Gravel Revival Routes

GRAVEL REVIVAL 2024 ROUTES

If you’ve ridden in Hickman County you know that routes are subject to change based on the road conditions. With whatever route you choose you can expect to encounter a variety of gravel and terrain – from well-groomed gravel to rutted out jeep trails; fast descents, inevitable creek crossings, and punch-you-in-the-gut climbs. Some of that chert will hurt, but the post-ride meal, beverage and Strava kudos will be worth it!  

We have created routes for all levels of cyclists (+ a Trail Run) from casual to advanced. For the new gravel rider who wants to take in the Hickman County scenery, the beginner routes have mostly smooth hard-packed rolling roads with a couple challenging climbs. The Adventure rider will be tested by steep and technical ascents and descents. This route passes through the Mennonite community outside of Lobelville. These rarely used canopied dirt roads will transport you to a simpler place and time. We have added a race portion for the 40/60/100 mile routes, for those riders that just like to take it fast and hard! *NOTE: We will make routes available so people can recon up to the event.

Dog-warning: there is a chance you may encounter dogs on the route. Be aware and be prepared. Some of them are really friendly but some may not be. We encourage you to ride or run in groups as this tends to overwhelm them. Squirting them with a water bottle usually gets them to run away giving you time to ride away, or carrying pepper spray is another option.

*IMPORTANT*: The routes are self-navigated and for the most part, unmarked. All riders are asked to bring a GPS unit or whatever tools necessary to navigate the course. As Gravel riding becomes more and more popular, it is important for riders to learn proper skills to navigate and ride self-supported, especially in secluded areas where a GPS signal may or may not be available. Cell phone signal has become increasingly better in Hickman County, however if you are not using a navigation unit with GPS, we strongly recommend that you download the Ride with GPS app, create an account, save and DOWNLOAD ALL THE ROUTES YOU INTEND TO RIDE to your computer and/or phone BEFORE you get to the campground (just tap the dots to the right of the route name). If you do not download the routes, please ride with someone you can follow. A lot of the roads DO NOT have signs so cue sheets are not always helpful. We will attempt to put up signs at major turning points (we just can't promise that the locals won't take them down. Yes this has happened in the past).

11 Mile Shakeout Ride with Nashville Local Cycling (FRIDAY): 
Join us on Friday 10/18 at 3:00pm to shake out your bike before the big ride on Saturday! We will have tech support and bike shops onsite for any last minute minor tune-ups & repairs. Here’s a chance to ride with a few Pro-riders! This will be a casual, short, scenic Shakeout ride, giving you a taste of what you will experience on Saturday! Please download the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48000417 

*NEW* 8 Mile Milky Way Night Ride sponsored by Wahoo Fitness (FRIDAY):
Pack your lights (& headlamps) and join Wahoo Fitness for the Milky Way Ride on Friday 10/18 beginning at 7:00 pm. Wahoo Fitness will lead a leisurely ride to a scenic field just a few miles down the road near Nacome Camp & Retreat Center where we will enjoy a sweet treat and, if we're lucky, see a few stars. Wahoo will be passing out cards with a hidden code on them. Take the card to the Wahoo tent when you return to camp to reveal your prize. The grand prize is a Wahoo ROAM GPS computer. Make sure to get a card before returning to camp. Please download the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47923519

11 Mile "Welcome New Members" beginner route (Saturday): 
This beginner route is 100% chert and will introduce people to the world of gravel on two of the prettiest roads in Hickman County. Sulphur Creek follows the crystal clear water stream from the Campsite and comes back up Bluewater Road, a quiet lush tree canopy dirt road with rolling climbs including a steady effort to the top of the hill. You will then descend back down to the campsite.  REST STOP: There will be an unmanned rest area on this route at mile 5.8.  Please download the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46650415

*New* 20K Trail Run route (Saturday): 
This new trail running route is 100% chert and will expose trail runners to the world of gravel on two of the prettiest roads in Hickman County. Sulphur Creek follows the crystal clear water stream from the Campsite and comes back up Bluewater Road, a quiet lush tree canopy dirt road with rolling climbs including a steady effort to the top of the hill. You will then descend back down to the campsite. REST STOP: There will be an unmanned rest area on this route at mile 5.8 sponsored by Fleet Feet.  Please download the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48008839

30 Mile “Follow the Dirt Road” route (Saturday): 
For the chosen ones that seek out more adventure without technical challenges this is the route for you. It follows the new member route but continues along the Beaverdam roads. REST STOP: There will be a rest stop at Cross Roads Baptist Church at mile 12.5, you pass your right turn to get there. Refuel and head back to Wades Branch road. Beautiful canopy roads overlooking rural farmland. Stay to your right and proceed to climb up to Milam Branch and descend back down to W.Beaverdam Road. The route returns back the way you came until you turn left on Bluewater Road. A quiet lush tree canopy dirt road with rolling climbs including a steady effort to the top of the hill. You will then descend back down to the campsite. Please download the route: Please download the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46487539

40 Mile “Chert Believer” Race/Ride route (Saturday): 
This challenging 40 mile race/ride will have a little of everything. We start with a neutral pace out of the campsite and after we pass the parking field, riders are on the course. Expect smooth to super chunky chert, erosion created ruts, ridiculous climbs and descents, beautiful creek crossings and more. REST STOP: There is a fully stocked rest area at mile 26.4 at Wolf Creek Ranch. Be safe. Be prepared. Bring enough hydration/fuel with you. Go tubeless. Bring plug kits. This is NOT a route for beginners. A lot of the roads DO NOT have street signs. Please download the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46060395

60 Mile “Deacon of Dirt” Race/Ride route (Saturday):
This race/ride has it all. You will experience everything Hickman has to offer! REST STOPS: There is a fully stocked rest area at mile 26.4 at Wolf Creek Ranch and at mile 46.5 at Cross Roads Baptist Church. The Chert Believer and Deacon of Dirt routes follow the same roads for 36.4 miles. This 62 mile route will challenge the best of you. The rest of the route will be mostly mixed surface hilly roads that will eventually take you to the final challenge, Joe Branch Road. After a proper cleansing through the Beaverdam creek it's time to repent and head back up Bluewater for a cold beer and food, if you’re worthy of such an achievement. Please download the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46487860 

100 mile - “Divine Power of Perseverance Century” Race/Ride route (Saturday):
The title says it all. This route is only for the chosen believers. You may seek divine intervention to complete this journey. This century course follows the 40/60 routes with additional miles on the east side of Hickman to complete the ultimate adventure. REST STOPS: There is a fully stocked rest area at mile 26.4 at Wolf Creek Ranch and at mile 46.5 and mile 85 both at Cross Roads Baptist Church.  *PLEASE NOTE CUT-OFF: Century riders will have to be at the 2nd rest stop (mile 46.5) by 11:30am where we continue supporting riders with the Nashville Amateur Radio sweep crew. Any riders arriving later will have to proceed with the 64 mile route. If you continue the century route you will NOT be supported. No exceptions. Please download the route:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46650224

23 Mile Winery/Waterfall recovery loop route (Sunday):
We will begin riding down American Way to Sulphur Creek. Turn right on Backside Beaverdam then climb up to Hwy 438 to Hwy 50. After turning left on 50 we will turn right and descend down Trace Creek and see a waterfall at mile 10.6 (we wait here to get a great group photo). After a short stop we will climb our way out of the lush canopy chert roads and then back up to Grinder Switch Winery for refreshments. After a nice break we will ride back down Hwy 438 and enjoy Bluewater road back to the campground. This will be a no-drop, casual recovery route. Please download the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47969623