GRAVEL BATTLE OF THE
SUMTER FOREST
REGISTER
MARCH 14, 2026
DOWNTOWN WHITMIRE, SC
Same downtown start/finish venue in Whitmire, SC. This allows us to be closer to the good gravel, and means that fun river crossing gets to be hit from each direction. Whitmire was super excited to bring bike racing to their downtown area.
CONFIRMED RIDER LIST
BOONDOCKING DOWNTOWN FRIDAY
The town of Whitmire has agreed to allow racers to boondock downtown Friday night. If you have a sprinter van or a small camper, you're free to camp at the Whitmire Community Center Friday night. There will be no hookups of any kind, just primitive camping in a parking lot. Please do not park anywhere overnight other than the Community Center located at: 122 Glenn St, Whitmire, SC 29178.
CHALLENGING COURSES
You may think that with Clinton being in the Piedmont region of South Carolina that the terrain means an easier ride. Don't be fooled, everyone who finishes this event knows it was much harder than they anticipated. Long course is 74 miles short course is 49 miles.
SAME COURSES AS 2025
Given the new venue, a course reroute was in order. One of the most iconic shots of the Sumter Forest course is the tunnels that traverse under I-26. Now both the long course and short course get to have fun in those tunnels.
FREE FOOD/FREE BEER
Go as hard as you want, and know that a hot meal and a cold refreshing beer will be awaiting you at the finish line. Stick around and cheer on fellow riders who are finishing.
EVENT 1 OF 4 IN THE SOUTHEAST GRAVEL SERIES
The last race before a summer break. Come on out while the temperatures are perfect and before it gets too hot. The series again takes a break until September, so plan on getting your riding in now
DOWNTOWN START/FINISH VENUE
Whitmire was thrilled to be able to bring a bike race into their quaint downtown. Finish right on Main Street and see what the town has to offer.
SEG TEAM COMPETITION FOR 2026
RACE TOGETHER - WIN TOGETHER
MORE INFO
TOP 6 RIDERS SCORE
Your best six finishers make up your team total.
CATEGORY-BASED POINTS
Points are earned from Age Group & Elite results.
SHORT & LONG COURSE
Short and Long Course results are combined into one overall Team leaderboard.
OVERALL TEAM PODIUM
Top 3 teams overall earn podium recognition.
AID STATIONS
We will have fully stocked aid stations on course for both the long and short courses. You can expect water, carb drink mix, gels, pickle juice, coke, and lot's of other fun snacks!
LONG COURSE
Mile 21, 40, 63
SHORT COURSE
Mile 21, 40
COURSES
Important: To preview the courses, click on the links.
RIDE WITH GPS
Long Course – 73 Miles
Short Course – 49 Miles
Fun Course – 13 Miles
STRAVA
Long Course – 73 Miles
Short Course – 49 Miles
Fun Course – 13 Miles
REGISTER
START TIME / DIRECTIONS
LONG COURSE
9:00 AM
SHORT COURSE
9:30 AM
FUN COURSE
10:30 AM
DOWNTOWN WHITMIRE, SC
DIRECTIONS TO START
THE GRAVEL BATTLE AWAITS
The ultimate season opener is almost here. This is your chance to conquer the iconic I-26 tunnels, fly down the fast gravel, and battle for the podium in the brand-new Team Competition.
SECURE YOUR SPOT
2026 RACES
Sumter Forest is just the beginning. The Southeast Gravel calendar is packed with incredible routes, relentless fast gravel, and the best community in cycling.
