The Gravel Gathering

Join us for a weekend of camping, riding, food, and music in Franklin County at Jamison Mill Park. 

The roads of Franklin County offer adventure gravel riding at its best. Routes over smooth gravel, low-traffic pavement, and optional singletrack will have you out and about exploring new places with fun people in the crisp fall weather. 

Saturday Rides

We will roll out at 10:00 a.m. from Jamison Mill Park with 17, 22, and 41-mile route options. Our short route will stick to gravel and pavement, the medium route adds in extra adventure with a challenging climb and fun descent, and our long route explores singletrack along Philpott Lake. The singletrack is gravel bike appropriate and rideable on 38mm tires--though most riders might prefer a wider tire. Mountain bikes are always welcome too.  

Routes and Navigation

All routes will be marked. However, it is ultimately your responsibility for navigation. Paper cue sheets will be available, but we recommend downloading the GPS routes to a cycling computer. You can rent a cycling computer with the route loaded if you would like to try before you buy. 

17-Mile Short Ride: This route is mix of gravel and pavement on low-traffic rural roads. This ride has some short and challenging climbs, but with two well-stocked aid stations, you will be set up for success. 

22-Mile Medium Ride: This route adds extra adventure to the short ride by tackling the soon-to-be famous Will Hill Climb--which is well worth the effort to earn the descent down Lighthaven Road.

33-Mile Adventure Ride: This ride includes the fun technical parts of the 41-mile route, but with fewer road miles. Your day will start out mellow enough with fellow short and medium distance riders. It gets spicy as you ascend the soon-to-be famous Will Hill Climb. Enjoy more rural gravel and pavement before hitting the rolling singletrack along Philpott Lake. This singletrack is gravel bike appropriate and rideable on 38mm tires, but most riders will prefer a wider tire. We are clearing leaves the best we can, but much like your yard, we can't really control what the leaves want to do.

41-Mile Adventure Ride: This ride is for those seeking adventure. Expect ride times of 4 to 5+ hours. Your day will start out mellow enough with fellow short and medium distance riders. It gets spicy as you ascend the soon-to-be famous Will Hill Climb and enjoy the descent down Lighthaven Road. Enjoy more rural gravel and pavement before hitting the rolling singletrack along Philpott Lake. This singletrack is gravel bike appropriate and rideable on 38mm tires, but most riders will prefer a wider tire. We are clearing leaves the best we can, but much like your yard, we can't really control what the leaves want to do.

Aid Stations

All routes will pass two aid stations. We will have snacks and a mechanic on course to keep your adventure going strong. 

Camping

Camping Friday and Saturday nights are included in your Gravel Gathering registration. Chose from tent sites or full RV hookups. Call 540-483-9293 to reserve your campsite. Limited camping is available--sign up early to claim your spot. You must be registered to reserve camping. 

Food

The Driftwood Catering food truck will be onsite Saturday from 1:00pm to 6:00pm for post-ride food. Driftwood always prioritizes using ingredients sourced seasonally and from local farmers.  

Music

Seph Custer and Deep Creek will be playing music starting at 3:00pm on Saturday.

Sunday Bonus Rides

Stick around on Sunday and ride with your new friends. Sunday rides will be unsupported--you are on your own for navigation, food, and support--but the campground will remain open so you can enjoy the facilities for the day. There is also 6 miles of singletrack in the campground you can enjoy if you would like to bring your mountain bike too.

Weather

November weather in Franklin County can range from about 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit--also known as perfect fall riding weather! While November is typically the driest month of the year, we will ride rain or shine. The gravel and singletrack both ride great in wet weather.