Nevada County's premier gravel ride for youth mental health and wellness is back for another epic year.
Nevada City, CA – Heart of Gold Gravel returns to Nevada County on Saturday, October 17, 2026, bringing riders from across California and beyond together for an unforgettable day of gravel, community, and purpose. Registration is now open for one of Northern California's premier gravel cycling events, benefiting local youth mental health and wellness programs.
Big Miles. Bigger Purpose.
Heart of Gold Gravel is more than a bike ride. It is a community movement dedicated to supporting youth mental health and wellness in Nevada County. Every registration helps fund local nonprofit organizations that provide advocacy, mentoring, therapy, and life changing support for young people throughout our community.
Back at Pioneer Park
After an incredible response in 2025, Heart of Gold Gravel is returning to Pioneer Park for the 2026 start and finish. Located in the heart of Nevada City, Pioneer Park provides the perfect home base for riders and spectators alike. With plenty of green space, shade, and room to celebrate after the ride, it captures everything that makes Heart of Gold special: community, connection, and adventure.
From Pioneer Park, riders will roll out into some of the best gravel roads in the Sierra foothills, tackling challenging climbs, flowing descents, and breathtaking scenery before returning to a finish line celebration festival with friends, family, food, and local vendors.
A Course for Every Rider
Whether you're lining up for your first gravel event or chasing a personal best, Heart of Gold Gravel offers something for everyone.
Riders can choose from three challenging routes:
Short Course – Approximately 27 miles
Medium Course – Approximately 47 miles
Long Course – Approximately 74 miles
Don't let the mileage fool you. Every route features plenty of climbing, premium Sierra dirt, and the kind of terrain that keeps gravel riders coming back year after year.
Built by Riders. Driven by Community.
Heart of Gold Gravel traces its roots back more than 15 years to "300 Miles for Mentoring," an endurance ride created to raise funds for local youth mentoring programs. That same spirit of community, generosity, and adventure continues today. "Heart of Gold is about much more than the ride," said Nicole McNeely, Executive Director of Child Advocates of Nevada County. "Every rider who crosses the starting line is helping ensure local youth have access to mentors, advocates, therapy, and programs that strengthen mental health and wellness. Together, we're building a healthier future for the next generation."
Ride With Heart
Registration is now open at: www.heartofgoldgravel.com
For additional information, please contact us:
Heart of Gold Gravel
(530) 265-9550
heartofgoldgravel@gmail.com
About Heart of Gold Gravel
Heart of Gold Gravel is a nonprofit gravel cycling event dedicated to supporting youth mental health and wellness in Nevada County. Proceeds from the event benefit Child Advocates of Nevada County, Bright Futures for Youth, Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County (YBONC), and Heart of Gold Teen Therapy.
The event is led by Directors of Gravel Grinding Hardy Bullock, Jeff Goldman, and Scott Beesley, whose experience spans some of the country's most respected endurance cycling events, including Leadville 100, Grasshopper Adventure Series, Pikes Peak Apex, Wild West Gravel, Sea Otter Classic, and Levi's GranFondo. Combined with decades of experience producing premier cycling events in Nevada County, the team is committed to delivering a world class gravel experience while making a lasting impact on local youth.
Volunteer Opportunities
Heart of Gold Gravel would not be possible without the incredible volunteers who help bring race day to life. From course marshals and aid stations to rider check in, parking, finish line festivities, and event setup and teardown, there are opportunities for individuals, families, community groups, and businesses to get involved.
Volunteering is a fun way to support local youth mental health and wellness while experiencing the excitement of race day from behind the scenes. To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit www.heartofgoldgravel.com or contact heartofgoldgravel@gmail.com.
Bring on the Gold.