Dirty Kitten Gravel Race

DIRTY KITTEN GRAVEL RACE 6.0

JULY 26-28, 2024 @ LOCUST HILL FARM & PRESERVE (Rapidan, VA)

Presented by Dirty Kitten Productions 

The Dirty Kitten Gravel Race (DKGR) is an adventure gravel race on private farm roads in Rapidan, VA. 

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Locust Hill Farm & Preserve encompasses over 5,000 continuous acres of privately-owned land with approximately 20 miles of scenic farm roads. The course explores this historic farm on gravel & dirt roads that run along the Robinson River, pass serene creeks and ponds, weave through open fields, and cross wooded forest trails. This area is a gravel & adventure cycling enthusiast’s dream as well as a beautiful wildlife haven.

The DIRTY KITTEN is co-hosted by Dirty Kitten Productions and local equestrian group, Bull Run Hunt. It serves as a partial fundraiser for our WTFNB "off-road" cycling team (Dirty Kitten Racing) and helps to raise money for local non-profit organizations in the surrounding area.

DKGR 2024 features the 6th Edition of this event as an official gravel race. Your entry fee includes an amazing adventure-gravel experience, official start/finish & lap timing, full event results, partial ride support, on-course aid stations (2), post-ride food and beverages, commemorative event swag, and payout or merchandise prizes for the top 3-5 finishers in each category/field for the Supreme, Full, and Basic distances provided by our generous event sponsors (see prize list below). NOTE: The Mini Purrito is a non-competitive category. 

There are off-site camping options available for both Friday & Saturday (at an additional cost). Specific course preview information will be shared closer to the event date. See “Camping” and “Course Preview” sections for further information.

Registration: DIRTY KITTEN GRAVEL RACE 6.0

Opens March 18, 2024 on BikeReg.com

www.bikereg.com/dirty-kitten-gravel-race

*There are a total of 500 event registration spots available. 200 of these will be "reserved" for women & non-binary participants through May 1, 2024. After that date, any remaining spots will be made available. If there are riders on the waitlist, they will be contacted and added at that time.

Categories: 

Women's, Men's, Non-Binary Overall - Supreme Purrito (80) ONLY
Women's, Men's, Non-Binary Open - All Distances (20/40/60/80)
Women's, Men's, Non-Binary Masters (45+/55+/65+) - Supreme & Full Purrito ONLY
Women's, Men's, Non-Binary SingleSpeed - Supreme & Full Purrito ONLY
Women, Men, Non-Binary Juniors (Under 18) - All Distances (20/40/60/80)
Schedule: Subject to change depending on weather and safety precautions (UPDATED)

Friday 7/26 - Early check-in & open course preview (3:00-6:00pm) 
Saturday 7/27 - Check-in (6-7:30am); Race 8:00am-4:00pm (start final lap by 2pm based on pace); Deluxe Supreme Adventure Purrito Check-in (6-7am, rolling start 6:30-7:30am window)
Sunday 7/28 - Check-in (7-8:30am); Race 9:00am-3:00pm (start final lap by 1pm based on pace)
Payout & Prizes: Guaranteed cash payout for Supreme Purrito Overall finishers (Top 3) in the Women's, Non-Binary, and Men's fields - $1500 total ($500 each field) 3 deep sponsored by Reynolds Subaru of Orange. Payout amount may increase based on overall registration numbers and additional sponsorships but will not be reduced and will remain EQUAL for all fields. The Mini Purrito 20 is a non-competitive category this year (no prizes). 

Women's, Men's, Non-Binary Overall (Supreme Purrito ONLY) - Cash (Top 3)
Women's, Men's, Non-Binary Open (Supreme/Full/Basic) - Merchandise (Top 3-5)
Women's, Men's, Non-Binary Masters (Supreme & Full) - Merchandise (Top 3-5)
Women's, Men's, Non-Binary SingleSpeed (Supreme & Full) - Merchandise (Top 3-5)
Women, Men, Non-Binary Juniors (Supreme/Full/Basic) - Merchandise (Top 3-5)
Overall Team Award - DKGR Team Trophy 
*We will award the "Overall Team" trophy based on the number of TOTAL team members who participate in the entire event (across all distances & categories, including volunteer duties).

Entry Fee Schedule: Registration opens to the public on March 18, 2024 @ 8pm EST. Entry fees will increase on April 1st, May 1st, and June 1st. Participants who register for BOTH Saturday & Sunday events will receive a $10 discount on their 2nd entry. Junior riders receive a $5-10 registration discount.

