Let's ride some gravel at Shawnee State Park! We have two exciting gravel routes:
Ride the Full Pounder and experience 45 miles of the best gravel riding and racing available in the mid-west. You will be treated to over 4,500' of climbing as you traverse the most scenic and remote sections of Ohio's largest state park. This route option has amazing gravel, outstanding climbs, at least one incredible descent, and three bridal paths (one grass-covered). Additionally, a section of technical double track will test your bike handling skills.
Are you interested in all the fun but with fewer miles? We have got you covered with the 35-mile Three-Quarter Pounder. Enjoy the same great Pebble Pounder experience while bypassing a significant climb and the most technical sections of the Full Pounder.
The Event!
Your entry will include a t-shirt, meal, finishers award, commemorative number plate, and a post ride party with door prizes! The top three finishers in each category will receive plaques and podium photos. You must be present, or still riding to receive door prizes.
Registration & Licensing: No racing license is required. Online registration is at BikeReg, and closes October 24th at 5 PM. Event day registration is not available. Register early! Prices will increase as the event day nears. FREE ENTRY OPTION!
Important Details
Rider Support: This event is "“SELF-RESCUE”. We do NOT provide rider support. Come prepared to deal with potential equipment breakdowns. You cannot assume cellular coverage will be available.
Carry Cash: Riders are advised to carry cash should something unforeseen happen and you require assistance from a motorist or local resident.
Park Release Form: All participants are REQUIRED to complete this park release form. There is a space on the form for the license plate number of the vehicle you are leaving in the parking lot. No license plate # = no race plate. Please do not approach the rider check-in table without your FULLY completed form.
Awards: Awards/prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each category, along with podium photos. All finishers will receive finisher medals.
Ohio Gravel Race Series: Racers doing the 45-mile Full Pounder will receive points in accordance with OGRS policy.
Additional Information
Location: The event is being held in Shawnee State Park, West Portsmouth, OH. The park offers many family friendly activities and amenities. Bring your friends and family and stay the weekend in their beautiful lodge, cabins or campground. Check out the park website and plan your weekend getaway.
View location on Google Maps.
Equipment: What kind of bike should you ride? A gravel bike or a CX bike will get the job done as will a hard tail 29er. No road bikes here folks. Minimum tire width is 33mm; 40mm or wider is recommended. N + 1 = Free Entry.
Routes: The course is on mostly gravel roads that can be dry and dusty or wet and spongy. There are sections of pavement and a section of technical double track.
Pebble Pounder - 45 Mile Route: The current course records are: MEN: Ben Ewert 2:26:33, WOMEN: Sima Tavazoie 2:58:31. Download the 45-mile route to your bike computer.
¾ Pounder - 35 Mile Route: Course records: MEN: Geert Fischer 2:02:44, WOMEN: Kristen McMahon 2:53:33. Download the 35-mile route to your bike computer.
Printable Course Map: Riding with a printed course map is recommended.
Computer Guidance: While we do our best to provide a well-marked course it’s not unheard of for directional signage to go mysteriously missing. We STRONGLY recommend you download your route to your bike computer. We recommend pre-loading the route and maps prior to leaving home due to poor cellular coverage in the park.
Aid Station: There will be an aid station at approximately mile 21 where riders will be able to pick up water and some food.
Public Roads: Some of the route is on public roads open to vehicular traffic. Riders must obey all applicable traffic laws. WE ARE IN SOMEONE’S BACK YARD! Riders deemed behaving in an unsafe or unfriendly manner will be disqualified and banned from future participation.
Cellular: Cellular coverage is weak to non-existent depending on your carrier. If you are unfamiliar with the area, you may want to download navigation maps and directions to your phone prior to leaving home.
Rider Check In: Opens at 7:30 AM. Please do not approach the rider check-in table without your FULLY completed park release form.
Cutoff Time: The event ends six hours from when the first rider departs which will be the end of official timing and scoring.
Post Ride Party: Beginning at 1:00 and concluding at 4:00 there will be a post ride party including food, music, door prizes and podium presentations.
Restrooms: Indoor restrooms can be found at the lodge located at the on the map above. A more primitive but indoor restroom can be found at the main parking area by the lake. Porta-potties will be available at check-in. There are also restrooms and running water near the campground. Park map.
Water: Bring your own water there is no running water anywhere near the event. Water can be found at the lodge and campground areas.
Parking: See parking locations on the map above.
Alterations, Weather, Refunds: Event officials may alter the course as necessary due to prevailing conditions. Held rain or shine. No refunds.
Steve Cook had the vision for SPP in 2023 and was given a small budget to produce QCW’s first gravel race. The inaugural SPP drew 83 riders and in 2024 registrations more than doubled with 205 riders. QCW will always be grateful to Steve for bringing us this wonderful event.