What Makes BorderLands Gravel Different from Other Gravel Events?
Step into the gravel cycling world and you’ll find a packed calendar of races across the country. From the windswept prairies of Kansas to the high alpine passes of Colorado, every event promises challenge, beauty, and camaraderie.
BorderLands Gravel in Douglas, Arizona, is a race that rewrites what gravel can mean, not just for riders but for communities.
Here’s what sets it apart.
An International Parade Lap Like No Other
Most gravel events start with a neutral rollout. At BorderLands, you start by crossing a border. Our International Parade Lap is a free, pre-race ride that rolls directly into Agua Prieta, Mexico, before looping back into Douglas for the official race start.
The Parade Lap is a reminder that bicycles have always been about connection. For a few miles, gravel riders flow through the streets of a neighboring country, cheered on by the local community. You won’t find this at Unbound Gravel or Belgian Waffle Ride. It’s uniquely BorderLands.
The Story of Douglas, Arizona
Every gravel race has scenery. BorderLands also has a story. Douglas isn’t merely a backdrop; it’s a character in the event.
Founded as a smelter town in the early 1900s, Douglas has lived through booms, busts, and reinvention. The city shares a border and a daily rhythm with Agua Prieta, making it one of the most unique gravel race host towns in the U.S.
When you line up to race, you’re stepping into a place where history echoes through the streets. From the marble staircase of the Gadsden to the desert horizon just outside of town, Douglas holds the race in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.
The Borderlands Experience
Plenty of races deliver “epic gravel roads.” BorderLands delivers roads with layers of meaning.
The course follows the Geronimo Trail, where Apache people, Spanish explorers, Mexican revolutionaries, and settlers once traveled. Riders pass the border wall, cross the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, and roll past the John Slaughter Ranch. It’s rugged, remote, and stunning, but it’s also deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the Southwest.
“It’s Just Different”
BorderLands Gravel is different because it doesn’t stop at being a race. It’s an invitation to experience the borderlands in all their beauty and complexity. It’s about connecting riders across cultures, elevating a town with a story worth telling, and creating an event that lingers long after the finish line.
When you sign up, don’t forget to register for the FREE Parade Lap through Agua Prieta.
