| Option | Distance | Start | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mi | from 9:00 AM | $30–$50 | |
| 40 mi | 9:00 AM | $60 |
Gravel + Alleycat + Adventure
An “alleycat” is an unsanctioned, informal, underground bike race that traditionally takes place in cities and urban areas where participants race from one checkpoint to the next in an effort to complete all challenges and/or hit as many locations as possible. Think: Adventure Scavenger Hunt!
The Dirty Kitten Gralley Cat (DKGC) is a “choose-your-own-adventure” alley-cat style bike/run event on the grounds of Locust Hill Farm & Preserve (LHFP) in Rapidan, VA. Instead of following a set course from start to finish, participants are able to select their own route as they make their way around the property, visiting multiple checkpoints along the way. Both competitive & recreational participants are welcome.
Participants have the choice of doing either a “short course” (~20 miles) or “long course" (~40 miles) individually, in pairs, or as small teams (runners can do anywhere from 5-20 miles). All participants are given a map of the course during check-in the morning of the event on which the checkpoints, course boundaries, and key navigational points are clearly marked. After visiting all designated checkpoints, participants return to the start area where their scorecards are verified and finish times recorded.
NOTE: There is not a GPS route or map available for this event. Participants receive a paper or digital map of the course the morning of the event (no, you can't get a course map sooner so don't ask!)
*We have both ride & run options. Run participants "choose their own adventure" and can cover anywhere up to 20 miles if they wish. The run course will be an abbreviated version of the ride course with run-specific checkpoints.
NOTE: Duo & Team participants must enter additional member names at registration
*Day-of registration will be available 8-11am on site. An additional $5 fee will be added.
There are NO refunds for this event. Transfers are available upon request (once the event is sold out). If the event must be canceled due to health, safety, or severe weather conditions, participants will receive a BikeReg credit equal to the FULL amount of their registration fee (not including any service fees) along with additional charges for merchandise, food, etc to be used toward another Dirty Kitten Productions event.
HELMETS REQUIRED! NO AEROBARS!!
Participants are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before their designated start time, check in with a staff member at registration (cabin), warm up only in designated areas (not on course), be prepared when called to the starting area (all duo and team members must be present), and check-out at the finish when their ride/run is complete.
The course will be marked at turns and intersections. Some sections of the property will be off-limits (and marked “Do Not Enter”) during the event. Participants are expected to carry their course map at all times and pay close attention to signage. Only registered participants, volunteers, and staff are allowed on the course.
RIDERS: Gravel, cyclocross, and mountain bikes are recommended (anything with 32mm tires and up). Road bikes are not suggested for this course. If you ask us, we will tell you not to bring your road bike.
Participants are asked to arrive at least 30 min prior to their designated start time (waves times will be emailed), check-in with a staff member at registration (by the cabin), warm-up in designated areas (not on course), be prepared when called to the “staging area” at the start/finish, and sign-out with a staff member when finished.
We will have staggered start times (10-15 minutes) from 9:00am-12:00pm. Runners start at 9am. Long Purrito participants will start 9am-11am and Short Purrito participants will start 10am-12pm. The last start time will be at 12pm. Participants will be assigned specific time slots either individually or in small groups/teams with others based on requested time frame during registration (1-hour blocks).
ALL team/group members must be present at check-in before proceeding to the start area. Participants may ride for as long as they wish but must be finished by the designated cut-off time (3pm).
There is some access to water on-site, but it is limited so please plan on bringing your own water, food, and supplies for before, during, and after your ride.
Temperatures can range in the area during the spring: it may be warm or cool (50-75 degrees), depending on the time of day . We will have water and some single-serving nutrition products available at the start/finish area and aid station checkpoints on course.
Participants will be asked to carry whatever they need with them for the entire time they are on course (2-3 hours): water, nutrition, flat pack, map, cell phone, etc. There will be 5-10 checkpoints (depending on distance) on course along with at least one fully-staffed “aid station” if participants need assistance. Staff members and volunteers will have cell phones and radios, signs will clearly direct riders “Back to Start/Finish” if needed, and First Aid will be available at the start/finish area. In case of an emergency, dial 911 and alert a staff member or volunteer if possible.
