This is a mixed terrain pavement/gravel/sand event. Make sure to bring the right shovel. The course is best suited for a gravel bike. A hardtail mountain bike will do if you have fast tires. We recommend having tubeless, 38c or larger tires with some tread.
Prospectin’ Pete’s Tip: “I’ll be going with Canyon Grizl for singletrack capabilities, and the IRC Boken Doublecross 42mm, it’s fast rolling for ripping the pavement yet wide enough to handle the soft sandy sections, while providing plenty of grip for the singletrack.
The old way of all-out racing is not the way at Stetina's Carson City Paydirt. Instead, the Paydirt consists of two substantial timed segments to keep things competitive without separating yourself from dear friends in the dusty west of Nevada's desert. In addition to on-bike racing, there are two bonus segments that consist of fun and games back at the post-race festival. Riding a mechanical bull and participating in a tire-toss competition could be all that separates you at the end of the day.
This event is a competitive gravel/dirt/pavement event with awards for top 3 riders in various age and gender groups. Mixed-terrain gravel bikes are the best choice for this race.
New for 2023, there is just one official route! If you're not up to the task of tackling the last climb of the day, you will have the option to bail out near Carson City on Jacks Valley Road. You will not be officially scored unless you complete the last climb of the day on the entire Paydirt route.
THE PAYDIRT (63.5 miles, 4,700')
There will be one major time cut to eliminate racers who haven't made it in time to tackle the final Clear Creek climb segment. This takes place at approximately mile 42 before a sustained single track climb. If you do not make it by 12:45 pm, we'll send you back on a shorter route to the festival.
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Unless stated otherwise, everything is happening at Fuji Park in Carson City.
1:00 – 5:00 pm: Test ride a Canyon Gravel Bike. Canyon will be serving up 30 minute test rides on Grizl, Grail, and Grail:ON models. Last test ride rolls at 4:30 pm, so you can still enjoy happy hour after!
4:00 – 6:00 pm: Complimentary pre-race Canyon Owner Bike Tunes
Starting at 4:00 pm, pick up your packet and goodies, check out the sponsor booths and grab a beer (or two!) before the big day.
4:00 - 7:00 pm: Packet Pickup
Please bring your ID to pick up your packet. Before you ask, no you cannot pick up someone else's packet. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent/legal guardian to sign your waiver.
4:00 – 7:00 pm: Happy Hour with Canyon x Revision Brewing: The beers are on Canyon! Join Pete and crew at the Canyon and High Fives Foundation tents. If you’re feeling tipsy, there will be some QR codes floating around to donate a beer’s worth to High Fives.
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12:00 - 4:00 pm: Mechanical Bull and Tire Lasso for bonus seconds
5:30 pm: Festival closes
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The main Event Parking will be across Lincoln Highway from Costco, in the dirt lot. There is also plenty of street parking along Lincoln Highway. The overflow parking will be at the pond (not shown on map below); you will need to enter through the fairgrounds/rodeo arena and continue on the dirt after you pass the gate by the stables.
