Welcome to Funk Bottoms Gravel! Ohio's Toughest and First Organized Gravel Grinder.
Keeping with the Funk Bottoms Gravel tradition, this year's course will cover a new and exciting route. The route will take riders along some of Ohio’s most scenic backcountry roads and trails.
Two races, one brutal course!
The FBG 100K+ Grinder route will test your speed, climbing, and descending skills. With over 7,000 feet of verticle climbing and decent, you'll be tested to your anaerobic limits.
The FBG 200K+ Ohio Epic route is as noted, an Ohio Epic. Many riders have stated that this is one of the toughest single-day races in the US. It is a relentless and grueling climber’s course with over 14,000 feet of climbing and decent. The 200K+ is an Ohio Gravel Race Series Points Qualifier. Also up for grabs are two free entries to Gravel Worlds in Lincoln, NE.
The 40K Family Fun Ride is for those that want to experience a portion of the FBG route and donate to a good cause. $10.00 from every entry will be donated to the Holmes County Trail Fund. All riders will also receive an FBG T-shirt.
The FBG races are designed to test your ability and showcase the remote countryside of Ohio. Not everyone who participates in these events is out there to race. We encourage riders to explore a unique adventure. Have fun, challenge yourself, and explore your wild side, be it by pushing yourself to the limit or simply touring the countryside of Ohio.
Both the 100K+ and 200K+ races are self-supported events and riders must be prepared for any mechanicals, nutritional needs, and weather conditions. No outside support is allowed. The course will go through small towns where you can resupply food and water. Our good friends at Hammer Nutrition will once again be providing support with Hammer Fuels before the race and at the secret checkpoint. Be prepared to ride 25-30 miles between water stops
Road conditions are a mix of 80+% gravel/dirt roads, trails, and some connectors consisting of paved and chip/seal roads. Details on this year's course with maps, cue sheets, and GPX files will be posted in May.
Funk Bottoms Gravel Grinders are cue sheet races. Environmentally friendly course markings are in the works for 2024 but always be prepared for markers to be sabotaged by weather or locals. Always Carry your Cue Sheet! The roads are open to normal traffic which is sparse in this area. Expect to encounter cars, trucks, horses, Amish buggies, farm equipment, ATV’s, buzzards, road kill, and the occasional farm dog at any given time. Rain or shine, it’s Funk time!
Registration for the 100K+/200K+ will be $40 until April 30th, $50 after May 1st, and $60 after June 1st. 40K registration will be $25. All racers who register before May 31st will receive a T-Shirt. Racers who enter the 200K+ will be eligible to earn points for the Ohio Gravel Race Series. Registration will close on Friday, June 9th and there will be no race day registration.
Winners of each category in the 100K+ and 200K+ will receive a custom trophy and a case of Yuengling beer. There will be awards for the Top 3 finishers in each category. Post-race refreshments brought to you by Yuegling will be available to all racers (age 21 or older only). After the event, we will have some random giveaways. Lucky winners will get some free swag from our sponsors....... Hint, check your race packet for a golden ticket!
The 200K will start at 7:00 AM sharp. The 100K will start at 8:00 AM sharp. The 40K will start at 9:00 AM. Start location: Glenmont Park 108 Main Street, Glenmont, OH 44628.
Once again, a portion of this year’s registration from each event will be donated to the Holmes County Rails-to-Trails Coalition.
100K+, 200K+, and 40K routes will be released in May 2024.