A network of rough, steep, and rugged gravel roads and mountain bike trails extends off the main roads of Athens County. This variety of riding terrain attracts cyclists from all over Ohio and Appalachia.

On Saturday, Team Athens Cycling hosted the annual Athens Gravel Challenge, or AGC, part of the Ohio Gravel Racing Series. Team Athens’ race director Charlie Morgan said the AGC was very different before it was added to the series.

“We used to do a road race at Lake Hope,” he said. “The cycling world has changed a lot from road racing to more gravel racing. That’s why we’re doing this. I think this is our fifth or sixth time.”

With the completion of the Bailey’s Trail System in Wayne National Forest in 2022, AGC has begun focusing on that area’s gravel roads and trails.

The race, which started at the Chauncey-Dover Trailhead, consisted of two routes, 24 miles and 54 miles. Each route offered four categories for over 160 participants to choose from; men’s open, men’s masters (over 45), women’s open and women’s masters. 148 people competed in the men’s categories and 14 people competed in the women’s categories.

Both routes start at the Chauncey Trailhead, then head up Coal Run Road, a rough gravel road with an average elevation grade of 6.2 percent. Many riders walk their bikes on the road because of the instability and steepness. Katie Gerspacher, a participant from Dayton, won first place in the 24-mile women’s open race. She said she was most nervous about that first climb.

“I’m a little worried about the big hill at the beginning,” Gerspacher said. “I heard there was a lot of walking. Other than that, I haven’t heard much about the rest of the course. It was a bit of a surprise, to be honest.”

From Coal Run, riders took the Holler Collar Trail, the first single-track section for 54-milers and single-track for 24-milers. Riders then followed Utah Ridge Road to Big Bailey Run Road, then Carr Bailey Road. At the intersection with Route 685, 24-milers went left toward Butchel, while 54 groups went right toward Amesville.

Rodney Haun, a participant from Springboro, Ohio, who finished 12th in the 24-mile men’s masters, said he was excited to see the natural beauty of Athens on display.

“I’ve never been to this area before,” he said. “So basically, I just want to ride a horse to see the view. That’s what I’m looking for.”

At Buchtel, the 24 mile group returned to West Bailey Road, which took them back to Chauncey. Upon reaching Amesville, the 54 mile route turned West toward Chauncey to reach Bailey’s. Heading back toward West Bailey Road, the route turned onto the Wild Turkey Trail, then followed the Tipple Top, Coal Train and Gob Pile trails, and finally returned to the trailhead.

After the race, drivers had the opportunity to enjoy food, drinks and music provided by a local live band called Basket Case. Morgan said that making participants feel more at ease after the race will make for a more enjoyable event.

“We got pizza and beer from Jackie O’s at the end of the ride,” he said. “We also thought it would be fun to have a live band after the race…so it would be a more relaxed atmosphere.”

As AGC becomes more and more popular, Team Athens Cycling has development plans for both amateur cyclists and dedicated riders.

“I had a friend who did it last year,” Gerspacher said. “I don’t really do a lot of races. It’s more of a fun event for me. I had the day off from work, so I borrowed a friend’s bike and came.”

@ethanherx