026 40-mile route — a straightforward day out with mostly smooth, fast gravel and just a few spots that deserve a little extra attention.

Turn-by-turn cues are included in the GPX and TCX files, as well as on Ride with GPS:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49724529

A few notes of caution: This route travels to Rock Mills and briefly into Alabama, so you’ll be in Central Time for approximately 8 miles.

The gravel is generally smooth and fast with the following exceptions:

• Mile 12: Downhill to a wooden bridge with slats. Ride the slats and stay off the middle and edges.

• There is occasionally a dog near the first aid stop, but they are typically well behaved.

• Past Glenn, you’ll turn left onto County Road 683. This lightly traveled road can be rutty and slick with pine straw, with a downhill and chunkier gravel at the bottom — use caution.

• Mile 21: Another downhill to a wooden bridge with slats. Ride the slats and avoid the middle and sides.

• Please ride single file on Highway 22 in Rock Mills. You are on this road for about one mile and it carries more traffic than the rest of the route — stay alert.

• Around mile 25 on County Road 660, stay right at the T intersection. This road can be a bit rutted, and once you cross back into Georgia the gravel gets thicker — take care.

• Use caution on Lipham Road, which features a few steeper downhills and some loose gravel.

• Within the first and last mile on Glover Road, you may encounter some mud where it comes onto the road. It’s usually minor — if you’re uncomfortable riding it, please walk.

Remember, this is an open course route. While traffic is generally very light, you are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and riding safely.

62-Mile Ride Notes  

Homegrown Gravel Adventure — 62 Mile Route
Brought to you by Earth Shaking Music — your source for instruments, gear, and everything you need to make a little noise after your ride. 

This is the final version of the 62-mile Homegrown Gravel Adventure route — a full day out with a steady rhythm of rolling gravel, quiet backroads, and just enough bite to keep things interesting.

Turn-by-turn cues are included in the GPX and TCX files, as well as on Ride with GPS:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54012772

A few notes of caution:

• This route travels into Alabama, so you’ll be on Central Time for nearly half the ride — plan accordingly.

• This is an open course route and you must obey all traffic laws. Please be observant of traffic around you when turning and share the road on paved sections. We’ve done our best to keep you on low-traffic pavement and gravel roads that are both scenic and challenging.

• Wooden bridges (around mile 12.5 and elsewhere): There are numerous wooden bridges along the route, noted in the cues as best as possible. Riders have gone down here in past years. Ride the two wood slats and avoid the center and edges — this applies to all bridges.

• Mile 32: Creek crossing — typically rideable. Use caution when crossing.

• Convenience store — Shotgun One: Located just after the second aid stop and slightly off course. They are aware of the event and happy to help — please consider buying something or leaving a tip if you use the restroom.

• Mile 55: Downhill to another wooden bridge with slats. Ride the slats and avoid the middle and sides.

• Much of the gravel in Alabama is not regularly maintained — expect potholes, ruts, loose surfaces, and occasional larger rocks. If a car can drive it, your bike can handle it — just stay alert and ride within yourself.

Aid stations are located around miles 16, 37, and 46.

Remember: traffic is typically very light, but you are responsible for riding safely and respecting the road.