Working toward an adaptive first experience.

A message from the SBT GRVL team:

Aligned to SBT GRVL’s core value of inclusivity, we are inviting athletes with hand cycles and E-Bikes and traditional para cyclists to join us on the start line. After consulting with different athletes and organizations in Para cycling, we are working to understand and balance the complexities of meeting as many needs as we can. We are working towards improvement every year and growing the Para category. 

Where we’ve been, and where we’re going:

2023 represents the second year that SBT GRVL is able and excited to welcome adaptive and Para athletes to Steamboat Springs and we are excited to grow their presence here. Based on the feedback from last year’s riders and through our partnership with the Kelly Brush Foundation, we are working to make as seamless an experience as possible in these areas:

• Clear and consistent communication leading up to the event about what to expect during race week

• Close and accessible parking options for race day and the peripheral events

• Accessibility signage to our two-day expo as well as shake out rides leading up to race day

• Bathroom accessibility both downtown (start/finish line) and on-course (aid stations)

• A comprehensive list of hotel and restaurant options that are easily accessible

• On-course description of accessibility (aid stations, start/finish line, etc.)

• Wheelchair accessible stage and podium for awards presentation

Our Courses and what to expect:

We have four courses ranging from 37 miles to 144 miles, all around beautiful Steamboat Springs. Based on feedback that we’ve received from our Para athletes from 2022, below are some helpful highlights of what you can expect throughout our courses.

• Great gravel quality, low dust, minimal washboard. Better than many gravel courses for low-clearance bikes and overall bone-shakingness

• Each course is either clear of (or has an alternative route available around) water crossings more than 3" deep, single track segments, large crevices, and other obstacles that would prevent a 3-wheel low-clearance vehicle from passing through

SBT GRVL 2023 Para Classes:

This year we will have the following two categories for prizes for each of our four courses:

Para Hand Cycle

Para Traditional Cycle

Please note the following regarding Tandem:

• There will not be a specific Para Tandem category. We will have a general tandem category, but it will include both Para and able bodied riders.

Please note the following regarding E-bikes:

• While our policy is to not allow eBikes on any courses other than green, we will consider special cases for Paracyclists on longer courses who need adaptive equipment per their disability. Those athletes need to contact the SBT Team to receive special permission and will not be eligible for prizes. You can contact Micah Rice at micah@sbtgrvl.com.

Downtown (Start/Finish Line and Expo) Site Map:

Closer to January 2023, you can expect to see our downtown (start/finish line and expo) site maps. We have worked hard to make our expo and downtown area very accessible so that individuals can experience the expo, meet vendors, and go to packet pickup as seamlessly as possible. If you have any questions about accessibility, please reach out to our Community Relations Director, Greer at greer@sbtgrvl.com.

Adaptive Gravel Riding Equipment Recommendations:

• Most off road handcycles will work, but e-assist will likely be necessary for longer courses. Consider extra batteries

• For road bikes, avoid prone style bikes (too bumpy, fatiguing, low visibility). Force 3/G or Madeline non-prone bikes could work, Force RX not recommended

• Consider wider tires (700c provides interchangeability with able-bodied bikes)

• Ensure you have enough weight over your drive wheel for grip on uneven terrain

• Ride around 25 PSI

• Heavily consider tubeless

• Carry 2 spares, consider extra brake/shifting components, extra food and water (still long stretches between aid stations)

• Plan for the elements (extended sun/wind/rain exposure at 7,000ft elevation)

A huge thank you to Kelly Brush Foundation for their partnership and all of their support in helping us create this page.