Let's ride some gravel at Shawnee State Park! We have two exciting gravel routes:
Ride the Full Pounder and experience 45.5 miles of the best gravel riding and racing available in the mid-west. You will be treated to 4,400' of climbing as you traverse the most scenic and remote sections of Ohio's largest state park. This route option has amazing gravel, outstanding climbs, at least one incredible descent, and three bridle trails (one grass-covered). Additionally, a section of technical double track will test your bike handling skills.
Are you interested in all the fun but with fewer miles while riding mostly basic gravel surfaces? We’ve got you covered with the 36-mile 3/4 Pounder. Enjoy the same great Pebble Pounder experience while bypassing a significant climb and the most technical sections of the Full Pounder. A great option for the novice gravel rider or anyone looking for a shorter, less demanding course.
New, kinder and gentler 3/4 Pounder route for 2026.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you would like to help grow the sport of gravel racing please consider signing up to help with this event. Thank you.
The Event!
Event Entry Includes: Your entry will include a t-shirt*, meal, finishers award, commemorative number plate, and a post ride party with door prizes (see below)! The top three finishers in each category will receive medals and podium photos. You must be present, or still riding to receive door prizes.
Registration & Licensing: No racing license is required. Online registration is on BikeReg.com, and ends the Friday before race day. Event day registration is not available. Register early! Prices will increase as event day nears. FREE ENTRY OPTION!
Important Details
Rider Support: This event is "“SELF-RESCUE”. We do NOT provide rider support. Come prepared to deal with potential equipment breakdowns. You cannot assume cellular coverage will be available. This document provides important information regarding event safety, route navigation and other critical elements that each participant is required to read.
Awards: Awards/prizes will be given to the top 3 finishers in each category, along with podium photos. All finishers will receive finisher awards.
Ohio Gravel Race Series: Racers doing the 45-mile Full Pounder will receive series points in accordance with OGRS policy.
Grassy Knoll Segment Prize: The fastest man and woman on The Grassy Knoll ~ Bridal Trail 7 segment will receive free entry to next year’s race. Time is determined via Strava Forest Rd 7 segment.
Additional Information
Post Ride Party: Beginning at 1:00 and concluding at 4:00 there will be a post ride party including food, music, door prizes and podium presentations. Door prizes currently include: Many wonderful cycling goodies TBD, custom jerseys and tops from Pactimo, beer and whiskey (to go only) and of course CHEESE BALLS! You must be present at the finish, or still riding to win prizes.
Location: The event is being held in Shawnee State Park, West Portsmouth, OH. The park offers many family friendly activities and amenities. Bring your friends and family and stay the weekend in their beautiful lodge (discount below), cabins or campground. Check out the park website and plan your weekend getaway.
Head for the Lodge and you can’t miss the event. View location on Google Maps.
Equipment: What kind of bike should you ride? A gravel bike or a CX bike will get the job done as will a hard tail 29er. No road bikes here folks. Minimum tire width is 33mm; 40mm or wider is recommended.N + 1 = Free Entry.
The Courses!
Must see video if you haven’t ridden this course previously!
The courses are on mostly gravel roads and bridal trails that can be dry and dusty or wet and spongy. There are sections of pavement and a section of technical double track. Scroll back to the top of the page for more details on your chosen route. View and download the routes here: Ride With GPS
Full Pebble Pounder Course Records: MEN: Ben Ewert 2:26:33, WOMEN: Sima Tavazoie 2:58:31.
Three-Quarter Pounder Course Records: MEN: Geert Fischer 2:02:44, WOMEN: Kristen McMahon 2:53:33.
Printable Course Maps: Riding with a printed course map is recommended.
Evacuation/Rescue Routes: Here is a collection of six routes for motor vehicles needing to access points on the course where riders can be picked up and returned to the start/finish if needed. No motor vehicles are permitted on the bridal trails. Leaving a copy of this evacuation/rescue map with your rescue partner is advised.
Computer Guidance: While we do our best to provide a well-marked course it’s not unheard of for directional signage to go mysteriously missing. We STRONGLY recommend you download your route to your bike computer. We recommend pre-loading the route and maps prior to leaving home due to poor cellular coverage in the park.
Aid Stations: There are two aid stations. The first is supplied with snacks, water and Infinit Nutrition fluids. The second features pickle juice to fend off cramps!
Public Roads: Much of the route is on public roads open to vehicular traffic. Riders must obey all applicable traffic laws. WE ARE IN SOMEONE’S BACK YARD! Riders deemed behaving in an unsafe or unfriendly manner will be disqualified and banned from future participation.
Bridal Trails: There are three bridal trails. If you approach someone on horseback you must approach courteously and yield the right of way. The bridal trails while somewhat grassy are also rockier, more rutted and uneven than the gravel surfaces.
Cellular: Cellular coverage is weak to non-existent depending on your carrier. If you are unfamiliar with the area, you may want to download navigation maps and directions to your phone prior to leaving home.
Rider Details
Check In & Start: Rider check in opens at 7:30 AM. Please do not approach the rider check-in table without your FULLY completed park release form. Riders will start in waves beginning at 10:00 AM.
Cutoff Time: The event ends six hours from when the first rider departs which will be the end of official timing and scoring.
Restrooms: Indoor restrooms can be found at the lodge located at on the map above. A more primitive but indoor restroom can be found at the main parking area by the lake. Porta-potties will be available at check-in. There are also restrooms and running water near the campground. Park map.
Water: Bring your own water there is no running water anywhere near race headquarters. Water can be found at the lodge and campground areas.
Carry Cash: Riders are advised to carry cash should something unforeseen happen and you require assistance from a motorist or local resident.
ODNR Release Form: All participants are REQUIRED to complete this ODNR release form. There is a space on the form for the license plate number of the vehicle you are leaving in the parking lot. No license plate # = no race plate. Please do not approach the rider check-in table without your FULLY completed form.
Alterations, Weather, Refunds: Event officials may alter the course as necessary due to prevailing conditions. Held rain or shine. No refunds.
Lodging: We have a discount at the Lodge which is good if you book by June 30th. Book your room by calling: 740-858-6621 (note: if you get a redirect message hang up and please try again) to receive our special pricing. Tell them you are there for the Pebble Pounder. The special rate is also available for additional nights.
Two queen beds woods view is $171+tax per night.
Two queen beds front view is $164+tax per night.
* The last day for FREE t-shirt with entry is August 9th.
Climb. Descend. Repeat.
Category Winner Plaques
(categories with 10 or more participants)
Podium Medals 3 Places All Categories
Pint Glass Participant Awards
Results & Photos
Steve Cook had the vision for SPP in 2023 and was given a small budget to produce QCW’s first gravel race. The inaugural SPP drew 86 riders and in 2024 registrations more than doubled with 177 riders. QCW will always be grateful to Steve for bringing us this wonderful event.