A MT. DAVIS GRAVEL GRINDER GRAN FONDO/POKER RIDE
MUCH MORE THAN A RACE!

Pick one of three courses.
Two ways to play.
1.  Race or ride it Fondo style (Results based on full course Strava segments. Purse pending on turnout.)
2.  Poker run ( 5-Card and 7-Card Draw courses only. Payout top 3 hands of each course.) See below.
POKER RUN
Each rider will carry four laminated master cards. One for each suit. Each set of master cards will be specific to each rider. YES, THEY WILL FIT IN YOUR POCKET.  Riders will stop at each dealer and draw a card. Whatever card you draw the dealer will then hole punch that card on you master card.
You will then turn in your master cards at the finish line if you don't want to fold. Top 5 hands will win a prize or purse to be determined later.
Hey, if you don't want to play just bypass the dealers and keep on trucking!
"The Quick and The Dead" -  Mt. Davis Gravel Grinder is a gravel road bicycle FONDO/POKER RIDE from Meyersdale Pennsylvania. It will take you up and over the highest point in the State, Mt. Davis. Come for the challenge and stay for the fun! The name says it all. Will you be one of the Quick (fast) or one of the Dead (not so fast)?
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​This is a Nonprofit event with all of the proceeds being distributed to the Local Volunteer Fire Departments of Somerset County that support the local Townships and Borough's along the course and https://www.biapa.org/​. The 2025 venue will be held at the Somerset County Fairgrounds in Meyersdale PA.
  All fundraising is being done on behalf of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (CFA) - Mt. Davis Gravel Grinder Fund. CFA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. CFA registration and financial information are available from PA Dept. of State by calling 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. 
Date: Saturday, July 19th, 2025
Registration: 7:00 AM
 Start: 7 Card Draw - 9:00 AM /  5 Card Draw- 10:00 AM /  Fold "Em" - 11:00 AM
Ride Runs Rain Or Shine!

                    COURSES
  • 7 Card Draw Course - 78 MILES/10,000' +/- with a GAP bailout option in Confluence.....(1 Card at check-in, 5 Card stops-(1)Fox Road, (2)Top of Covered Bridge Climb, (3)AS-1, (4)AS-2, (5)Mt. Davis Summit, and 1 card at the finish).
  • 5 Card Draw Course - 57 MILES/6,000' +/- with a GAP bailout option in Confluence.....(1 Card at check-in, 3 Card stops-(1)AS-1,
  • (2)AS-2, (3)Mt. Davis Summit and 1 card at the finish).
  • Fold "Em" Course - 36 MILES/4,000' +/- (No stops)
                    Cut off at AS-1 (Confluence Cyclery) is at 1:00 PM. Riders must take the GAP back to Meyersdale after that.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN. VETS and Active Military get 50% off as usual. Just give the Sheriff a hollar!

What you’ll get with your entry:

  • TWO (2) stocked aid stations on the course to refuel and get refreshed enough to finish out the day (With First Aid)
  • A well-marked course.
  • Post-race Dinner (non-riders must purchase a dinner ticket) 
  • Food, Beverage, & Entertainment to follow Ride! 
  • Ceramic Campfire Coffee Cup

2 Fully Stocked Aid Stations: (No Drop Bags)
  • AS-1 Mile 35/24 - 7 Card Draw Course/5 Card Draw Course (Confluence Cyclery)
  • As-2 Mile 56/45/17 - 7 Card Draw Course/5 Card Draw Course/Fold "Em" (DCNR South Wolf Rock Split)
  • Gear:
  • Bicycle – Gravel, Cyclocross or Mountain Bikes with at least 32mm tires recommended.  Road bikes are not recommended.
  • Helmet – Helmets must be worn at ALL times during the race and warm-up rides.
  • Front & tail lights are recommended (Not mandatory.) If it's crappy out, stick em on!
  • No earbuds permitted.
  • Spare tubes and parts – Be self-sufficient.  Bring a couple of spare tubes, multi-tool, chain tool, spare chain links, hand pump and/or CO2, rain/wind shell, water and food to last 2-3 hours between aid stations.  
  
General Rules:
  • This is three courses in one. Both 7 Card Draw & 5 Card Draw course racers will follow the Blue Arrows until they separate. 5 Card Draw Course will follow the Green Arrows after they split until they meet up again with 7 Card Draw Course Blue arrows. The Fold "em" Course will follow Orange Arrows until they merge again onto the Blue Arrows. This will happen at three (3) different points along the course. Handlebar Numbers will also be Green, Blue, or Orange depending on the course you are riding.
  • Riders must obey all local traffic laws.
  • Riders should strive to be self-supported, i.e., take food, drink, tubes, pump, multi-tool, extra layers (if needed) with you on course.
  • Please do not litter. Carry your trash to the next.
  • Good Samaritan rule:  If you come across an injured rider, please stop to assess the person’s injuries as you may be the first responder.  
  • Riders under 18 will need a signed parental consent form in order to ride.
WEEKEND TIMELINE

​Friday-
• Check-in for the Out of Towners  (at the venue)– 5 PM to 7 PM
Walk up registration welcome-$100 (7 Card Course)   $80 (5 Card Draw Course)   $65 (Fold "EM" Course)  Cash Only!
Saturday-
• DIY Parking is at the venue.
• Check-in a  – 7 AM to 10:00 AM, 
Walk up registration welcome-$100 (7 Card Course)   $80 (5 Card Draw Course)   $65 (Fold "EM" Course)  Cash Only!
• Volunteer Meeting – 8:30 AM
• Pre-Race Meeting – 8:45 AM 7 Card      9:45 AM 5 Card     10:45 AM Fold "EM"
• Race Start –  9:00 AM 7 Card Course      10:00 AM 5 Card Course Course      11:00 AM Hold "EM" Course 
Post Race
• Shindig – 1:00 PM to 6 PM. We ask non-participants to donate in the boots. (Fireman Boot/Food & Cowboy Boot/Beer).
Music by - Them Blue Cats