17th Annual Gravel Grinder to make tracks through Waterbury, Stowe, Moretown this Sunday
May 1, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout Poster/t-shirt image for the 2025 17th Annual WATA Gravel Grinder ride. Image courtesy of WATA
Waterbury Area Trail Alliance’s biggest fundraising event returns this Sunday when more than 350 bikers take off for the 17th annual Gravel Grinder.
The ride (not a timed race) offers several routes for participants that all begin and end in downtown Waterbury outside MAVIC USA Cycling’s offices at 5 Pilgrim Park behind the Waterbury Train Station.
The annual event marks the unofficial start to the local biking season as riders from across the region converge on Waterbury to tackle the course regardless of the unpredictable Vermont spring weather. They’re rewarded with some beautiful views along the way and food and refreshments from local restaurants before and after, according to ride organizers.
All proceeds from the Gravel Grinder go directly toward WATA’s trail-building, maintenance, and land stewardship work in the Waterbury area, including at trail networks on Perry Hill and at Little River State Park.
This year, riders have two main route options: the Traditional Grind and the Big Grind. Both are mapped out on the event website. Participants can follow via the websites Strava and Ride With GPS.
The Traditional Grind Route is 26 miles that goes north into Waterbury Center and Stowe; the Big Grind is just under 53 miles, covering the traditional route with an additional loop into Moretown. Online registration for either category is $72. That includes a 2025 limited-edition Gravel Grinder t-shirt, mid-ride aid station access, a post-ride meal, and two drink tickets.
Riders take off in the 2023 Gravel Grinder. File photo by Gordon Miller
Other registration options include a $35 entry for ages 18 and under on either route. There’s also a no-bike running option along the 26-mile route for $72 and a self-guided category to complete when the participant chooses for a $30 fee. Find these on the online signup page here.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 356 riders were signed up for the event: 205 for the traditional route, 127 for the long route, 9 youth, and 15 in the self-guided category.
WATA Vice President Logan Shuman said the registration site has a cap of 375 entries. Group leaders are watching sign-ups to see if that might be increased to 400 should there be demand, Shuman said.
The event begins with a pre-ride breakfast and ends with a post-ride meal. Food and beverages are all supplied by local restaurants, cafes and vendors.
The Gravel Grinder is a rain-or-shine event. Riders will start in two groups, one at 8:30 a.m. and the other at 9 a.m. For those not participating on Sunday, know that the course is on open roads, so motorists are asked to be alert and to take care should they encounter the cyclists. See route maps here and here.
Find more information and the online registration form on the event website here.