Recipient of Cycling PEI’s 2022 Event of the Year Award, the Dusty Red Gravel Grinder is now an annual tradition, returning for its third year on Saturday, August 17 (rain day Sunday, August 18).

This event is sponsored by Ted’s Bicycle Studio, featuring different rides of varying length exploring the gravel of eastern Queens County. All rides start and end at Ted’s Bicycle Studio at 26 Hollis Avenue in Stratford.

The loops and maps are as follows:

Loop 1: “The Big Dusty” is a 78 km ride to the Dromore region featuring the scenic, narrow red clay lanes that circle the Dromore hiking trails. You will also pass by the Spirit Spring on Dromore Road. This ride consists of a combination of gravel roads, paved roads, and the Confederation Trail. The route has slightly changed from last year (https://www.strava.com/routes/3123349612961558746). This ride will have two start times: 8:30 am for riders expecting to average 20-24 kph (expect your average speed to be 3-5 kph slower than on pavement); and 9am for riders expecting to average 25+ kph. There will be a feed station at the 42 km mark. There will be two timed segments (measured with Strava) to go for on this loop.

Loop 2: “The Little Dusty” is a 36 km ride down the Confederation Trail to the Village Green and Klondike gravel roads in Lake Verde (https://www.strava.com/routes/2996113793022490404). This ride is mostly on the Confederation Trail or gravel roads with two short segments on pavement. This ride rolls out at 10am.

 Loop 3: “The Mini Dusty” is a 17 km tour through the crushed gravel trails of Fullerton Park and the Confederation Trail (https://www.strava.com/routes/2980565564178850758). This ride rolls out at 11am.

Gravel or mountain bikes recommended. E-bikes are welcome for "Little Dusty" or "Mini Dusty."

There will be prize giveaways from Ted's Bicycle Studio!

Lunch to be served post-ride back at Ted's!

Registration $20 for Mini and Little Dusty, $30 for Big Dusty. CPEI members get $5 off!

Advance registration required at https://ccnbikes.com/#!/events/dusty-red-gravel-grinder-2024