When you imagine the start of a gravel race, you probably picture something like this: a quiet morning chill, the low hum of nervous pre-race chatter, and the sound of cleats clicking on pavement. What you probably don’t picture? A life-sized rhinoceros made out of chrome car parts. Or a VW Beetle transformed into a fire-breathing dragon.

But welcome to Art Car World, the official headquarters of BorderLands Gravel.

Gravel culture is taking the big screen. The short documentary “Get Your Gravel On: Gravel Racing in the Borderlands” will screen at the Tucson Film Festival on Saturday, October 11 at 5:30 pm. This Arizona premiere spotlights the community and landscapes that define BorderLands Gravel and the Douglas borderlands.  

Out on the Geronimo Trail, you quickly realize that gravel riding in the Arizona borderlands is a game of extremes. Crisp mornings give way to blazing sun. Smooth stretches of hardpack flip to rutted washboards in seconds. Out here, gear matters. That’s why I’ve been grateful to have the Rudy Project Egos helmet as part of my setup.

BorderLands Gravel returns to Douglas, Arizona, November 14–16, 2025. Join cyclists for the International Parade Lap, race day challenges, and a full weekend of events including a run/walk, Native American Festival, Mercado at the Gadsden Hotel, and guided tours of Agua Prieta. Race, explore, and celebrate.

When you come to Douglas for BorderLands Gravel, you arrive in the depths of Cochise County, a place defined by rugged landscapes, storied history, and miles upon miles of backroads that beg to be explored.

For cyclists, this is a dream terrain.

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.

Gravel racing has always been about pushing limits. Of legs. Of landscapes. Of what’s possible on two wheels. This year, BorderLands Gravel is breaking new ground again (literally) by launching something unlike anything else on the gravel calendar: an International Parade Lap.

Before the official race even begins, up to 70 riders will clip in for a bi-national roll-out that crosses the U.S.–Mexico border into Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, loops through the heart of town, and returns to the start line in Douglas, Arizona.

If you’re making the drive to Douglas for BorderLands Gravel, here’s a tip: don’t take the fastest route. Take the long way. Carve out a few extra hours in your itinerary and aim your wheels, whether on four tires or two, toward Montezuma Pass.

The borderlands are unforgiving on a bike. Dust, grit, and endless desert miles have a way of testing not just your legs, but your gear. Anyone who’s ridden gravel in Cochise County knows: a chain that squeaks, skips, or grinds will ruin your rhythm faster than a stiff headwind. That’s why we’re giving every registered BorderLands Gravel rider a little something to keep their drivetrain running smooth all day long ... a half-size SIMPLYFAST CUBE wax block.

Something big is happening in Arizona.

This year, BorderLands Gravel is proud to be part of the new Arizona Gravel Series, a four-race series that crisscrosses the state, connecting the dots between remote gravel roads and historic towns.

Each race is its own adventure. Together, they tell a story of what gravel in Arizona really is: rugged, scenic, tough, and unforgettable.

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.

You don’t show up to the Arizona borderlands hoping to “wing it.” The terrain out here is raw, wild, and beautiful. And it demands respect. Long climbs, relentless sun, and sweeping high desert views. Whether you’re racing 39, 65, or 94 miles, you’re going to need more than just grit. You’ll need a plan.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Jason Tullous of Tenac Championship Coaching to develop three free training plans tailored for each BorderLands Gravel course: Short (39 miles), Medium (65 miles), and Long (94 miles).