Texas Chainring Massacre
The gravel season's traditional kickoff since 2010. Self-supported routes of 35, 50, and 75 miles on rugged North Texas roads near Gainesville.
The vibe
Gravel season starts here
Since 2010, the Texas Chainring Massacre has held the unofficial title of the gravel racing season’s opening gun. Held in Gainesville in North Texas, the event draws a serious field — past starters include Unbound/DK champions, Gravel Worlds winners, national champions, and Grand Prix competitors. If you want to know where you stand heading into the season, this is the measuring stick.
Three distances spread the welcome mat wide: a competitive 75-mile main event with podium awards, a timed 50-mile route for personal benchmarks, and an untimed 35-mile challenge for those still finding their gravel legs. All three routes run primarily on public unpaved roads that reward riders who’ve done their prep. There are no SAG wagons, no support crew — just you, your bike, your pockets, and the North Texas landscape. Route-appropriate gravel bikes are strongly recommended; road bikes are not suitable.
The start and finish are based in Gainesville’s town square, with parking at the high school athletic field. Registration runs through BikeSignUp; the 75-mile event is $80 and the 50- and 35-mile routes come in around $54. Spinistry Club members can access discounted or free entries depending on membership tier. If you’re circling a date to shake the winter rust off in earnest, this is the one.