The rider guide has everything you need for race day including the event schedule, festival highlights, course details and even tire recommendations. Scroll down to get ready for the big day.
Heart of Gold Gravel is a celebration of grit, community, and giving back. Featuring three all-gravel routes through the Tahoe National Forest, this ride supports teen mental wellness in Nevada County. Whether you’re chasing quads-burn or soul-soothing dirt, this guide covers everything you need for race day.
Every competitor must check in and collect their rider packet before lining up. Packet pickup is available at Pioneer Park on race morning only (6:45 AM – 7:50 AM). Be sure to bring a photo ID.
All activities take place at Pioneer Park (425 Nimrod Street, Nevada City)
All three courses are officially timed using RFID chips. Timing excludes the segment that winds through downtown Nevada City—so those Strava splits will look faster than your official time! Attach your timing tag per the instructions in your packet to ensure accurate splits at each aid station.
Each route has a downloadable GPX file and is live on Strava. Scroll down for the links and info about each race.
71.1 miles distence
10,408 ft elevation
5 Aid Stations + 2 water stop
(GPX file is downloadable from Strava)
A full-send gravel adventure through hidden mining roads, ridge-line rollers, and backcountry vistas in Tahoe National Forest. Expect chunky climbs, ripping descents, and a soul-filling escape deep into Nevada County’s wild heart.
47.6 miles distance
7,334 feet elevation
3 Aid stations + 2 water stops
(GPX file is downloadable from Strava)
A perfect balance of challenge and flow. Punchy climbs, fast gravel rollers, and sweeping forest views make this the sweet spot for riders who want both big adventure and a finish line smile.
28.7 miles distance
7,334 feet elevation
1 Aid station + 2 water stops
(GPX file is downloadable from Strava)
New for 2025, this loop delivers all the gravel feels—smooth stretches, spicy pitches, and scenic forest roads—without going full beast mode. Ideal for those testing the waters or chasing good vibes.
All stations stock:
Bring your dusty steed and celebrate epic mileage with friends old and new at the Heart of Gold Festival.
After you cross the finish line, roll into Pioneer Park for:
Podium ceremony at Pioneer Park begins at approximately 3:30 PM. (time subject to change) Top finishers in each gender and age category will receive hand-printed posters and prizes from our partners.
100 % of proceeds benefit teen mental wellness programs in Nevada County. Heart of Gold Gravel is a charitable production of Child Advocates of Nevada County (501(c)(3) Tax ID: 68-0317841).
For questions, media inquiries, or partnership ideas, email us at: heartofgoldgravel@gmail.com
Ride with heart. Ride for gold. See you on October 18th!
• Helmet, gloves, eyewear, lights
• Tire plugs, mini-pump, multi-tool
• Nutrition (gels, bars) and hydration pack/bottles
• Clothing layers based on forcast.
• Typical October temps/elevation effects.
**Keep in mind that the course climbs over 3,000 feet in elevation. As you gain altitude, temperatures decrease—generally by about 3.3°F to 5.4°F for every 1,000 feet. Be prepared for cooler conditions at higher elevations.
• Race start location - Nevada City (2,589’) forecast
• Highest point of race - Graniteville (5,500’) forecast
• Tire width/grip suggestions for loose gravel. 40 mm tires reccomended, but 42 mm or larger works great too.
• Layering tips (base layer, wind/rain shell)
• On-site parking zones and overflow lots at Pioneer Park. (Nimrod St. & Park Ave.)
• Nearby hotels, campgrounds, VRBOs Here
LET'S GO GET THAT GOLD!
heartofgoldgravel@gmail.com
General info, media and partnerships:
