Gravel with a Purpose: The Community Impact of BorderLands Gravel

When riders line up at the start of BorderLands Gravel this November, they’ll be racing through more than just desert terrain. They’ll be pedaling through the economic heartbeat of Douglas, Arizona.

Outdoor recreation is big business, especially in Arizona. In 2023, outdoor adventurers pumped over $21 billion into the state’s economy, supporting over 200,000 jobs and generating $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue. It’s no exaggeration to say that every ride matters.

BorderLands Gravel is a small but powerful part of that impact. When racers show up in Douglas, they stay in hotels like the historic Gadsden. They stop for burritos, stock up on snacks and gas, and share stories over beers at local bars. Some discover Douglas for the first time. Others return because something about this place sticks with them.

The race doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in a community that shows up. From city staff and landowners to business owners, volunteers, and cross-border partners, Douglas opens its doors every November. They help create an experience. And when riders register, they help fuel it.

And let’s not forget the landscape.

The Long Course alone sends riders across the historic Geronimo Trail, brushing the border wall, winding through the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, and brushing the state line of New Mexico. It’s wild. It’s beautiful. And it’s deeply rooted in history. That kind of experience ... raw, remote, and real ... is what keeps racers coming back.

BorderLands Gravel is built for meaning. It’s more than hype. It’s something different ... more intentional, more immersive, and more connected to place. That’s the point. And it’s why your registration matters.

Register for BorderLands Gravel.