MS Gravel Cup is a four race series in our lovely state of Mississippi. The races are held in very different parts of the state which allows riders to enjoy different terrains for each race. Between the varying grades of gravel and the ever-changing course conditions, these four races provide just about everything you could ask for in a gravel series. Add to that the unique culture and personality that comes with those who love this type of course and format, and you’ll find yourself in the perfect place for an exciting and inspiring ride! Check out each individual race below for a description of the course and terrain, and then get ready for some gravel grinding fun!
Registered Rider List
Everyone gets an awesome backroad experience, stocked aid stations, premium swag & post-ride meal.
Video shot and edited by Chris Rosario/RO Squared Multimedia
Courses
Video shot and edited by Jason Shearer/Ordinary Epics
OMG - Oxford, MS - January 11, 2025
We are kicking off the 2025 series with some serious hilly fun! OMG is held in Oxford, MS- home of William Faulkner and the University of Mississippi. This route starts on gravel and showcases a journey through the many rolling hills of the Holly Springs National Forest. The course is characterized by rolling hills, fun descents, gorgeous forest views and well-packed gravel service roads. When complete, the 100 milers will have conquered over 7,000 feet of elevation. In addition to the 100 miles, there will be a 50-mile option and a 20-mile fun ride, complete with a ride leader, for the newly initiated or who may want to explore gravel riding.
Camp Shelby Gravel Grind - Hattiesburg, MS - February 1, 2024
The Camp Shelby Gravel Grind is back! This year we will offer 25, 50 and 100-mile routes through Camp Shelby and the Desoto National Forest featuring some of the sweetest gravel roads around. This ride will also feature some killer climbs of the Ragland hills and you'll also see some of the training sites used by our military.
Video shot and edited by Jason Shearer/Ordinary Epics
Video shot and edited by Jason Shearer/Ordinary Epics
Rockcrusher Challenge - Ackerman, MS - March 1, 2025
The Rockcrusher will start in the historic railroad town of Ackerman, MS - home of two Mississippi governors - before entering the Tombigbee National Forest just outside of the town limits. After a neutral start, the race will hit gravel almost immediately, then entering the Forest around Choctaw Lake. The course is characterized by rolling hills, sharp punchy climbs, flowy descents, and well-packed gravel forest service roads. Early on in the course, you will encounter a significant stair step climb that will test the racers twice on this 100-mile route. Quiet roads, wildlife, and mature stands of trees are found throughout the area. In addition to the 100 miles, there will be a 50-mile option and a 25-mile fun ride, complete with a ride leader, for the newly initiated or who may want to explore gravel riding.
The Burner - Bentonia, MS - March 22, 2024
This race will start in the historic Blues city of Bentonia, MS in front of the Blue Front Cafe. After a slow rollout across Hwy 49 you will hit gravel heading north towards the oil field cities of Anding and Tinsley. Making your way across bluffs along the eastern edge or Satartia you will be challenged with punchy climbs and screaming downhills. The 100-mile racers will hit their aid station and head southwest towards Vicksburg on lightly traveled country roads before turning north back to the aid station on a mix of dirt and paved roads. The same aid station will be used by the 50-mile racers and both will race towards the finish on some of the best gravel the area has to offer. There will also be a challenging 25-mile fun ride lead by local gravel gurus to expose beginners to the allure of this discipline.
Video shot and edited by Chris Rosario/RO Squared Multimedia
Benefit
Mississippi NICA
This is one of the first seeds of youth cycling planted in our state. After four years of participating in the Alabama NICA league as composite teams, under the leadership of Selena Swartzfager and Michelle Williams Mississippi will have its own league in 2023.
We are very proud to partner with this organization.
http://mississippimtb.org
http://www.nationalmtb.org
University of Mississippi Field Station Youth Ecology Camp
Ecology Day Camp is an educational and fun annual camp where youth will be exposed to various aspects of Biology and Environmental Science through hands on interaction and lectures provided from local resources.
http://fieldstation.olemiss.edu/
Starkville Cycling Club
This club hosts a variety of weekly group rides and works to maintain the epic system of the Noxubee Trails. They are currently working on development and initial building of a new trail system closer to the city at JL King Park which will serve as a home base for future youth cycling development.
Partners
We continue building relationships with industry and local partners that are just as invested in the community as we are. From financial support, product & service donations, advertising, and on-course support…they make it happen.
If you would like to join us in our mission, just drop us a line.