Purrito Supreme (80) - $85, $90, $95, $100
Full Purrito (60) - $75, $80, $85, $90
Basic Purrito (40) - $65, $70, $75, $80
Mini Purrito (20) - $55, $60, $65
*We offer registration discounts to Regional, National, and World Champions in any discipline, as well as Dirty Kitten event volunteers and select event partner/sponsor ambassadors. We also offer a student discount option. Contact the Event Directors for further information and coupon codes prior to registration (DKGR@dirtykittengravel.com)

NO REFUNDS!!! Unfortunately, there are NO refunds, but you can transfer your entry to someone on the waitlist (see below). A $10 transfer fee will be applied. 

Entry Transfers: All transfers must be completed prior to July 19, 2024. If you are unable to participate and would like to transfer your entry OR if you would like to move into another category/field, you can do so directly through BikeReg (info here). 

Course Info: The 2024 DKGR course will be similar to previous years (a 20-mile lap with approx. 1,000 ft of elevation gain each lap). Yes, there is a VERY STEEP climb about halfway through the lap (containing grades over 20%) that is rideable by some but a hike-a-bike for most. Be prepared to suffer. Only the toughest can conquer the KITTEN CRUSHER CLIMB!!

Dirty Kitten Purrito Supreme - 4 laps (approx. 80 mi, 4000 ft elevation)
Dirty Kitten Full Purrito - 3 laps (approx. 60 mi, 3000 ft elevation)
Dirty Kitten Basic Purrito - 2 laps (approx. 40 mi, 2000 ft elevation)
Dirty Kitten Mini Purrito - 1 lap (approx. 20 mi, 1000 ft elevation)
The DKGR course is 100% unpaved with the majority of the terrain being secluded gravel farm roads, as well as some dirt/grass double-track sections. The roads vary from smooth, groomed sections to rough, choppy, bumpy areas with the possibility of some mud if there is rain. The race will be run in 3 separate groups (see start/finish info below) starting 10-15 minutes apart. 

Please keep in mind that this is a working farm. Although we are in constant contact with the landowners and farmers to ensure everyone’s safety, there is a possibility that you will encounter farm vehicles, livestock, and wildlife. Eyes up and ears open at all times!!

*Gravel, cross, and mountain bikes are recommended (anything with 32mm tires and up). Road bikes are NOT a good choice. Sorry, no e-bikes are allowed at this time. HELMETS REQUIRED! NO AEROBARS!!

*NEW Dirty Kitten Deluxe Supreme Purrito Adventure Ride (Fondo-style): approx 100 miles, mixed-surface, adventure ride from the Dirty Kitten course through the surrounding area along the base of the Blue Ride Mountains (participants must be able to ride fully self-supported for at least 100-miles of mixed pavement & gravel terrain). There will be 1 planned rest stop along the way. Riders will be selected based on a complete questionnaire. We will limit final registration to ~25 participants for this first year. Register on the waitlist and you will be contacted with further information.  

Start/Finish: The event will span over 2 days with the longer distances (60 & 80 miles) on Saturday and shorter distances (20 & 40 miles) on Sunday. Participants will start in “waves” based on distance and registration category/field (Elite, Open, Masters, etc). There will be a neutral roll-out for the first ~1 mile. Official timing by Full Send Racing.

Elevation Profile & Maps: We will post updated elevation profiles and course maps on our website and social media pages (example map & elevation profile below), but keep in mind that participants are not allowed on site before race day (see “Private Property” section). The only public portions of the course are on Robinson River Road/Rt.721 and a small portion of Peacock Lane (which are local, gravel roads). Participants are expected to stay right of center and obey regular traffic laws when riding these sections (there will be signs and volunteers stationed at areas where the course turns onto these roads).

 

Private Property: What makes the DKGR unique is that it is 100% unpaved and runs through beautiful, historic farmland. The vast majority of the DKGR course (~90%) is on private property. Locust Hill Farm & Preserve is a working farm that we have so graciously received permission to use from the landowners for this event. Riding ANY private sections of the course prior to designated pre-rides or race day will be considered trespassing and could seriously jeopardize the event, as well as our ability to host anything at this venue in the future (and will result in immediate disqualification).

Directions: Start & Finish @ Locust Hill Farm Preserve - 8070 N James Madison Highway, Rapidan, VA 22733 (turn off Rt. 15/James Madison Highway and continue down gravel road).

Parking: Grass/field parking ONLY - The property will open at 6am on Saturday, July 27th and 7am on Sunday, July 28th. Please DO NOT arrive earlier. When you enter the farm, continue along the gravel road until you see volunteers and parking signs. The landowners have asked that we park in specific areas so as not to damage crops or interfere with livestock. Please be patient and respect our volunteers when you arrive.

