The eighth annual SBT GRVL drew massive support from the town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and the surrounding community for the 2026 ride and race. Also, for the first time ever, Steamboat Ski Resort got involved.
The 2026 edition of SBT GRVL, one of the most popular gravel biking events in America, wrapped up June 28. Selling out in just a few days, the event drew 2,750 participants, a combination of pro athletes and multi-level cyclists. The weekend kicked off with an uphill bike race at Steamboat Ski Resort, in which competitors donned costumes and props while pedaling up service roads and trails as quickly as possible. Diaa Nour, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ventum Racing, SBT GRVL bike sponsor, displayed his own versatility, DJing the uphill race.
The opening competition was followed by a concert at the base of the resort. Thousands attended the weekend launch festivities, marking an inaugural partnership between Steamboat Resort and SBT GRVL.
The SBT GRVL ride (distances ranging from 25 to 108 miles) and race (108 miles) courses take place on the dirt and paved roads winding through ranch land surrounding the town of Steamboat Springs. Launched in 2019, SBT GRVL has become a marquee event among gravel biking enthusiasts.
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In years past, the event drew contention from some local residents and landowners, whose homes and properties line the course. Property owners complained of trash, public urination and difficulty driving to and from their homes during the event, which, before this year, took place in August, coinciding with the local county fair.
However, for 2026, SBT GRVL organizers made sure to work around residents’ concerns, re-scheduling the event for late June, sending racers and riders in waves on re-routed courses, emphasizing to participants to dispose of trash in the receptacles and use toilets provided at the ample aid stations along the course.
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This year, numerous residents and property owners stood outside their homes and lined the course to cheer on cyclists as they raced by.
“I think this was the best one ever,” said SBT GRVL co-founder Amy Charity after the event. “It has definitely gone the most smoothly. All I’ve heard from everyone is what a great time they had.”
As further evidence of SBT GRVL’s good vibes, the event wrapped up with a flash mob celebration for the last rider on course. Riding a mountain bike and finishing the 53-mile course in about 8.5 hours, the last rider crossed the finish line to resounding cheers and was invited on stage to celebrate her accomplishment.
Registration for SBT GRVL is granted via lottery system and capped at 2,750 participants. For 2027, Charity plans to make the request to the town and community to bump participation up to 3,000 registrants.
“I hate turning people away,” she said.