Pennsylvania’s premier gravel gathering — unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley — returns for its eighth edition on Sunday, October 12th, 2025, with a cash purse for those looking to race, lower prices for those who are in it for the adventure, a 200-mile overnight race for those up for an ultra-challenge, and the SlumberPArty for those that want quality time with friends new and old as they ride on #IPAGravel (Incredible PA Gravel) in the heart of central Pennsylvania during peak foliage season. unPAved is the event that’s easy on the eyes and hard on the legs.
Registration for the 2025 unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley is open at bikereg.com/unpaved-of-the-susquehanna-river-valley and details on all the categories, pricing, and schedules are at unpavedpennsylvania.com/unpaved-of-the-susquehanna-river-valley.
“We know that every rider that comes to unPAved has their own way that ‘the spirit of gravel’ moves them,” says Dave Pryor, Co-Founder and Event Director. “Some really want to test themselves against others so we’re putting more attention on the racing and results, including a cash purse to make it a little more serious than ‘racing for whoopie pies’ — which everyone will still get at the finish.”
The “Race for Whoopie Pies” category will be on the Full-130 mile course, featuring 13 hills, 11,500’ of climbing, and the infamous Longwell Draft “road” that was part of “The Difference” in the first few years of unPAved. Racers will be timed over four segments totaling 56 miles and over 7,000’ of elevation. There will be six aid stations that will not be timed so racers can refuel properly. A podium presentation will be held during the DONEpaved Party, with equal prize money for the men’s and women’s categories.
“We are excited to be offering cash prizes for the men’s and women’s categories this year,” said Pryor. “We’ve always had a great turnout in those categories and all of our ‘Whoopie Pie Champs’ have been great racers and people.
“We opened up Non-Binary/Gender Expansive and Para-Cycling categories a few years ago,” Pryor continued. “So far all of the riders in those have chosen to adjust their days to shorter distances (which we encourage all riders to do if they want). Our plan for this year is to make a $100 donation to a related charity for each Full-130 finisher in those categories, and if we have five finishers then we will do the same cash payout for prizes at the podium that night. Hopefully this is the year that happens!”
The courses are laid out with interconnecting loops, allowing for a variety of distances on race day. Participants who choose to “Ride at Pierogi Pace” literally “Choose their Own Adventure” on event day enjoying all the Aid Stations, climbs, and descents that they want. Regardless of distance everyone will be welcomed back with whoopie pies and finisher prizes at the DONEpaved Party.
“It’s amazing to see the wide variety of gravel cyclists that come to unPAved,” said Cimarron Chacon, Race Director. “So, we’ve built the event to be with a lot of options. For those that want a big day, the Big Lick-200 is for the experienced backcountry adventurer. My favorite, the SlumberPArty, is a ride focused on camaraderie with a group camp-out and catered breakfast provided by Backyard Beans Coffee Company. And for those not quite ready to explore off road, we even have our FUNpaved rides on Saturday. There really is something for everyone at unPAved.”
“The Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau has proudly supported the unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley gravel cycling event since its launch in 2018,” said Judy Machesic, Member & Community Engagement Director of the Bureau. “Over the years, we’ve watched it grow into a premier event that draws riders from across the country to take on our region’s challenging climbs and diverse terrain—set against the breathtaking backdrop of fall foliage. unPAved offers something for everyone, from casual explorers to elite athletes, and we look forward to welcoming them all to our scenic trails and vibrant downtowns in 2025.”
unPAved-SRV has grown from a single-day event to a full 3-day weekend, with gatherings starting on Friday night, incorporating the Lewisburg Fall Festival on Saturday along with social rides.
“unPAved captures everything we love about gravel—the adventure, the community, and the kind of riding that keeps you smiling for miles,” says Jeff Lockwood, Director of Global Marketing at Stan’s. “We’ve supported it from the beginning because events like this are exactly where Stan’s shines. Our tubeless sealant and biobased care products help riders stay out there longer and enjoy the ride more.”
“Lauf Cycles is excited to be partnering with the unPAved once again in 2025,” says Kae Takeshita, US Operations Manager at Lauf. “Come meet us and check out our latest lineup at our expo tent. Join us and hundreds of other riders and racers through the beautiful yet challenging gravel roads of the Susquehanna River Valley in its fall foliage.”
The 2025 unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley is also supported by New Trail Brewing, Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Backyard Beans, Endo Tuenup, Bikeflights, Giordana Cycling, Nittany Mountain Works, Küat Racks, Philly Bike Expo, Purple Lizard Maps, CarboRocket, Boiron Arnicare, Cycle Up Cafe, Freeze Thaw Cycles, Hushmoney Bikes, Brookside Bikes, Links Cyclery, The Bike Roost, and Saucon Valley Bikes.
Proceeds from unPAved support Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Penns Valley Pedals and Pints.
unPAved will take place October 10-12, 2025 starting with the “Get un(G)ravelled” pub crawl and bar games throughout Lewisburg. Saturday’s schedule includes the Lewisburg Fall Festival with food, drink, crafters, and kids’ activities; FUNpaved social rides; a Gravel Film Festival in the historic Campus Theater; and the riders racing on the Big Lick 200 (our new extra-large distance) or heading out for the SlumberPArty (our much-loved overnighter category) will start on Saturday as well.
On Sunday, the Full-130 “Race for Whoopie Pies” will get rolling first thing and those looking to “Ride at Pierogi Pace” will also set off on their 30, 50, 70, 100, or even 130-mile rides. All riders, families, and friends are welcome to the DONEpaved Party on Sunday afternoon and evening for prizes, food, beer, birch beer, and delicious local whoopie pies!
unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley looks forward to seeing youse, y’all, & yinz to the IPAgravel of central Pennsylvania!
Registration is open at bikereg.com/unpaved-of-the-susquehanna-river-valley
Learn more at unpavedpennsylvania.com/unpaved-of-the-susquehanna-river-valley