Year round, Sugarbush works to partner with and sponsor organizations that uplift the community, and bring people together. We are a proud sponsor of the Mad River Riders who work to keep our bike trails maintained here, in the Mad River Valley. The Riders were founded in 1986 and helped start the state-wide Vermont Mountain Bike Association in 1997. The trail networks they build are sustainably made for human-powered activities to foster fun, outdoor recreation and an appreciation for the outdoors in our local community.
This summer, we are partnering with the Mad River Riders to host a one of a kind event at Mt. Ellen. This event will bring together the joy of outdoor recreation through biking, and creativity through live music. The Mad River Riders are a non-profit volunteer organization, and all proceeds from the Grateful Gravel event will benefit their programs. It is a concoction from the minds of cycling enthusiast Dead Heads in the Mad River Valley that blends the worlds of endurance sports and music festivals into one event. Two entertainment endeavors that collide to move you brightly.
The Bike Event
Choose one of three ways to enjoy the weekend long event! Register to participate in one of the two bike rides, or go for the vibes and the great live music. Here’s a breakdown of of the gravel bike rides you can register for:
Fire on the Mountain $100
63 Miles and 8000 feet of climbing. This one’s a leg burner and will steal your face right off your head.
(Includes Ride, Concert Ticket, Food, One adult beverage)
Peggy-Slow $90
32 miles and 4000 feet of climbing. You’ll be sore but still able to dance your butt off to a super rad show.
(Includes Ride, Concert Ticket, Food, One Adult Beverage)
The Show
Zach Nugent, one of the best to cover the Grateful Dead, will play one of the most well known Grateful Dead shows, Cornell, 5/8/77, in its ENTIRETY! All riders can refuel after the ride with a small meal provided by Sugarbush and a beer compliments of Lawson’s Finest Liquids. Additional food and beverage from Sugarbush and Lawsons will be available for purchase.
Friends and family are welcome! Children under 12 are free. General admission for those 12 and over is $20. Concert admission is included with rider registration. Two nights of camping in the Mt Ellen parking lot can be purchased through the registration link.
Camping & Lodging Info
Experience the event in its fullest, festival-style, with 2 nights of camping, July 28th & July 29th. Camping spots are un-supported 20×20 in the Mt. Ellen parking lot. Porta-potty’s will be available. $100
Or ride it out in a little bit of luxury with mountainside accommodations through Sugarbush. Just a few minutes down the road from Mt. Ellen, get 25% off your stay at the newly renovated Lodge at Lincoln Peak (formerly known as the Sugar Lodge).
Available From: Tuesday Jul 25, 2023 until Monday Jul 31, 2023
Book Until: Monday Jul 31, 2023
All event proceeds benefit the Mad River Riders, the MRV’s non-profit mountain bike club.
