The Grindstone

2022 Info is below. Updated info for 2023 is coming soon! Expect the rides to be very similar to 2022, but with some fun new options added surrounding the event!  Stay tuned!

The Grindstone is the best ride you never saw coming. Centered in the unique, post-industrial granite landscape of Barre, Vermont, this one-of-a-kind gravel grinder will take you places you never knew could exist. Join us on a journey to the hidden corners of the deepest reaches of Central Vermont, where only the most storied travelers emerge unscathed and the true limits of your perseverance will be defined. The Grindstone is calling you; will you answer?

Created by Green Mountain Gravel in response to the ever-increasing popularity of gravel riding, the dwindling availability of participation slots in truly formidable events and the lack of a showcase event for the true and gritty heart of Central Vermont, The Grindstone seeks to provide an opportunity for personal challenge, unique exploration and unparalleled experience.

Covering territory that only well-traveled locals know, The Grindstone‘s three routes offer something for everyone: bold climbs, gnarly Class IV sectors, ripping descents, open hauls and technical trails and single track. Along with such varied and exacting terrain comes a wealth of scenery and spectacle, including unique views of a reclaimed formerly industrial wasteland that has no equal anywhere in the world.

What is certain is that The Grindstone will challenge you. What we hope is that it will captivate you. 

THE COURSES

The Grout 30

30 km / 17 miles of select highlights from the longer routes, with a unique stretch of its own.  About 2000 feet of climbing. Be ready.

The Granite 65

65 km / 40 miles + of gravel goodness with more than 5,000 feet of climbing. Not to be underestimated. 

The Grind 100

More than 100 km / 62 miles of adventure. Over 8,000 feet of climbing. Expect the best; prepare for the worst. You will be tested.

All Courses

All courses feature sections of Class IV (ATV/jeep trail-like roads), sections of which may be unrideable.  Technical bike support will not be provided. Plan on being self-sufficient and self-repairing. There will be course sweeping if you need to DNF, but access will be limited and you might have to wait a while. 

LODGING / CAMPING

Camping Suggestions

While The Grindstone does not have directly affiliated camping options, we can point you to a Hipcamp site that has been set up in parallel to the event. This site is located directly on all of the Grindstone courses.  It's just over 2 easy miles from the start/finish area; you can potentially ride to/from the event without needing your car. Check it out here:

https://www.hipcamp.com/vermont/camping-near-millstone-trails/camping-near-millstone-trails

Another potential option is Lazy Lions Campground

Local hotels / B&Bs

Millstone Hill
Reynolds House
Comfort Inn & Suites

PRE-RIDE

We are excited to announce that we will be working with Local Donut to bring fresh-baked, delicious-tasting donuts created from locally sourced ingredients to The Grindstone!

Like Green Mountain Gravel, Local Donut was created in the midst of the 2020 pandemic and quickly became a local legend. Their commitment to local Vermont producers, their small-town approach to production and delivery and their high quality product made them an obvious choice for us to reach out to for something to sweeten your day of riding in Barre and beyond.

Free coffee will be provided courtesy of 802 Coffee.  Started as a small cafe and roastery in 1998 called Capitol Grounds Cafe and Roastery, this Montpelier-based roastery has grown and their coffee is served across the state of Vermont under the name 802 Coffee. Capitol Grounds Cafe is still there however, right on State Street in Montpelier, VT just down from the Capitol.

ON THE COURSE

Maple Rise Aid Station

In Chelsea, on the 65 km and 100 km courses, stop by the Maple Rise Aid Station for some fluids and snacks, including delicious maple fuel from Maple Rise! Maple Rise was initially founded to provide a natural and effective blood sugar boost to those of us who suffer from low blood sugar episodes. They have since expanded into other markets while still keeping true to their roots, in an effort to give a boost to people with low blood sugar, as well as to athletes who eat healthy and work hard.

Hidden Handup!

We are super stoked to have Handup Gloves on board as a sponsor of The Grindstone. Thanks to their support, we will be running a “Hidden Handup” feature during the ride. On each course, there will be a pair of gloves stashed away somewhere. The first rider to find them gets to keep themselves an awesome new pair of Handups! It’s finders keepers, gravel grinder style!  Register today to join in the hunt! 

POST-RIDE

HEARTY EATS PROVIDED BY Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen

"Cornerstone" is an apt name for this bedrock fixture of our community. Rich and his crew go above and beyond the normal calling of a neighborhood eatery, serving the greater Barre population in generous and unexpected ways. From constructing community softball fields, to preparing and packaging meals for the hungry and underprivileged, to supporting local gravel grinders that aim to showcase this unique area, Cornerstone is truly an example of business that gives back.

Their food is also well-known as the absolute best in Barre, so we are beyond stoked to have them on board providing you with delicious eats after your ride!

TASTY BEERS PROVIDED BY Dirt Church Brewing Co.

Beer from Dirt Church included with entry!

We were fans of Dirt Church from the very onset. We watched from afar as they set up a unique, yet still wholly Vermont-styled endeavor in East Burke. An event space, a brewery, and an integrated connection to their community that serves not only cyclists, but everyone. Check them out. They do great things. When you do, tell them The Grindstone thanks them.

PRIZES

The Grindstone is not a race, so there are no prizes for finish times. However, we are offering participation prizes if you ride another event on Saturday and then ride any of The Grindstone courses!  Check our website and social media for details on which events qualify. We will also be featuring giveaways and/or raffles at the event; stay tuned for details.

Every rider at The Grindstone will take home a souvenir gift from us along with some swag from sponsors, too.

More information on logistics, amenities and other details will be posted here and on our website as they become available.

Grab a spot while you can.