Showing Up in Douglas, AZ

From: Mike Miller, Event Director

Welcome to Douglas, Arizona, heart of Cochise County and the rugged international borderlands.

You’re about to ride the Geronimo Trail (GTR), a Cochise County primitive road, where the gravel lives up to the name:
Grava de Clase Mundial. This is world-class terrain. Raw. Remote. And unforgettable.

We’re honored you’ve chosen to support the 2nd edition of BorderLands Gravel. This event doesn’t exist without your trust and the fierce dedication of partners and sponsors across both sides of the border.

Ride Smart. Ride Ready.

The GTR is a challenging yet rideable route. This is self-supported gravel. You’re responsible for yourself and your rig. Stay present. Be alert. And above all, be self-reliant.

Community Support Runs Deep

This race isn’t possible without the people and organizations who call the borderlands home. The support behind BorderLands Gravel runs deep from both sides of the international line.

Partners

BorderLands Gravel is made possible through the support of the City of Douglas—including Fire/EMT, Police, Tourism, and City Hall—along with Cochise County, the Mexican Consulate of Douglas, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and the U.S. Forest Service. We are also grateful for the partnership of the John Slaughter Ranch National Historic Landmark, the Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism & Film Authority, the Malpai Borderlands Group, and the City of Agua Prieta, Mexico. Additional support comes from Sean Benesh Media, the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Tirrito Farm, Earn Your Spurs Inc., Art Car World, BSA Troop #430, Cuenca Los Ojos, and Cochise College.

Sponsors

Our event experience is made possible thanks to the generous support of our in-kind sponsors. These include the Gadsden Hotel, UnTapped, LMNT Hydration, Skratch Labs, Aqua Life Water, Slate Milk, Shimano – United in Gravel, Seal It, and Lajamari Clay Company. We’re also grateful for the support of The Border Mart, Arizona Border Alliance, Earlybird Bikes, Charlie 2, Borderland Chevrolet/GMC, Walmart Douglas, BikeReg.com, Pedal Industries, Mumu Apparel, Café Justo y Más, EVEPC Tucson, Viking Bags, Giordana, Best Day Brewing, Movemint, Rudy Project, and Tirrito Farm.

Please visit the LOCAL Supporting entities. The continued engagement of the partners and sponsors is a function of the event participants, volunteers, and spectators supporting the very generous and engaged borderlands community.

Please support these businesses and organizations during your time in Douglas. Their continued involvement depends on the enthusiasm and appreciation of riders, volunteers, and spectators like you.

Know the Team Behind the Scenes

BorderLands Gravel is a grassroots effort, built by a crew of dedicated riders, organizers, and community supporters who believe in what this event represents. Here’s the team making it all happen:

  • Mike Miller – Vision / Promotion / Producer

  • Dean Crandall – Technical Advisor & Voice of Reason

  • Loyal Ma – Start Line Commissaire & On-Course Official

  • Mike Hecker – Event Announcer & Awards Emcee

  • David Halliburton – Timing / Results / Finish Line / BikeReg Official

  • Austin Walker – Course Mapping / Aid Station #3 Captain / Sweep #2

  • Sean Benesh – Social Media / Multimedia / Website Manager

  • Pablo Echevarria – Documentary Film Director

  • Matt Steinberg – Event Set-Up / Start, Finish & Aid Stations / General Go-To

  • Tino Montano – On-Course Can-Am Crew Manager / Support

  • Eric Vigil – On-Course Vehicle Support / Sweep Vehicle

  • Jonas Hunter – Sound Production – Start, Finish & Awards

  • Douglas Fire Department EMT Crew – Start/Finish Medical Support

  • City of Douglas Police Department & Cochise County Sheriff Assist Team – Traffic Management

Each person here plays a crucial role in bringing the BorderLands experience to life. Be sure to give them a nod, a thank-you, or a high-five when you see them out on the course.

Critical Rules & Expectations

Helmets are mandatory — ANSI or SNELL approved.
No earbuds/headphones on course — no exceptions.
No outside “hand-ups” — feeds must happen at aid stations only.
No E-bike mechanical support — you’re on your own out here.

Failure to follow these rules = Disqualification. No debate. No drama. Just ride responsibly.

Aid Station Details

This is a self-supported gravel ride. Aid stations are stocked, but basic. Come prepared. Carry what you need to finish strong.

Four Aid Stations:

  • Mile 17 – John Slaughter Ranch

  • Mile 26 – GTR

  • Mile 41 – Coronado NF (Long Course Turnaround)

  • Inbound – Mormon Marker (17 miles to finish)

Restrooms available at:

  • JSR (flushable)

  • Top of Guadalupe Canyon Rd (porta-potty)

  • Mormon Marker Aid Station

Respect the land. No roadside bathroom breaks—period.

Cutoff Times & Sweep Protocol

If you don’t make it to: Aid Station #1 (JSR) by 12:15 PM, Aid Station #2/#3 by 2:45 PM, Aid Station #4 by 3:30 PM … you’ll be swept and marked as DNF (Did Not Finish). This is for your safety. No exceptions.

Safety First

The Geronimo Trail is an open road. Expect vehicle traffic throughout the day. All riders must stay to the right and remain alert at all times. Signage will be posted along the course as a reminder, but your awareness is your responsibility. Arizona bicycle laws are in full effect during the event, and compliance is non-negotiable. The use of a flashing red tail light is strongly encouraged. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference.

There will be no event-supplied on-course mechanical support, and aid stations will have only limited gear. Carry your own tools, spares, and supplies. Accepting help from fellow riders is allowed—and encouraged. Just don’t rely on it. This is a self-reliant event, and preparation is key.

E-bike riders should note there is no mechanical support provided for e-assist bikes. If you encounter an issue, you’re responsible for your own recovery.

Cell phone service may be spotty, but carrying your phone is still essential. Have a “Plan B” in place before you roll out. Communicate if you DNF. Respect the course, the crew, and your fellow riders. Ride smart, ride safe, and ride like a pro.

The BorderLands Oaths

By participating, you agree to:

  • Ride right. Respect all traffic laws.

  • Use designated toilets only.

  • Be kind. On and off the bike.

  • Communicate. Report DNFs.

  • Listen to event staff, border patrol, and law enforcement.

Violating these = disqualification. Honor the ride.

Final Notes

You’re riding in a place like no other, where the trail kisses the border wall and cultures blend beneath the wide-open desert sky.

We ride with grit. We ride with purpose. We ride with respect.

Thanks for showing up. Thanks for believing in BorderLands.

GYGO – Get Your Gravel On.

See you at the start line.