Walla Walla’s premiere gravel cycling event returns for 2026, on Sunday, September 13
The Walla Walla Grit is back! After retiring and closing Allegro Cyclery, a beloved downtown fixture, Michael and Kathryn Austin also thought they were done with the Grit.
“After canceling the event in 2025, the cycling community wanted to do whatever it would take to bring the Walla Walla Grit back,” says Kathryn, “so we partnered with Kevin and Kyler at Bicycle Barn to not only bring it back but make it an even greater, bigger event than ever.”
This year’s event is just that – it’s on track to double the participants from 2024, has more enthusiastic sponsors, and is drawing riders from all over the Pacific Northwest.“Participants often stay for a few days and take advantage of our incredible restaurants, shopping, lodging, and of course wines,” says Kathryn, “good for the Walla Walla Grit and good for the community!”
There are three courses to choose from: Bambino at 45 miles; Medio at 65 miles; Grande at 95 miles, each promising one of the best gravel-to-road ratios you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest. You’re also guaranteed little to no traffic while riding through rolling wheatfields, ponderosa pine, and spruce forest with geological wonder and wildlife of the Blue Mountains. Treat this as a race – though not a sanctioned event, it is timed – a killer ride, or ahem, survival. Expect to be challenged to the max while navigating a mix of gritty, silty, rocky terrain (or thick mud depending on the weather).
Using Quirk Brewing as the hub, riders can enjoy some well-earned suds and tasty food truck grub while awards are given out. New this year are raffle tickets for tires, food, and more swag!
THE NITTY GRITTY
Registration: Click here to register. Registration closes at 11:59pm Friday, September 11 (note: weekend in-person registration includes an additional $50 fee)
Packet Pick-up: Saturday, September 12
- 12 – 4pm: Bicycle Barn, 1503 E. Isaacs Ave Walla Walla
- 5 – 7pm: Echolands Winery 3281 Mill Creek Rd. Walla Walla – bring your friends and family and a enjoy a glass of wine, food, and spectacular views
Race Day: Sunday, September 13 @ Quirk Brewing, 425 B St. Walla Walla
- Grande: sign in opens @ 5am, race starts @ 6am
- Medio: sign in opens @ 7am, race starts @ 8am
- Bambino: sign in opens @ 8am, race starts @ 9am
Lodging: Tent, van, and RV camping is available at Quirk Brewing (no hookups); check out The FINCH (a sponsor), or click here for a list of other options in the area.
Tips: Weather can be unpredictable in early September – hot and dusty or cold and rainy so check the forecast. Though there will be five curated aid stations, have enough food and water to last between and don’t forget flat repairs! Check out more “nitty gritties” including recommended bike specifications here.