ABOUT

Way back in the dark, dusty, and distant era of mid-2015, when brake cables were still on the outside, and most gravel was wild and gritty; we found ourselves plotting out routes through Georgia and into Alabama for kicks and grins. Our research revealed a ton of gravel along the border on both sides, with roads that, though they mirrored one another, were like night and day. On one side, Georgia gravel guided along ridgelines, meandering smoothly up and down from place to place, while Alabama is like the f*ck with that, we’re going straight down that ridge and back up the other side, creek be damned. Both are a blast, and neither better than the other. As we rode and drove the Southern countryside while scrupulously studying Google and Gravel Maps, it became clear that there were loops to be ridden that would straddle the border, 50% in each state, showing off the best of both.

So, Border Wars was born. The name comes from years of listening to bad border jokes and old codgers arguing that the trees lean more toward their state. For us, this one’s all “border” and no “war”—other than the battle between you and the gnar.

The original routes are all over 85% gravel, and they are all beyond remote. We’ve literally ridden during our discovery rides for hours upon hours without seeing another human soul. A grueling tour-de-torture through the dip-dives of timber territory and the duck-dodges of farmlands, Border Wars can hold its own against all the thrills, chills, and challenges of the big-name “lottery” events. The gravel, the hardpack, the scenery—they’re well worth it.

Note on the Border Wars name: We are fully aware of the horrible atrocities continuing in Ukraine, as well as the threats to Taiwan and the ridiculous high number of ongoing armed conflicts all over the world. We are also aware, on even a local level, the issues going on for water rights within Georgia and Alabama itself. The Border Wars name is meant to be tongue-in-cheek and is 100% about the difference in gravel between the two states, which is vastly different. We love Alabama just as much as we love Georgia and really all the states. We are 100% against any conflict, particularly those killing and injuring the innocent. Border Wars is meant to be fun. If you feel differently or offended by the name, we apologize in advance, and hope you enjoy any of the hundreds of other events out there to choose from.