Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering?

The Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering is a community-centric, multi-day campout and gravel ride in Hickman County, Tennessee. The event was founded in 2015, fueled by a shared love of gravel cycling, camping, and adventure. Though it was run as a race for the first three years, it now exists as a non-competitive event seeking to unite diverse participants through shared passions.

Each event aims to provide a welcoming space for seasoned and novice riders to challenge themselves with the toughest riding in Tennessee – All while raising awareness and funding for the Oasis Center’s Bicycle Workshop – a program that has impacted the lives of over 3,000 youth in Middle Tennessee.

Is the Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering a race?

No! The Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering is a non-competitive event. We do not keep a record of the order in which riders finished, nor do we time the event.

What is included in the price of registration?

• Entry to the 17, 34, 42, 63, or 100-mile ride with Aid Stations.
• Event t-shirt (must register by cut-off date.)
• Free beer (21+ only), NA beverages, and post-ride meal. 
• A “survival kit” to get you through the weekend, 
• Free walk-in tent camping,

With whatever route you choose, you can expect to encounter a strong variety of gravel and terrain – from well-groomed gravel to rutted-out jeep trails, blazing-fast descents, creek crossings, and punchy climbs. Hickman County’s gravel is loose and large. The routes will have you saying “gosh” and “darn” more than once.

What is included in the price of registration?

• Wednesday: Pre-Event Packet Pick-up at Cumberland Transit
• Friday: Camping/Lodging Opens, Packet Pickup, Preparty down by the campsites.
• Saturday: Packet Pick-Up, Rides, Post-Ride Meal, and Afterparty at the Lodge.
• Sunday: Camping & Lodging Closes at 11 AM.

Can I bring my dog or other pets to Gosh Darn?

No, pets are not allowed on the property of the Five Star Retreat. If you are looking for a place to board your pet during the event, both Chasing Tails Pet Farm and Pawz-N-Clawz K9 Retreat are two local businesses located just minutes from the Five Star Retreat.

Is Gosh Darn a supported ride?

Gosh Darn is minimally-supported. These roads are rugged and can quickly leave an unprepared rider stranded. We host an event with minimal support to provide an environment that empowers individuals to teach themselves the necessary preparedness and navigation skills to ride self-supported. This gives the participants the opportunity to build orienteering skills and further understand what/how much food is needed without the risk of getting lost or stranded.

Over the past few years, cellphone signal has become increasingly better in Hickman County. If you are not using a GPS head unit, we strongly recommend that you download the Ride with GPS app, create an account, and save/download the routes (tap the dots to the right of the route name).

Are there aid stations on the route?

Yes, aid stations are listed as “Resupplies” on all materials. There is 1 Resupply on the 17 and 34-mile routes, 2 Resupplies on the 42 and 63-mile routes, and 3 Resupplies on the 100-mile route.

Resupply stops will have water, electrolyte mix, and a limited supply of light snacks. Resupply points will not have spare tubes and are not guaranteed to have tools.

Are any of the routes marked?

This ride is self-navigated, and the route is unmarked. All riders are asked to bring a GPS, printed cue sheet, or an offline route on the Ride with GPS app.

What do I need to be prepared for the ride?

Your favorite snacks to fuel your ride, multitool, tire levers, plug kit+spare tube or 3 spare tubes, and CO2 cartridges or pump. We had many riders that experienced between 4 and 7 flats on the ride. Be prepared!

Can I send a drop-bag to a Resupply?

No, drop-bag services are not available this year. While it is a service we hope to provide again, the logistics of the service would be too challenging for this year’s event.

What tires do you recommend for the Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering?

We will always say, “run what ya brung” and wouldn’t ever pressure you to move away from a tire that you love. However, if you’re asking, the priorities for tire selection should be this:

1. Volume – the bigger, the better. Remember to leave a little room for mud clearance! While the event could be done with 32mm tires, we wouldn’t recommend anything under 38mm.
2. Tread – As aggressive as possible. Corner knobs are the most important aspect of your tread pattern. The gravel roads are often loose and dusty; you’ll want something that will bite.
3. Durability – It’s not a race; opt for the durable casing! Lots of riders get their tires ripped to shreds. Be prepared with a plug kit, extra sealant, and a spare tube (or 3).
4. Tubeless – If you can. We rode for years without tubeless, it can be done, but admittedly we started getting fewer flats when we switched to tubeless. 

Can I change what route/distance I’m participating in?

Yes, you can change what route you’re riding by editing your registration within BikeReg.

Can I change what route/distane I’m parti

Yes, to change which route you’re riding the day of the event, please go to packet pick-up and let a volunteer know your name, bib/plate number, and what route you plan on riding.

How does the raffle work?

Every participant will receive 1 raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets are available for purchase 1 for $5 or 5 for $20. Participants should: write their plate/bib number on each raffle ticket, deposit their raffle ticket before the start of their ride, and check in after the ride to see if you’re a winner. You must be present to enter the raffle.

I’d prefer to not sleep in a tent. Can I sleep indoors?

Bunking and cabin rentals are available at the Five Star Retreat. Cabin rentals sleep between 5 and 10 people and cost $750 for 3 nights. Bunks are available for $20 for 3 nights. All lodging has climate control and full bathrooms. You can reserve cabins and bunks through BikeReg.

Are there showers and bathrooms onsite?

Yes, there are both showers and bathrooms onsite. The cabins are also fully furnished with full bathrooms. There will be portapotties by the campsites and main lodge. As well as, full bathrooms with modern plumbing and showers in the lodge. If you’d like to shower after the event, we’d recommend reserving a bunk if you plan on camping.

How does tent camping work at Gosh Darn?

Walk-in campsites are included with every registration. Walk-in campsites are primitive, and spaces are first-come-first-served. There is no need to reserve a walk-in campsite. There will be port-a-johns on site. Open fires are not allowed at the campsite, but you can bring a Solo Stove, BioLite, portable fire pit, charcoal grill, etc., to build a fire in. Firewood is provided but will need to be transported from the main lodge. Your vehicle will be close to your campsite but not directly beside it. You will be asked to park your vehicle in the designated area, unload, and carry your gear to your campsite.

Can I car camp at the Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering?

This year, we are happy to announce that there will be dedicated car campsites at the Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering. There will be 20 sites available for a reservation fee of $5. You can reserve your site through BikeReg when registering for the event. Sites are 23′ x 23′ and are first-come-first-served. There will be port-a-johns on site. Open fires are not allowed at the campsite, but you can bring a Solo Stove, BioLite, portable fire pit, charcoal grill, etc., to build a fire in. Firewood is provided but will need to be transported from the main lodge. Your vehicle must be parked within the boundary of your marked site. You can park as many vehicles and pitch as many tents as possible.

Can I bring my RV to the Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering?

Unfortunately, due to space limitations, we are unable to accommodate any RVs greater than 23ft in length or any trailers larger than a small off-road camper. However, there are a few places nearby that would be happy to host you. Please visit the RV tab under “Stay the Night” for more information.

Can I change what route/distance I’m participating in?

Yes, you can change what route you’re riding by editing your registration within BikeReg.

Can I change what route/distance I’m participating in on the day of the event?

Yes, to change which route you’re riding the day of the event, please go to packet pick-up and let a volunteer know your name, bib/plate number, and what route you plan on riding.

I am unable to attend the event. Are refunds available?

Refunds for Gosh Darn 7 are not available.

I am unable to attend the event. Can I transfer my registration to another rider?

Yes, you can transfer your registration to another rider via BikeReg.