Palestine, Texas – The Camino 205, a long distance cycling adventure through the Piney Woods of East Texas, will kick off on Sat., Oct. 3 in Old Town Palestine.
According to Dave Morrow, event organizer for the Camino 205, “Cyclists in the upper Midwest have been putting on gravel grinder events for about 10 years. One of the most notable being the Dirty Kanza, which traverses the Flint Hills National Grasslands in Kansas and has over 1,200 riders.”
The popularity of gravel grinders is growing because riders are looking to follow a path less traveled.
In addition to the 205-mile distance, there are also 105, 65 & 25-mile courses. The 205-mile race begins at 6 a.m. The 100-mile ride starts at 7 a.m. and the 65 and 25-mile rides begin any time after 8 a.m. “The gravel road experience, day or night, is completely different than mixing it up with cars on paved roads – so much more relaxing and close to the land,” said Morrow. “The Camino 205 has about 7,100 feet of climbing over the route- frequent short climbs to make things interesting but not impossible for a first time rider.”
Sponsors for the Camino 205 include Ben E. Keith, Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, American Classic and the Palestine Visitor Center.
Registration is now open for the race at camino205.com.