When will the route be available?

The route for 2026 will be made available in either late October or early November. There are a few sections that need to be scouted and some re-routes that need to be made based on feedback from the last 2 editions of the GAWA.

What different classes are available to sign up under?

The GAWA will have a solo self-supported, pairs self-supported, and sport touring class available for sign up in October. More information on those classes can be found here: GAWA Race Info

Is the route 100% rideable?

While the goal is to make this a route that can be 100% rideable by bike this depends on many factors such as bike setup, weather, and rider experience. The route is 50% paved and 50% gravel. The ultimate goal of this route is to provide racers/adventurers with a route across the US that embraces the scenery our planet has to offer while also challenging riders to push their limits.

Why should I choose the GAWA?

The GAWA is not the only cross-country race available to riders and I would encourage anyone interested to check out races like Trans-Am Bike Non-Stop, Tour Divide, and other races as well when considering whether or not to sign up for GAWA. I can say from personal experience that no matter the choice, choosing to entering one of these races is a step into an experience you won’t forget.

Tires, tires, tires what should I choose?

This can be a tough question to answer. Riders from previous iterations of the GAWA have ridden on anything from 28mm to 2.2 inch tires. Larger tires with a deeper tread can make the ride a lot more comfortable and increase confidence on some of the more loose gravel sections of the route. Riders may opt for a smaller width to ride faster on pavement and walk the looser more gravelly sections of the route. I recommend checking out brands like Rene Herse, Panaracer, and MAVIC for options that span the tire widths mentioned above. Buying a set of tires to train on can be an important step in determining how they will hold up during the race and how they will feel.

Why is this race being called an Adventure?

When choosing the naming convention for the race I felt it was important to position this as an adventure. From my experience in self-supported races of this distance and from listening to thousands of hours of podcasts I have learned a lot about the diversity of riders that show up for these events. There are going to be riders that want to race, push themselves, and make a shot for the podium. With that said there are a lot of riders that also want to take their time, stop for coffee, experience the route at their own pace, and have an adventure!

Will there be a podium for the GAWA?

Absolutely! We will have a men’s and women’s podium for both the solo and pairs classes. We will recognize the top three finishers in each category and class as well as have a GC or top 10 finishers in each class.