March 9, 2024 | Turkey, TX
Event Photo Gallery
Conquer the Terrain.
Ride through History.
Embark on a thrilling journey through the historic Valley of Tears in Texas, a legendary land steeped in tales of endurance and survival. This rugged terrain, once the backdrop of dramatic historical events, now sets the stage for the ultimate test of grit.
In the mid-1800s, this valley echoed with the poignant cries of families torn apart, earning its name from the heart-wrenching separations that occurred here. It was known for its challenging landscape that provided both refuge and trials.
You will traverse these same paths, where every pedal stroke carries the legacy of survival and resilience. The Valley of Tears, with its undulating hills and unpredictable terrain, promises not just a race, but a historical adventure. Riders will battle against the elements, much like the valley's past inhabitants, and emerge stronger, echoing the indomitable spirit of the land.
As you race through the scenic canyons and alongside the historic Quitaque Peaks, remember the stories etched into this land. The Valley of Tears is not just a route; it's a testament to endurance, a symbol of overcoming adversity, and now, a spectacular arena for the most adventurous of gravel riders. Gear up for an epic ride through history!
GATHER. GRIT. GRAVEL.
Interested in
Volunteering?
Prize Purse
$52,000
Presenting Sponsor
RIDER
SPOTLIGHT
Sofía Gómez Villafane
Keegan Swenson
Ted King
Tobin Ortenblad
Alex Howes
Emily Newsom
Kyleigh Spearing
Adam Roberge
Brennan Wertz
Ethan Overson
Nate Brown
Geerike Schreurs
Tom Danielson
Caleb Fairly
Crystal Kovacs
FAQs
-
-
Data supported by GFR.
Valley of Tears is proud to partner with Gran Fondo Rank (GFR) to bring enhanced race data analytics to our participants. With GFR’s support, we’re offering detailed calculations of GFR points for every racer, enhancing your competitive experience and tracking your progress with precision.
-
-
Turkey, Tx. March 9th.
Start 10 am. CST
-
-
Routes are over 90% gravel. Most is hardpack, fast rolling gravel. With a few sandy sections.
-
We would recommend no smaller than 38. Most locals will be on 40's. smooth centerline w/ tread on outside of tire.
-
Gravel drop bar, but e-bike, mountain are welcome. There will be an e-bike category.
-
We have routes for all ability level. The shortest route is a very achievable route for entry level participants.
-
Mass start by course distance. 5 min intervals.
-
-
Male/female open + age group for each route.
-
Yes, 4 feed zones - each fully stocked with food, water, and electrolyte… And a little bit of encouragement!
They are marked on the course map.
-
Many options, including camping/hotel/and rental house. Click here to view.
-
Online registration closes on Tuesday, March 5th. There will be onsite registration at Hills Sport Shop in Amarillo, TX on Thursday, March 7th and after the Shake Out Ride at Hotel Turkey on Friday, March 8th. There will be no registration on race day.
-
There will be awards for all categories.
There will be a $26,000 payout for the 115 Mile OPEN category. It’ll be split $13,000 male/female.
Prize payout will be:
1st Place: $2,500
2nd Place: $2,000
3rd Place: $1,500
4th Place: $1,000
5th Place: $1,000
6th Place: $1,000
7th Place: $1,000
8th Place: $1,000
9th Place: $1,000
10th Place: $1,000
-
$20 for all categories.
Valley of Tears Gravel Rules and Policies
Most important: Follow the rules of the road. The roads are OPEN to vehicle traffic! Please ride on the right side of the road and follow all traffic signs.
Our neutral aid stations will be fully stocked with Never Second bars, gels, and drink mix. For riders who would like to get a hand up from someone, there is a designated feed spot in Quitaque where the Caprock Canyons Trail crosses over State Road 86 (about 55 miles in for the long and medium courses). Please do not take food and water from any place outside of these feed zones.
Please don’t use headphones, earbuds, or text while riding.
No e-bikes (except for the designated e-bike fun ride category on the short course).
There is a time cutoff for the long course! You will need to get back to Turkey and cross through the start/finish by 3:45 pm if you are going to make it back to Turkey before dark. If you are signed up for the long course and you don’t make it back to Turkey by 3:45 pm, you will just have to drink beer (or whatever beverage you prefer) earlier. If you signed up for the long course, but decide to cut your ride short, please let the timers know!
We have Port-a-Potties at the Aid Stations. Please use them—we spent money on them! There are additional restrooms along the Caprock Canyons Trail.
Riders are expected to be prepared to deal with mechanical issues. Please bring extra tubes, a hand pump and/or CO2, tire plugs, etc. There will be some Neutral Support on the course and at the start line but aim to be self-sufficient.
This race is held in the panhandle of Texas in March. There is a 67% chance that it will be windy and a 42% chance that it will be downright cold. Bring clothing and be prepared—those back pockets on your jersey are great for stuffing lightweight jackets. Sunscreen is recommended regardless of the weather.
Please make sure to keep our beautiful scenery litter-free. We would be happy to take your trash at the Aid Stations and the Finish Line. Please don’t leave trash on the road for us to pick up.
Stay on the course. Download the routes on the website to your Garmin/Wahoo/GPS unit. While we will have a bunch of arrows and flags out there on the roads, you never know if they will get moved or blown away.
There will be sheriff deputies at some intersections. Their job is NOT to stop vehicular traffic, it is to provide some visibility to the race so that vehicles slow down at the intersections. If they waive you through, then feel free to keep moving. If they don’t waive you through, stop—look both ways—and proceed when clear.
If you find yourself out on course and needing to get a ride back to the finish line, do your best to get to an aid station to get help. While we will have a sag vehicle at the back, it might be hours before that van catches up to you so do your best to get yourself out of there. We will help you as best we can, but you should be self-sufficient.
Failure to follow these rules may result in disqualification.
Have Fun! Be Safe! Ride Smart!
The Valley of Tears Team
CONTACT US
