We're coming it hot with this one, both Grande and Medio are HARD rides, more so that the first two rounds.  Check the numbers and be ready for a big day on the bike.  This is a Gran Fondo, not a race, riders must obey all traffic laws.

An epic day on the bike, riding a well thought out, well marked course.  A super cool Wahkiacus Gravel Premier souvenir, and well stocked aid stations to refuel at. Times of all finishers will be posted for bragging rights.

NEW COURSE, and oh are you in for a treat, this one is spectacular!  88 miles and 7500' of climbing kicking things off descending into the vast Klickitat River Canyon.  You will then begin to claw your way out on the relentlessly twisting, winding gravel climb, out to the rolling prairie of the Centerville hwy, with massive views of the canyon, and the descent into Lyle.  Here you will begin the gravel Fisher Hill climb with (you guessed it) absolutely amazing views! Then it's on to some rollers, and the Wahkiacus Heights descent, check those brakes, it rips!  Finally, it is the crown jewel Horseshoe Bend climb and the home stretch back to Goldendale.  Aid stations at mile  38 and 72.5.  View Course Map

NEW COURSE (for the most part) We're keeping the epic climb up to the wind farm, over looking the Columbia River and Oregon, which is a spicy stretch of road (think chunky dirt road), then you will continue on to some rolling gravel, rolling  pavement, the magnificent Schilling Rd descent, and then the crown jewel, we present to you the Horseshoe Bend  climb!  Once up that you will have a rolling good time bringing it home to Goldendale.  Aid station at mile 33.8  View Course Map

The Wahkiacus Gravel Premier features reasonably good gravel for the most part, but there is some rough stuff in a few places.  A racy set up like 32-34mm tires on an "endurance road bike" will work for some.  Most will opt for a bit more comfort and be on a dedicated "gravel bike" with a 36-38mm tire.  And for others, comfort and self reliance are king, they'll be running a touring/bike packing bike with everything they need to be out for a day (or a week) on 40+mm tire.  The other big variable is Spring weather, the average is around 55-60 degrees, but anything goes this time of year, pay attention to the forecast.  Leg/arm warmers and a packable wind jacket can add a lot of versatility to your kit.  Nutrition: most will throw a bar in their pocket, have couple water bottles on the bike, and use the aid station to refuel as needed.  Some will need more or less than what is  available on course and should plan accordingly.

Registration is limited, opens Feb 1 and closes April 18.  Sign up for the series to save money, get a sweet 6pack shirt, and be eligible for The GRIT List, a general classification of all grande finishers and their cumulative ranking across the series.

Up to 30 days out?  No problemo.  Less than 30 days?  Ok, we’ll do a 50% refund.  Two weeks out?  Come on man, you’re killing the vibe, we’ve committed our efforts and resources already at this point, no refunds.

Wahkiacus may just be the perfect middle ground at 88 miles, 7500′ for Grande, or 50/3600'  for Medio, bridging the gap between Ephrata and Leavenworth.  This is a beautiful ride on rolling terrain, some big climbs, and mind blowing views!