“Are you ready for some epic gravel in the valley that changed the world? Look no further than the Roughneck Gravel Roubaix (RGR). What about that valley that changed the world part, though? Titusville, Pennsylvania, the host city for the RGR, is also the home of the first modern production oil well in the world, drilled on August 27, 1859. This is your chance to ride some of the same roads that the original Roughnecks traveled.”
“On May 27, 2023, The Roughneck Gravel Roubaix will return to Titusville for its second year. The 2023 routes will pass by historical landmarks like the longest continuously producing oil well in the world, the McClintock Well, Drake Well Museum and Park, and the Historic Pithole City. The routes traverse some of the nearly 2,200 miles of public gravel roads, while circumnavigating the four counties the five unique routes travel into to.”
“Each route passes through at least one aid station, while the longest route passes four fully stocked aid stations. We engage various community organizations to provide support to cyclists at these aid stations. Cyclists at last year’s event called them formula one pit stops, with volunteers grabbing your bike, filling your bottles, handing you food and sending you on your way. We will also have three different local bike shops represented at three of the aid stations to provide mechanical support. There was also report of over 5 aid stations set up by residents in 2022, we expect similar in 2023!”
“We curated five challenging routes that are safe, achievable, and range from 13-114 miles. All the routes, except for the 13-mile route, boast 95% gravel with epic climbs that virtually start in the Allegheny River and traverse six miles to the summit.”
“All 2023 routes finish by descending Drake Well Road and crossing the National Historic Landmark Jersey Bridge before navigating to the Drake Well BMX track. Yes, that is right! As if racing in the city where oil was first drilled isn’t enough, cyclists get to finish their epic day on a dirt BMX track where local races are held all summer long. All of which can be viewed from near and far on the live stream, thanks to STREAM TV.”
“The Titusville Ironworks Tap House serves as the start, registration, and after party venue. This unique venue has been fully restored and let’s just say you won’t be disappointed about the journey through local history as walk through the venue!”
To learn more, please visit www.roughneckgravelroubaix.com or register at bikereg.com/roughneck-gravel-roubaix
