Join the Ultimate Gravel Cycling Experience! JUNE 6-8, 2025
Festivus of Gravel - presented by Castelli has a new date, new distances and is now part of the Gravel Earth Series!
Custom Festivus of Gravel Castelli Jersey
Festivus of Gravel joins the Gravel Earth Series!
Celebrate the spirit of Festivus with a gravel cycling weekend festival hosted by Tour de France veteran, Alex Stieda and the Town of Thorsby, Alberta, Canada. Explore the stunning gravel terrain around Thorsby, Alberta, Canada across Leduc, Brazeau and Parkland counties. There's a challenging distance for everyone - 40km (NEW!), 55km, 105km, 190km, or 295km.
And the best part, we are now part of the Gravel Earth Series, a group of the best gravel events in the World!
About Festivus of Gravel - presented by castelli
Our Vision
Our vision at Festivus of Gravel is to create a celebration of all things cycling that brings together professionals and enthusiast cyclists from all over the world to share their passion for cycling, learn from each other and meet some new friends.
Gravel Earth Series
Gravel Earth Series brings together a series of curated gravel events from around the world into an overall series competition. Riders accrue points towards an overall series winner.
North American races include:
- May 11: Ukiah Mendo, CA
- June 7: Festivus of Gravel, Thorsby, AB
- June 25-28: Oregon Gravel Grinder, Bend, OR
- July 5: Gravel
Gravel Earth Series brings together a series of curated gravel events from around the world into an overall series competition. Riders accrue points towards an overall series winner.
North American races include:
- May 11: Ukiah Mendo, CA
- June 7: Festivus of Gravel, Thorsby, AB
- June 25-28: Oregon Gravel Grinder, Bend, OR
- July 5: Gravel Mexico
- August 22-23: Gravel Worlds, Lincoln, NB
Gravel Earth Series believes that without protecting our natural environment, we do not have a future....#nonaturenofuture
Who rides Festivus?
Is FoG a Race or a Ride?
Our riders come from diverse backgrounds, making Festivus of Gravel a place to meet new friends. We believe that our participants are the heart and soul of the event and we strive to make your experience unforgettable.
You do NOT need to be a part of a cycling club to ride Festivus.
Is FoG a Race or a Ride?
What distances are there?
Is FoG a Race or a Ride?
Festivus of Gravel (we call it FoG!) is a gravel cycling event for everyone. You can ride any of the distances as fast or slow as you'd like. Take advantage of the rest stops or, pack everything you need with you!
Race your friends or try to be first overall - it's up to you.
We will, however recognize the top 5 riders in each distance for men and women to give them the credit they deserve.
What distances are there?
What distances are there?
What distances are there?
We've added a new distance for 2025!
We want everyone have an opportunity to challenge themselves so there are now 5 curated routes to choose from:
The Lightning - NEW! 40km - dip your toe into gravel
The Hammer - 55km - the challenge starts!
The Thunder - 105km - most popular!!
We've added a new distance for 2025!
We want everyone have an opportunity to challenge themselves so there are now 5 curated routes to choose from:
The Lightning - NEW! 40km - dip your toe into gravel
The Hammer - 55km - the challenge starts!
The Thunder - 105km - most popular!!
The Braveheart - 190km - Gravel Earth Series points distance!!!
The Terrible - 295km - all in for the whole day!!!!
Everyone finishes on the last 20km together.
Where is Festivus?
What distances are there?
What distances are there?
Festivus of Gravel takes place on the pristine gravel roads and by-ways of Leduc, Brazeau and Parkland counties in the heart of the Province of Alberta, Canada.
The town of Thorsby, Alberta is our host for the start and finish of all event distances. We are a 20 minute drive from the Edmonton International airport. Thorsby, is named after the Norse god Thor and you can find his statue downtown!
What's the Schedule?
What's the Schedule?
What's the Schedule?
Wednesday, June 4 - late registration & package pick up in Edmonton
Friday, June 6 - arrive in Thorsby to set up your campsite, do a warmup/recon ride and late registration/package pickup
Saturday, June 7- event waves:
- 7 AM: 295 and 190km
- 8 AM: 105km
- 10 AM: 55km and 40km
- Noon to 5 PM: Finish line celebration with expo, food, drink, mus
Wednesday, June 4 - late registration & package pick up in Edmonton
Friday, June 6 - arrive in Thorsby to set up your campsite, do a warmup/recon ride and late registration/package pickup
Saturday, June 7- event waves:
- 7 AM: 295 and 190km
- 8 AM: 105km
- 10 AM: 55km and 40km
- Noon to 5 PM: Finish line celebration with expo, food, drink, music and lots of draw prizes.
- evening bonfire at the campground!
Sunday, June 8
10AM - fun ride to a cool location!
About our Founder
What's the Schedule?
What's the Schedule?
Alex Stieda has raced and ridden bikes for over 40 years, 8 years as an amatour participating in multiple world championships on the road and track including the 1984 Olympics. He then raced for 7 years as a professional road cyclist for the famed 7 -Eleven team including becoming the first North American to wear the Yellow Jersey at the
Alex Stieda has raced and ridden bikes for over 40 years, 8 years as an amatour participating in multiple world championships on the road and track including the 1984 Olympics. He then raced for 7 years as a professional road cyclist for the famed 7 -Eleven team including becoming the first North American to wear the Yellow Jersey at the Tour de France.
Alex co-founded the Tour of Alberta professional stage race and started the Festivus of Gravel in 2023.
A recent prostate cancer survivor, Alex fund raises for the MAN VAN - a traveling prostate cancer screening vehicle!
Ride with a Purpose
What's the Schedule?
Ride with a Purpose
As a prostate cancer survivor, Alex can't emphasize enough the importance of early detection.
The Prostate Cancer Centre of Alberta is raising funds for a mobile testing unit called "The MAN VAN" to service the Northern Alberta region.
Please donate when you register to raise awareness for the loved ones in our lives.
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