What in the world is a Cuban Gravel Crisis?

Bikes will travel the rural backroads of Cuba, MOduring the 1st Annual Cuban Gravel Crisis.

Riders will challenge themselves in the Cuban Gravel Crisis, on the 3rd weekend of October.

Update: This year’s debut event was a great success. View the event’s Facebook page for details on next year’s race during Cuba Fest: the 3rd weekend of October.

Are we out of gravel in the Cuba area? How could we be deficient in gravel with so many nearby rivers and creeks? Well, rest assured that we have plenty of gravel on hand, and some of it is packed on the beautiful back roads of Cuba in Crawford County and Gasconade County. During Cuba Fest (the 3rd weekend of October) cyclists will challenge themselves in the 1st Annual Cuban Gravel Crisis (website).

The race will begin in historic Cuba on N. Smith Street next to the Cuba City Hall. This is on the same street where other Cuba Fest events will take place later. Riders will sign in at Cuba Senior Center parking lot.

The Cuba Gravel Crisis race in conjunction with Cuba Fest will offer activities for the whole family. Come to town and spend the weekend.

Bikers will challenge themselves in the Cuban Gravel Crisis, on the 3rd weekend of October.

The flyer may say Top Secret, but the secret is out and male and female riders of all ages are signing up for this challenge. Choose your torture: a 20, 50, or 100 mile course.See the race’s Facebook page for continuing updates and information.

According to event organizer and rider Josh Brown, this race was slotted as event during the Route 66 Cuba Fest weekend so that whole families could come to Cuba to enjoy the many family friendly events. “I think it will boost attendance and add to the excitement of the event that also has a foot race scheduled.”

There are also food vendors, crafts, music, Mural Trolley Tours on Saturday and Cemetery Trolley Tours on Sunday. There will be many booths and activities for the family. Check the event’s Facebook page for details and updates. Come to Cuba for the weekend but book your motel room early. There are also campgrounds available for those who want to travel by RV.

Josh, who often rides 15 miles to work at his barbershop, loves the sport and wants to share it with as many people as he can. He has mentored new riders and is one a growing group of Cuba cyclists who participate in events, both local and around the country.

Josh says of the Cuba event, “Everyone is helpful and friendly. It is a neat type of event that creates more interest in cycling. Having some of the race on gravel adds more challenge and takes people to some of the most scenic rural areas.”

“Whether you finish first or last, you will be a winner.” Josh Brown

This is Cuba’s first official bike race, so support and welcome the riders however that you can. Watch for the publishing of the route and cheer the riders on as they pass. Share the road with the riders. Let’s make this the first of many races in Cuba.

As the flyer says, call Josh or Tanya with questions if you don’t find what you want on the website or Facebook page.

From the website: Cuban Gravel Crisis Is a bike ride on the gravel roads of the scenic Ozarks in Crawford and Gasconade Counties. This is an event that you will want to bring your entire family to…..In addition to a spectacular ride the race will begin and end from our Cuba Fall Festival. There will be food, crafts, wine/beer tasting, music/entertainment and fun for all!