COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 19, 2024) – Pelotonia will host its second annual Gravel Day on September 21 at Snow Fork Event Center in Nelsonville, Ohio. Riders will experience an adventurous cycling challenge on Southeast Ohio gravel roads while continuing to raise funds for innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. More than 225 Riders, 200 Volunteers and countless Spectators are expected to participate this year. 

Pelotonia launched its inaugural gravel ride in 2023, a first-of-its-kind event for the organization which offered a unique cycling experience and was enthusiastically received by participants. New weekend experiences have been introduced for the second annual Pelotonia Gravel Day in 2024, including overnight camping for participants in tents and RVs plus a Friday Night Community Gathering to kick off the weekend for Riders, Volunteers, and Spectators. 

Gravel cycling is riding on unpaved roads, and it has been one of the fastest growing segments in cycling in recent years. Bikes specific for gravel riding are recommended for the rough terrain and tires with a minimum 35mm width are recommended to ride in Pelotonia Gravel Day. 

“Gravel Day provides the Pelotonia community with a challenging ride through the stunning hills of Southeast Ohio. Participating in last year’s inaugural event was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had on a bike, and I’m excited for more people to join in,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia CEO and cancer survivor. “This year, we've enhanced the Gravel Day weekend experience based on participant feedback. But the highlight remains connecting as a community of people and partners passionate about accelerating innovative cancer research.” 

Gravel Day Routes 

Gravel Day routes include intense climbs as Riders cycle through Athens County, with elevation gains from 1,400 to 4,700 feet. Riders will embark on 22, 30 and 52-mile looped routes, departing from the start line on Saturday, September 21, at 9:30 a.m. Each route starts and finishes at Snow Fork Event Center, featuring unpaved roads and rolling hills, showcasing Southeast Ohio’s picturesque landscape. All routes feature an optional extension along a portion of the Baileys Trail System, single track trails in the Appalachian foothills.  

Finish line celebrations are open to participants and guests to enjoy food, beverages, photo opportunities, live music, and more. Musical entertainment from 11:30am through 5:30pm will include: The Wildmans, Graham Good & The Painters, Ten Hearts and Parker Louis. 

Spectators are encouraged to join the send-off and finish line celebrations to cheer on Gravel Day Riders throughout the day on Saturday. Details for spectators, including driving directions and parking information for Snow Fork Event Center, are available at pelotonia.org/cheer. 

Friday Night Community Gathering: September 20, 6-9pm 

Pelotonia will host participants and guests on Friday evening for a community gathering to kick off Gravel Day weekend. The Friday Night Community Gathering is Friday, September 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Snow Fork Event Center. The community will enjoy acoustic music from Douglas MacArthur & Friends as well as food, drinks and s’mores, to come together ahead of the Saturday morning gravel ride.  

Camping at Snow Fork Event Center: Friday through Sunday 

Based on community feedback from the inaugural Gravel Day in 2023, Pelotonia introduced overnight camping at Snow Fork Event Center as part of the Gravel Day 2024 weekend experience. Campsite reservations were open to participants and supporters, including RV and tent camping options, from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. In collaboration with Hocking Hills Outdoors, camping and outdoor equipment rentals and setup was also available.  

Gravel Day would not be possible without the valuable time and hard work of more than 200 Volunteers who serve in a variety of critical roles. Volunteers offer medical and first aid services, provide mechanical support, coordinate bike management, run merchandise sales, support Riders at rest stops along the routes, and so much more.    

Pelotonia’s signature two-day road cycling event experience, Ride Weekend, just wrapped up its 16th ride on August 2-4, 2024, with more than 10,000 participants including 7,000 Riders, 3,000 Volunteers and countless spectators. 

Registration for Gravel Day Riders as well as Challengers, or virtual participants, is still open at pelotonia.org/register. 

Fundraising for all Pelotonia 2024 participants continues through October 15.  

To learn about the impact of Pelotonia dollars on accelerating innovative cancer research, please visit pelotonia.org.