Steamboat Gravel Race Brings In Riders From Across The Country

This past weekend, approximately 3,000 participants took to the gravel roads around Routt County. The riders, who hailed from all corners of the country and beyond, were part of SBT GRVL, a race which was co-founded in 2019 by professional cyclist and Steamboat Springs resident, Amy Charity.

“2021 is a very important year for SBT GRVL” Charity said. The event, which was held virtually last year, was created to put Routt County on the global map by connecting riders with the history and splendor of the race locale. “The sheer beauty of the landscape, coupled with the contrast of the terrain is what differentiates SBT GRVL,” Charity says.

Participants had the option to sign up for one of four courses, depending on skill level. The green ride at 37 miles is suited to all skill levels with an option for E-Bikes. The red ride covers 64 miles, 50 of which are on gravel roads. The blue course at 103 miles and the black course at 144 miles, both include two miles of trail over the Fetcher Ranch by Steamboat Lake.

SBT GRVL Works Closely With Routt County Community

Access to the ranchlands throughout the valley is a huge focus for race organizers, who work closely with the Community Agriculture Alliance. “We’re continuing to make outreach and education a priority by forming positive relationships between recreation and agriculture,” said Michele Meyer, Executive Director of the Community Agriculture Alliance.

Charity and her team at SBT GRVL commissioned local artist Lance Whitner to create a poster to encapsulate the race setting. “Art has the ability to speak to everyone and Lance is so iconic to Steamboat that she was a natural fit,” says Kristy Fox, Community Relations for SBT GRVL. The poster image is part of Whitner’s’ summer show at the Pine Moon Gallery, titled Views from My Bike, which was created in part from time spent exploring the routes in SBT GRVL.