The race is just around the corner, and with all hotels in Douglas currently booked (it doesn’t hurt to check), it’s time to start thinking creatively about where to stay.

Here’s your guide to making it work, whether you’re rolling into town with a tent, your trusty van, or an Airbnb tab open on your browser.

Get an early taste of BorderLands Gravel with a special Day of the Dead pre-ride hosted by race organizer Mike Miller. The group will roll out from the historic Gadsden Hotel and ride through the John Slaughter Ranch and San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge. Meet the community, preview the course, and experience the desert in full color before race day.

There’s something about gravel racing that draws people in. It’s part grit, part adventure, and part community celebration. But if you’re new to it, especially if you’ve never lined up at the start line of any race before, it can feel like a lot. The gear. The training. The distance. The questions like, “Am I even ready for this?”

Take a breath. You’re not alone. And you’re more capable than you think.