We asked TEC athletes what races they are training for in 2022 and the responses have us so excited for the upcoming year. Did you put in your 2 cents? If not, tag us on social with a post with your 2022 race lineup. We can’t wait to hear from you!
1. Unbound Gravel
Garmin UNBOUND Gravel presented by Craft was founded in 2006 at a time when gravel grinding was just beginning to catch the interest of the endurance cycling community. Inspired by some of the early gravel grinder events, event founders knew that the beauty of the region is best explored on two wheels, and with that, the 200-mile “race” took shape. The event resides in a region of Kansas called the Flint Hills, and cyclists around the globe have transcended upon our roads to tackle the hilly, tire-shredding, sun-baked gravel we’re infamous for.
Initially, we had no idea just how much this whole gravel grinding thing would grow. And honestly, it wasn’t what motivated us. What drives our team is providing life-enriching experiences and as this event has grown, so have we. Once an event that only offered a 200-mile distance, we now offer a total of six distances: 25, 50 100, 200, 350, and our High School event. While the 200 is still our marquee distance, we are excited to offer these options to encourage everyone who wants to give the Flint Hills gravel a chance.
UNBOUND Gravel is a grassroots event, organized and managed by folks who are passionate about cycling and have done so for the primary purpose of providing life-enriching cycling experiences for our event participants.
2. Crazy Mountain 100
The Crazy Mountain 100 has been a culmination of many people willing to come together and offer up access to their land and resources. 2 Family owned and operated cattle ranches host the start and finish. The Westling Ranch in Wilsall, MT hosting the start, and the Berg Ranch hosting the finish in Lennep. These two multi-generational family ranches will give you a first-hand look at the quality care of the land they operate in the valley.
The racecourse itself navigates through the Indigenous lands of the Apsaalooke, private, and public land/forest service. To the Apsaalooke people, this range is called Awaxaawippíia. “Awaxaawi” Meaning Mountain. ppíia” meaning ominous or angry. Some say you can hear the mountains and the power is felt. We feel this is an important history and knowledge. Our hope is that you take the time to learn about its’ rich history.
We are an intentionally inclusive event that welcomes any and all people willing to take on the challenge. Our goal is to bring you to this wild, sacred, and unique place, and have you leave forever changed. You simply cannot experience the jagged cliffs, scree fields, and high alpine lakes, without experiencing something deep within your soul. This is sure to be the craziest race you have ever attempted.
3. Bianchi Rock Cobbler
THE RIDE…THE FOOD…THE PRIZES…THE STUPIDLY HARD ROUTE…THE GLORIOUS EUPHORIC PAIN… THE ROCKS, THE DIRT, THE MUD…
GRAVEL RIDE? SORTA…
The world-famous Bianchi Rock Cobbler is a stupidly hard ride bordering on a race. It was conceived by drunken madmen…on a ride…then on barstools…late in the night. The Pebbler is less stupidly hard but still a true challenge. As always we are passionate and driven to showcase dirt trails, roads, and things that are neither. Shenanigans abound. We promise a unique, challenging route of lots o’ dirt and everything from MTB level stuff to easy gravel fun…In a very Bakersfield way. The Cobbler will be roughly about and around 80-ish miles 5500–6500ft of elevation gain and the Pebbler half of that, roughly. Having fun is a must. You might meet Tacoman, cross a river, suck your thumb, cuss at us but you WILL hike with your bike and pedal a lot with a lot of steep short climbs. We promise an adventure!
4. Copper River Bridge Run
The Cooper River Bridge Run is a world-class 10K run/walk with an inspirational mission to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. The scenic course takes participants through Mount Pleasant, over the Cooper River Bridge with its breathtaking views, and through picturesque historic downtown Charleston.
Since the inaugural race in 1978, the Bridge Run has grown to approximately 40,000 participants, making it the 3rd largest 10K in the nation. Our participants consist of world-class athletes, a growing elite wheelchair division, running enthusiasts, walkers, and their friends and family.
As a nonprofit organization, The Cooper River Bridge Run is dedicated to giving back to the community with its annual grant program to promote health and wellness in local schools. We provide support for 12 local charities through fundraising and promotion. The Cooper River Bridge Run has a monumental economic impact on the Lowcountry of $30 million-plus.
5. Bighorn Trail Run
The Bighorn Crew welcomes you with western hospitality and extends our most cordial invitation to a remote rugged test of your endurance. We created this ultra-running event to preserve the atmosphere of the Bighorn Mountains once threatened by a West Coast power development strategy called the “Dry Fork Project”. Through the commitment and perseverance of a few dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, attention to the potential fate of our mountains became a local concern. Ultimately, the “Dry Fork Project” was tabled, and Bighorn Trail Run was born during this process to increase public awareness of the natural beauty, rugged terrain, and unique geology of the Bighorn Mountains and the Dry Fork and Little Bighorn River drainages.
The Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run is founded on values and beliefs that knit us together as a family. We provide a multi-event experience created by a community for a community, meeting everyone’s desire for challenge. We value family, friendships, thoughtfulness, hard work, consistency, and nature’s beauty – all the essentials required to get you to the finish line. However, don’t let Bighorn mislead you, it is a tough contender in the ultra-world boasting its name on the top 10 most difficult ultras in the nation. We met with Mother Nature to custom design a challenging course: full of steep climbs, difficult downhills, shoe sucking mud, and relentless technical terrain leading you to spectacular views with a possible wildlife encounter here or there. Participants, be prepared to endure extreme ever-changing mountain weather conditions and temperature variations. This runner’s trail is the showcase of the human spirit.
The Bighorn Mountain Trail 100 is an epic mountain endurance adventure crossing through the Little Bighorn and Tongue River areas of the Bighorn National Forest. Participants have 34 hours to navigate this remote, technical out-and-back course (average 2.94 mph). Mother Nature provides over 20,500 feet of ascent and 20,750 feet of descent testing the most seasoned ultra-runners with 76 miles of technical single-track trail, 16 miles of rugged 2-track jeep trail road, and 8 miles of gravel road. The Bighorn 100 is one of the classics, demanding you to reach deep down to your core of mental and physical fortitude. Our event is truly remote. Stretches of an 18-mile technical trail will serve as your only way in and out of the backcountry. Have no fear; we have a family of trail crew volunteers that are crazier than you. They’ve been on the trail for weeks leading up to this event preparing the trails for the adversity you are about to experience.
