Grateful Gravel is a concoction from the minds of cycling enthusiast Dead Heads in the Mad River Valley that blends the worlds of endurance sports and music festivals into one event. Two entertainment endeavors that collide to move you brightly. Grateful Gravel provides a challenging cycling event featuring some of Vermont’s most picturesque landscapes and gravel roads that segues into a face melting gathering of community and friends to enjoy the song catalog of Hunter, Garcia, and the rest of the Grateful Dead.

The day begins with a 35, 44, or 60 mile gravel ride starting from Sugarbush Resort’s, Mt Ellen that makes your legs scream louder than Donna Jean during a mid-70’s Playing in the Band.

An epic after party at Mt Ellen follows the ride. 2024 will feature TWO bands with TWO Dead shows. Zach Nugent, one of the best to cover the Grateful Dead, will headline another show in its ENTIRETY on the main stage! The torque level is turned up this year with our incredible local band, Running in Circles, playing an opening show, 8/27/72 at Old Renaissance Fairgrounds. This means hours of live Dead tunes all afternoon and into the evening! We’re keeping Zach’s epic send under wraps until a later date, but I promise you won’t be disappointed!

All riders can refuel after the ride with a small meal provided by Sugarbush and a beer compliments of Lawson’s Finest Liquids. Additional food and beverage from Sugarbush and Lawsons will be available for purchase.

Friends and family are welcome! Children under 12 are free. General admission for those 12 and over is $30. Concert admission is included with rider registration. Two nights of camping in the Mt Ellen parking lot can be purchased through the registration link.