ABOUT THE RIDE

The Great Western Reroute returns in 2025 for its most ambitious edition yet, building upon a legacy that began in 2018 with just seven intrepid riders. What started as a creative reimagining of the historic Great Western Loop has evolved into East County San Diego's premier gravel adventure, taking cyclists deep into the rugged beauty of the Cleveland National Forest. For 2025, we've crafted an epic 70-mile journey that weaves together the most spectacular segments from past editions, featuring approximately 7,500 feet of elevation gain across a diverse mix of gravel roads, pavement, and exhilarating singletrack.

Starting and finishing at Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine, this backcountry adventure will welcome up to 100 self-reliant riders for a memorable day in the saddle. While the remote nature of the route demands self-sufficiency, we'll kick things off with Carbs Fuel samples to supplement your provisions, and you'll find a welcome oasis at our mid-course aid station to help fuel your journey. Registered riders will receive detailed GPS coordinates the week of the event, critical for navigation as the route remains unmarked through the wilderness. Thanks to partnerships with industry leaders like ALMSTHRE, Lost Cyclery, Holland Cycles, Carbs Fuel, Mike Hess Brewing, Tuff Ventures, and ENVE Composites, the 2025 GWR promises to be an unforgettable celebration of gravel cycling in Southern California's stunning backcountry.

EQUIPMENT

With a mix of pavement, smooth dirt, washboard, sand, and rocky terrain, we recommend tires at least 38mm wide to handle the ever-changing surfaces. Tubeless tires are strongly encouraged, if not essential, for reducing the risk of flats. Riders must be completely self-sufficient, carrying a hand pump, CO2 cartridges, extra tubes, and any necessary roadside repair gear. While a gravel bike is the preferred choice for this route, a mountain bike is also a solid option, especially for navigating the singletrack and rougher gravel sections.

Location

Alpine serves as the gateway to the rugged backcountry and has served as the perfect launchpad for the Great Western Reroute for the past two years. Located just 30 miles east of downtown San Diego and easily accessible via Interstate 8, Alpine sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet, offering a mix of rolling hills, mountain vistas, and wide-open spaces. For those traveling in, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is just a 35-minute drive away. Lodging options nearby include the Ayres Lodge Alpine and Viejas Casino & Resort. Whether you’re coming in for the weekend or making it a longer adventure, Alpine provides the perfect blend of convenience, scenery, and access to world-class gravel riding.

VEnue

The ride will start and end at the Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine, CA, with free parking on location for participants. Alpine’s largest brewery is the perfect spot to cap off an epic day on the bike. Conveniently located right off the 8 freeway, this brewery is known for its excellent craft beer, welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch service—the staff is always friendly and accommodating. We'll have exclusive access to the spacious outdoor patio with multiple seating options, creating the ideal setting to relax, swap ride stories, and soak in the post-ride vibes. Riders can refuel with delicious pizza, sandwiches, and fresh salad, all while enjoying some of the finest brews in East County. The first 50 to register will also receive a single beer ticket with their entry. Address: 1347 Tavern Rd, Alpine, CA 91901. Map

SCHEDULE

A full detailed schedule of events will be emailed to all registered riders, but we expect a start time around 8AM. Tim from Lost Cyclery will be on-site at the start for any last-minute bike adjustments. Parking is ample in the morning, and the restrooms inside Mike Hess Brewing will be available for use this year! The ride will take most participants between 6-7 hours to complete, with an expected finish time between 2:00-3:00 PM. Be prepared for a challenging 70-mile route with lots of elevation gain and some difficult terrain to navigate.

After conquering the route, we’ll gather at Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine for a well-earned post-ride celebration from 2:00-4:00 PM. Riders can refuel with a fully catered lunch, including pizza, sandwiches, appetizers, and salads, and the first 50 to register will receive a beer ticket with entry. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. We have the entire outdoor patio reserved, offering the perfect space to kick back, swap stories, and soak in the post-ride vibes.

SUPPORT

While we will have at least one aid station on course and a support vehicle on route, riders must be fully self-sufficient when it comes to mechanicals, food, water resupplies, and navigation. The remote nature of this ride means that cell service may be limited in certain areas, so it's essential to download the route in advance and have a plan in case of unforeseen circumstances. We strongly encourage riding with others to avoid being alone in the backcountry. While we’ll provide an emergency contact number for registered riders, it’s crucial to come fully prepared with the necessary gear, clothing, and experience to complete this challenging route safely. If you're unsure of your ability to finish, make arrangements in advance for potential support. This is an adventure—not a race—and being ready for the unexpected is part of the experience!

Volunteers

Our incredible volunteers are the heartbeat of this event, making every rider's adventure possible. If you’re not riding but still want to be part of this special day, we're looking for help with morning check-in and aid station support. Perks include early access to registration for 2026, t-shirt and swag. We couldn’t do this without our awesome volunteers! Contact adam.cordi@gmail.com to join the crew. Gravelstoke is happy to provide letters of proof of volunteer hours served. For more information, please reach out to Dave Malwitz.

EVENT PARTNERS

Hope to See You out there!