RMCC Carr-nival Gravel Cruise
202km gravel brevet from Loveland toward Wyoming's border near Carr — 44% unpaved with bracing plains headwinds and open landscape on Colorado's northeastern edge.
The vibe
Bracing plains gravel near Wyoming
Head north from Loveland far enough and Colorado’s mountain-and-foothills landscape gives way to something different: the high plains near the Wyoming border, open and windy and far from any crowd. RMCC’s Carr-nival Gravel Cruise goes there — 202km with 44% of the route on gravel roads through the open landscape near Carr. The name is a play on the town name; the suffering from the headwinds is very real.
This is a non-ACP brevet, meaning it doesn’t count toward randonneuring international certifications but otherwise runs with all the same organization and spirit. Sign-in at 7:00 AM, departure at 8:00 AM from Loveland Valley Town Center. The route pushes north and east before looping back — wind direction on the day will determine whether the outbound or return leg is more punishing.
Free to enter in 2026. RMCC and RUSA membership required. A gravel-capable bike is essential; 40mm+ tires will handle the road surfaces here more comfortably than thinner options. Bring more water and food than you think you need — services are extremely sparse north of Loveland. Full route details at rmccrides.com.