Discussions and tensions have escalated between ranchers preserving their heritage and Colorado’s SBT GRVL bike event.
Photo from Google
Rural Tensions: Colorado Ranchers Clash with Bike Race Over Heritage and Values
In October, 70 ranchers attended a county hearing to discuss the gravel bike race that had recently passed through their area, leaving many extremely uneasy.
As cyclists explored alternatives to road riding, gravel riding, which involves long miles on gravel roads, became popular in Colorado. The SBT GRVL race in Steamboat Springs began in 2019 with 1,500 riders and quickly grew to 2,500, reaching a lottery-capped 3,000. One of the world’s largest dirt bike races, the race covers 37 to 142 miles through Steamboat, the Yampa Valley, and rural Routt County.
The amount of riders and their influence on rural regions are SBT GRVL and ranchers’ main issues. This struggle is typical in rural Colorado, as visitors are drawn to natural beauty and recreation battling with local values.
Battle for the Countryside: Colorado Bike Race Clash Pits Ranchers Against Recreational Race Boosting Economy
SBT GRVL supporters say the race boosts Routt County’s economy each fall. Ranchers say riders’ littering, lack of attention, and safety issues exceed any economic gains. Ranchers want county commissioners to end the event after five years of disturbances during their busiest agricultural season. Race fate depends on the commissioners’ permitting process review.
The disagreement highlights a larger issue facing rural Colorado communities: recreational visitors challenge local traditions and beliefs. The debate shows the persistent conflict between economic interests and rural history, threatening the SBT GRVL race in Routt County.
