CASTELL GRIND FAQS

Cockaroo, a beloved rooster, once lived at the Castell General Store, known for his colorful past, eccentric behavior, and romantic escapades. After his untimely passing, he was taxidermied and displayed inside the store as a lasting tribute to his legendary status and quirky antics. While we don’t fully endorse Cockaroo’s performances, we recognize the rooster as a proud, confident, and courageous symbol of the hard work and dedication embodied in the Castell Grind.

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country along the Llano River, Castell is a hidden gem just 90 minutes west of Austin. One visit is all it takes to understand why we chose this breathtaking location—check out the map on our homepage to start planning your adventure.

The Castell Grind (CG) is yours to shape. Channel your competitive spirit and race the course as fast as your legs can pedal and your heart can surge—top five male and female finishers in each distance earn awards. If adventure and endurance are your goals, that’s perfect, as long as you meet the cutoff times. This demanding gravel event is no easy feat, so don’t overestimate your skills or underestimate the rugged Hill Country terrain.

Set in the remote reaches of nowhere, Texas, the Castell Grind unfolds on gravel and mixed-surface roads, winding through lightly traveled, rolling farm roads with no facilities beyond the town of Castell. Expect no singletrack—just desolate stretches dotted with occasional farmhouses. Castell serves as the sole refueling stop. While progress has paved a few miles with chipseal over the years, the finest gravel endures, with each route offering roughly 50% gravel for an authentic Hill Country challenge. Always respect these rural routes and adhere to Leave No Trace principles. The Castell Grind course, set on public roads, is open for pre-riding year-round, inviting adventurers to experience its timeless challenge.

True to gravel’s roots, the Castell Grind course is not fully marked. While select sections may feature light markings for safety, clarity, or traffic guidance, don’t rely on them. We strongly recommend downloading the route to your GPS device—Ride with GPS course maps are available on our website. Study the routes beforehand to minimize errors. Outside maps are permitted to stay on course, but using them to cut the route will result in disqualification.

We strongly recommend using a GPS device to track your location and distance traveled, ensuring you’re prepared in case of an emergency.

The Castell Grind provides no on-course support except in emergencies—you’re on your own. Carry enough food, water, and gear to sustain you for the entire route. Self-sufficiency is essential for all aspects of the race. Basic mechanical and medical support are available in Castell, along with a designated drop area for your refueling needs.

Your support crew is prohibited from providing refueling or race intel on the course. In case of a mechanical or medical emergency, your crew may assist you. To ensure rider safety and preserve the race’s remote character, we aim to minimize vehicle traffic on the course. Support crews are welcome to stage in Castell as the race passes through.

Ride what you’ve got, but steer clear of skinny road tires—they won’t hold up on this rugged terrain. Gravel, cyclocross, or mountain bikes are ideal for the Castell Grind. For the best performance, choose tires 40mm or wider to tackle the course’s demanding gravel and mixed surfaces.

There is no race-day registration—it's too chaotic. Online registration opens November 1st at noon, operating on a first-come, first-served basis for each race, with strict caps due to venue capacity. All races typically sell out within an hour, so register early to secure your spot. Late registration may be available only after the waitlist is cleared, but these spots are rare and not guaranteed. For all inquiries, email castellgrind@gmail.com.

For your convenience, we offer multiple packet pickup options: the weekend before the race at the Trek Shop in Austin, and on race weekend in Castell on Friday and Saturday. Visit the Registration page for specific dates and details. Riders may pick up packets for teammates, friends, or family, provided the online waiver has been signed.

For the ultimate Castell Grind experience, stay in the heart of Castell, where a variety of rental houses and cabins await. Campers craving a rustic adventure can settle into the local campground. For additional hotel, rental, or camping options, the nearby towns of Mason and Llano—20 to 30 minutes away—offer diverse accommodations, while Fredericksburg, about 45 minutes from Castell, provides further choices. We recommend using standard accommodation search platforms to find the perfect spot.