Just beyond the western reaches of NEPA, Sullivan County was practically made for gravel riding. The quiet backroads and rustic logging trails provide endless miles of cycling, dotted with sweeping vistas, rushing waterfalls and charming towns along the way.

The off-the-beaten-path feel made this area the perfect spot to host Grinduro, a cycling event that combines elements of a mountain bike enduro and a gravel grinder road race. The course will be a 70-mile loop starting at the Sullivan County Fairgrounds and passing some of the area’s best scenery. The main race is on June 11, but the event will include fun activities all weekend long.

Sullivan County will be one of five locations worldwide to host a Grinduro race this year. The lineup also includes major cycling destinations like California, Switzerland, Wales and Australia.

An Epic Ride Through the Endless Mountains

Unlike other races, Grinduro isn’t based on overall time. Instead, the scores are based on several timed segments throughout the course.

“When you do that, there’s time to hang out and have casual fun,” said local event organizer Mike Kuhn. “You’re not just trying to beat someone the whole time— you’re only doing that in the segment. That makes for a fun, festive, conversational atmosphere.”

The race format allows for some sightseeing too. The course begins at the fairgrounds in Forksville and passes highlights like World’s End State Park, High Knob Overlook and more. Covered bridges, vistas, ponds and waterfalls will line the way. The elevation gain will be tough (they don’t call it the Endless Mountains for nothing), but the experience is well worth the effort. Even the aid stations will have Grinduro’s signature, party-like feel, complete with race fuel like pancakes and cookies.

The race welcomes a wide range of athletes, from pros to amateurs and junior cyclists.

“In some ways, I think it’s like the marathon of competitive bike riding,” said Kuhn. “You can line up on the same start line with the best of the best in the country, if not the world, and complete the same course that they do, and you have a welcoming, warm, fun experience the whole time.”

A shorter, non-competitive ride called Grindurito is perfect for participants who want the Grinduro experience, but without the timing and scores. This 37-mile ride will offer all the perks of the main race and many of the same great views.

A Whole Weekend of Cycling, Music, Camping & Fun

The fairgrounds will be open to the public with activities all weekend long, both for cyclists and spectators. Organizers plan on having live music, kids’ activities, vendors and more. They’ll also have fun group rides throughout the weekend. Camping will be available on site.

“This is more like a party, a festival feel versus just going and doing the ride,” said Donna Iannone, Sullivan County Commissioner and an avid cyclist. “We want to make sure that people can embrace the whole weekend, have fun and have a challenging ride.”

And it’s all for a good cause. The event is organized by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL), a youth mountain biking organization with teams all across the state. Proceeds will benefit the Lycoming County Composite Team, which is helping to organize the event, as well as establish new PICL programs in Pennsylvania’s northern tier.

“We know there’s a ton of opportunity across the northern half of the state,” said Kuhn, who is the founder and director of PICL. “This will give us the ability to make a direct connection to that area and build some events in the area too.”

Registration Is Now Open

For the local community, Grinduro is a chance to show the world what makes cycling in Pennsylvania so special.

“I think we’re seeing more and more people,” said Iannone. “We’re in the process of doing an outdoor rec plan for Sullivan County, and we’re seeing through Strava and their heat map how many people are actually riding on our roads. I think it’s a huge opportunity. I’m glad it’s just been a hobby of mine for my whole life that other people are embracing and to be able to showcase this.”

Online registration is open now through May 29, although spots are limited. To learn more, you can visit Grinduro’s website, Facebook and Instagram.

Featured image (top) provided by Endless Mountains Heritage Region.