Spinistrypalooza the Ultimate Bikepacking and Gravel Adventure Camp

You must have a current Club Spinistry membership in order to attend this event. Titanium level members/Golden Ticket holders will have their event attendance fees waived. Please allow one business day for new Titanium memberships to be added to the database before signing up.

Be aware that this is considered a very advanced level ride. Riders must be very skilled at self navigation, bicycle repair and self sufficiency. There are no sag vehicles or bailout options. Aside from designated support spots there are no additional amenities along the route. These routes are extremely remote and should be considered backcountry. Do not plan of having access to cell signal. Satellite tackers/SOS devices are highly encouraged. Single day riders should have extensive experience with back country, rugged terrain riding. Self Supported multi day riders should already have substantial bikepacking experience. Semi Supported riders are expected to be highly proficient in navigation, bicycle repair and camping.

This will truly be a one of a kind adventure and absolutely the best way to experience what the Big Bend region is all about. Route distances ranging from 50 to 100ish miles. Single day and two day options available. Supported aid stations available for all distances. Camping is included for semi supported riders as are Saturday and Sunday breakfast/snacks/drinks. Satellite trackers with SOS functionality are highly recommended for all riders. We will have a group locator map available for tracking purposes.

Rumor has it that Chef Brad Green will be cooking up a mess of food to share Saturday night for those overnighting at Terlingua Ranch on Saturday night. We will have a return to start blow out party Sunday evening for those who make a weekend of it. Please bring libations and snacks to share with others for a pot luck to party evening. Be sure to pack your own necessities in case you have dietary restrictions or tend to be on the picky side of things. There is no way to accommodate special requests in the middle of nowhere.

Route Options:

100ish Mile Rattler will bite you if you aren't careful. This two day route offers the peak Big Bend experience with majestic overviews included. The first half gets progressively tougher and will let you know if you bit off more than you can chew before you get over committed. The stretch from miles 40 to 50 will be momentous if you are up for it. There is a tamer bail out option after Terlingua Ranch Lodge (mile 40) for those who decide they aren't up for the full challenge of the Rattler. We expect most of our two day riders to utilize this option. Saturday camp at Terlingua Ranch Lodge after 45ish miles. Do the last 50ish on Sunday. It might not read like much mileage but most will consider it plenty. 4100+ feet of climbing per Ride With GPS with a few big ups and few steep and long downs that will need to be walked. Current plans have aid stations and camping at miles 25, 40, 60 and 80. There are no towns along this route but it does go through Terlingua Ranch Lodge at mile 45.

70 Mile Coyote is intended as a classic, single day gravel grinder route. It is also available as a bit tamer multiday route for those not looking for a mountainous experiences for the trip. About 2500 feet of climbing spread out over the 70 miles makes it manageable for most who typically cover 100 miles of gravel on a somewhat regular basis. Water table at mile 25, aid station with camping at mile 45, aid station at mile 60ish (two day only). Please note, all routes must be navigated via GPS. We WILL NOT be marking these routes.

50 Mile Jackrabbit is our shortest option but it is not intended for beginners. This is some real deal, remote, backcountry riding. Cell service is not available and help is not just around the corner. Aid stations at miles 25 and 40. Please note, all routes must be navigated via GPS. We WILL NOT be marking these routes.

The rough draft bikepacking/multiday format looks like this:

Friday night main camp/staging area at Jackass Flats near Terlingua. This is primitive tent camping next to a store. This will be where everyone can park their vehicles for the weekend. There is the option to arrive early Saturday morning and depart with the group but it is the same price so might as well socialize with everyone Friday night. The American Legion Post is just across the highway and that will be the Saturday morning start point for all riders/distances. Single day riders will be able to park there.

Be aware that real toilets aren't generally available in Big Bend. "Restrooms" will consist of portajohns or camping buckets most likely. Terlingua Ranch Lodge does have real restrooms and showers for the Saturday night campers.

We will have sweep vehicles circulating the course for troubleshooting purposes. Most riders will likely make it back to main camp/staging/parking for Sunday evening festivities at Jackass Flats. If there is interest we will provide some route suggestions for ultra endurance/self supported/back country adventures for riders with previous experience along those lines.