Camping: Freedom Fields Farm - 8048 Oak Park Rd, Locust Dale, VA 22948 (Owner: Rosie Campbell)

Approx. 2 miles from event site
Limited availability (~50 spots total)
Tent & car camping options available ($25/person)
RV/Large Vehicle camping available at an additional charge (+$20/vehicle)
Open field parking & camping (plan accordingly)
Campsites will be separated and clearly marked
NO power or hookup available (water available on-site)
NO open fires; camp stoves permitted (for cooking purposes only) 
Restrooms/Port-a-John & wash station available
SORRY, NO DOGS PERMITTED ON THE PROPERTY
*Campers must sign a separate camping waiver and are responsible for their own gear/vehicles. Plan to bring additional camp equipment (stakes, weights, etc) and prepare for a range of weather (heat, rain, wind, etc).

NOTE: Sorry, no dogs are allowed at Freedom Fields Farm during this event.

Event Check-in: Check-in will be on-site at Locust Hill Farm & Preserve on Friday afternoon and Saturday/Sunday morning along with a designated course preview/pre-ride window available Friday, July 28th (3-6pm). UPDATED.

Friday, July 26 (3-6pm)
Saturday July 27 (6-7:30am)
Sunday July 28 (7-8:30am)
Course Preview/Pre-Ride: There will be a designated course preview/pre-ride window available on Friday, July 26th (3-6pm). Participants will have the opportunity to preview a portion of the course at that time (not all sections will be open). Please follow posted signs and stay on course during the course preview period. Additionally, the Dirty Kitten Racing Crew will lead an all-comers, guided pre-ride of select sections of the course on Friday 5-6pm (sponsored by our friends at Chamois Butt'r). Course info, Q&A, snacks, and samples will be available for those participating in the guided pre-ride.

Water, Aid Stations, Feed Zone/Pit, First Aid: There is some access to water on-site, but it is limited so please plan on bringing your own water and supplies. Temperatures can be scorching in the area during the summer, and although it is cooler in the woods, parts of the course run through open farmland which can feel like desert temperatures later in the day. We will have water (provided by Wegmans) along with some hydration drinks and nutrition products (provided by Hammer Nutrition) available at the start/finish area and aid stations (10-15 mile marks) on course. There will also be a “feed zone” and “pit” area near the start/finish for multi-lap participants in the 40, 60, & 80-mile distances who wish to store water, food, and supplies. Riders MAY have support (friends/family/team members) stationed in this area provided they wear face coverings, follow proper social-distancing measures, and do not impede other riders on course. There will be First Aid assistance available at the start/finish and check-in area.

*Only registered participants, volunteers, and staff are allowed on course at all times

Food & Beverages: We are always exploring various options for providing event day food & beverages to participants at our events. In the past, we have had a taco bar and cookout. There will be vegetarian and vegan options offered. Water will be available on-site. Outside food and drink are welcome. Please be conscientious of your surroundings and use the trash cans that are provided or take your trash with you. We want to be invited back again next year.

Restrooms: Available on-site (port-o-pots & wash stations)

Accommodations: We are offering off-site camping this year (see camping section for details). The Baymont by Wyndam Culpeper has reserved rooms for this event through June 27th ($99/night). Follow the link HERE and enter “Culpeper, VA” as the destination along with the dates of your stay. Hit “Special Rates” and enter group code 072724DIR. 

Partners/Sponsors/Supporters: We would like to thank our event partners, sponsors, and supporters without whom this event would not be possible! Reynolds Subaru of Orange, Entourage Talent Associates, Wolf Tooth Components, Lizard Skins Cycling, HandUp Gloves, HiFi Wheels, Chamois Butt'r, Smith, Hammer Nutrition, Wegmans, Bike Doctor Frederick, Commonwealth Joe Coffee, Beer Hound Brewery, Blue Ridge Cyclery,  Trek, Pearl Izumi, and more TBA.

Dirty Kitten Gravel 3 Commandments: Be Safe, Have Fun, Don't Be a Jerk!

DKG Event Policy: Dirty Kitten Productions is dedicated to providing fun, safe, and inclusive events for ALL riders, We will NOT tolerate any hateful, disrespectful, or inappropriate language/actions at our events. We reserve the right to ask someone to leave if they are unable to meet this expectation.

Contacts: Alex & Chris Howell (Event Co-Directors); Rosie Campbell (Freedom Fields Farm, camping); Renee Griffin (Full Send Events, timing) 

For additional information, visit the BikeReg link, Dirty Kitten Gravel website, or our social media pages (Facebook & Instagram) for daily updates. Additional pre-race emails will go out prior to the event. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us via email, phone, text, social media, or messenger pigeon. See you in July! 

-Alex & Chris Howell (Dirty Kitten Productions)