GRAVEL GRINDER RACE IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

REGISTRATION OPENS NOV 1, 2024 at noon.
Standard Registration 
$90 for the 62 miles
$75 for the 45 miles
$60 for 31 miles
Late Registration (RSVP only pending race has not filled)
Email castellgrind@gmail.com for openings
Each race is capped... stay posted.  
We expect all races to sell out very fast.  Typically with in a couple hours.  Please register early to ensure a spot in this years' race.  There is no race day registration.
Click this link to register online starting Nov 1, 2024 at noon.

RULES OF THE GRIND

  1. The racer is solely responsible for his or her safety on the course.  This endurance event takes place in a rural environment with potential hazards including weather, terrain, vehicle traffic, and animals.  

  2. Participate in the Castell Grind at your own risk.  All racers should be properly trained and physically capable of participating in this event. 

  3. All riders must wear a bike helmet.

  4. All riders must check in prior to starting and check out when off the course.  You must notify a race official if you withdraw from the race.

  5. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.

  6. Follow provided route at all times.  The course will be posted online prior to the event and clue sheets will be distributed.

  7. This is not a closed course, all riders must obey traffics laws.  Any one caught running stops signs will be penalized.

  8. Leave no trace.  Pick up all your liter.

  9. Racers must be fully self-sufficient with food, water and gear. 

  10. No crew support allowed on the course except at authorized locations.

  11. Racers may assist other racers in need. This is encouraged. 

  12. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

  13. Please remember we are visitors on theses roads and in the towns we pass through.  Represent your sport well so we can come back.  Be courteous to the vehicle drivers and property owners.

  14. Use your common sense at all times.

  15. E-bike and Tandems - At the Castell Grind we promote all forms of gravel riding.  If riding an E-bike or Tandem we ask that you please inform us via email after you register, well in advance of race day, so that we can ensure you are not in medal contention since we currently do not have awards for these classes.
  16. The Castell Grind organizers reserve the right to alter the course and rules as unforeseen circumstances arise for the safety and well being of all involved. 
  17. In the event of severe weather, a race start delay or cancellation is possible.  There is an enormous amount of non-recoverable time, planning, logistics and expense put in the Castell Grind all before race day, in the unlikely event of a last minute weather cancellation there will not be a postponement date. In order for the Castell Grind to continue and financially recover in the event of a weather  cancellation we can not refund entry fees.

FULL GRIND 3/4 GRIND

& HALF GRIND

RACE OVERVIEW

The Castell Grind is comprised of three separate endurance gravel races, the Full Grind 100K 3/4 Grind 72K Half Grind 50K.  All races will begin in Castell following remote gravel roads through the rolling Texas Hill Country in the middle of nowhere.   You can expect amazing views, wildlife, cattle guards, minimal traffic, adventure and a gravel challenge worthy of bragging rights.  The Full Grind will follow a figure 8 course intersecting through the center of Castell at the half way point.  This will be a mandatory check point for all racers continuing on the 100K course.  Racers may also use this as a refueling and support stop if they choose to.  The Half Grind racers will complete the same south loop course as the Full Grind racers and finish their race in Castell.  The Full Grind racers will complete the north loop returning to Castell and the finish line.  Post race festivities will take place at the Castell General Store.

EARLY BIRD PACKET PICK UP

Trek Austin south Lamar Saturday Mar 29th 11am - 3pm
RACE WEEKEND PACKET PICK UP
At "The Metal Building" across the street from the post office
Friday night 430 to 830 pm

Race morning at "The Metal Building" across the street from the post office 630 to 825 am

START TIME

Saturday April 5th, 2025  @ 9 am

START LOCATION

Castell, Texas at The Castell General Store

CUT OFF TIMES

1 pm Half Grind and to begin FG north loop

4 pm Full Grind

PRE RACE MEETING

30 minutes before race start

AWARDS

Top 5 male and female in each race
Special awards to 1st place male & female riding SS or Fatbike in each race

ON SITE BIKE SERVICE PROVIDED BY

Trek Austin

MANDATORY GEAR

  1. Bike helmet
  2. Method of carrying sufficient food and fluids for duration of the event, camelback or bottles
  3. Spare tubes and or patch kit
  4. Tire pump or Co2 cartridge
  5. Jacket or windbreaker for inclement weather 
  6. Compact bike tool
  7. Cell phone
  8. GPS or cycle computer
 
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