Water and single-serving nutrition items will be available at the start/finish area, as well as at one staffed aid station along the course at the top of the Kitten Crusher. Post-ride food (prepared box lunches) will be available for participants at an additional charge (approx $20/each) during registration and must be pre-ordered in advance. Beverages will be provided at NO additional charge. Outside food and drinks are welcome (BYOB). Please be conscientious of your surroundings and use the trash cans/recycling bins that are provided or take your trash with you. We want to be invited back again.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Locust Hill Farm & Preserve (LHFP) encompasses over 5,000 continuous acres of privately owned land.
You will explore LHFP on private, gravel & dirt, farm roads that run along the Robinson River, pass serene creeks and ponds, weave through open fields, and cross wooded forest trails. The area is truly an adventure cyclist’s dream as well as a beautiful wildlife haven.
What makes this event unique is that it is 100% unpaved on private property. However, LHFP is a working farm that we have so graciously received permission to use from the landowners for our events. Entering ANY private sections of the property before race day will be considered trespassing and could seriously jeopardize the event, as well as our ability to host anything at this venue in the future (and will result in immediate disqualification). This is why we are careful when publicly posting any of our course routes, maps, GPS files, and Strava links.
NOTE: We know that Dirty Kitten GPS tracks and Strava segments have been made public, but please remember that this is private property and LHFP roads may not be accessed any time outside of an official event. We ask that participants respect our landowner’s requests and know that the Dirty Kitten Crew does everything possible to ensure rider safety and provide accurate, up-to-date information before each event.
The course is 100% unpaved with mostly gravel roads and dirt trails: the majority of terrain is on private farm roads with some dirt and grass double-track sections. It varies from smooth, groomed roads to rough, choppy areas with the possibility of mud if there is rain.
Participants choose their own route according to a course map provided at the start of the event. The majority of the course is on private farm roads with one section that follows a quiet, local, gravel road (Robinson River Road/Rt.721). Riders are expected to stay right of center and obey regular traffic laws while runners should stay on the left side of the road when on the public road section. There will be course signs and markings along the route.
Keep in mind that this is a working farm. Although we are in constant contact with the landowners and farmers to ensure everyone’s safety, there is always a possibility that you will encounter farm vehicles, livestock, and wildlife during the event. Eyes up and ears open at all times!!
Participants are given a map to navigate to different locations on the property depending on their chosen course/distance (long or short). The course map will be simple and the boundaries will be very clearly marked. The checkpoints will not be hidden and signs on the course will point you in their direction. We will give names to the roads on the farm and intersections will be clearly marked so you always know where you are. There will be markings that you can follow to get back to the start at any time. Participants are expected to carry or download the course map and pay close attention to signage.
NOTE: There is not a GPS route or map available for this event. Participants receive a paper or digital map of the course the morning of the event (no, you can't get a course map sooner so don't ask!)
There will be no awards ceremony or podiums. Scores & rankings will be posted during the week following the event and any prizes will be mailed to participants a few weeks later. Giveaways will be available at the event with donations going to local, non-profit organizations in the area (TBD). Recipients must be present to win.
Facilities: Port-o-pots and wash stations will be available along with Medical/First-Aid if needed.
Photography: Renowned Event Photographer, Bruce Buckley, will be on-site taking photos throughout the day that will be available on his website for purchase after the event.
Directions: Check-in and Start/Finish @ Locust Hill Farm & Preserve - 8070 N James Madison Highway, Rapidan, VA 22733 (turn off Rt. 15/James Madison Highway and continue down the gravel road). Cell phone service is spotty and unreliable in this area so please plan ahead!
Parking: Grass/field parking. When you enter the farm, continue on the gravel road until you see volunteers and parking signs. The landowners have asked that we park in specific areas so as not to damage crops or interfere with livestock so please be patient and respect our signs/volunteers when you arrive.
Accommodations: If you wish to stay the weekend, there are several nearby hotels and local AirBnB/B&B options in the area. The Baymont by Wyndham in Culpeper (formerly Best Western Culpeper Inn) has given us a group rate for the weekend ($99/night). Call and mention the event: Dirty Kitten Spring Ride (540-825-1253) to receive our special group rate. The discount is available through March. You may cancel up to 24 hours before arrival.
Sponsors & Supporters: TBA - Thank you to our kind and generous event sponsors & supporters!
Contacts: Alex & Chris Howell - Event Directors
Dirty Kitten Productions
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Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/dirtykittengravel
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