Think gravel events have gotten too expensive, with $200+ entry fees plus lodging and require a whole weekend away? Team Roaring Mouse is bucking that trend, with its mixed terrain ride through open space preserves just a few miles from the homes of 2+ million people. The entry fee is just $80, with a portion supporting an awesome bike nonprofit, and space is limited with just 35 spots left. Get the full details below.
The Infestation Gravel is back!
Gravel excitement is returning to the hills outside of Palo Alto, California on Saturday, September 26th. Team Roaring Mouse and Bicycle Law, with support from Infinit Nutrition and Best Day Brewing, have updated the popular 2025 NorCal dirt-and-road event.
Matt Bierbaum climbs towards Saratoga Gap. The Roaring Mouse Infestation Gravel returns to Silicon Valley on September 26, 2026. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Infestation Gravel is an untimed fondo-style event traversing the peninsula’s finest gravel. With a new Short Route joining the Long Route from last year, both across some of the most coveted trails in the region, the event is sure to be popular with both new and experienced gravel riders.
The event is limited to 150 riders across both courses, and like last year, is sure to sell out.
The 2026 Gravel Infestation traverses through Monte Bello, Skyline Ridge, Long Ridge and Saratoga Gap preserves of Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Infestation’s miles of beautiful but intense wooded trails offer some of the most glamorous and challenging gravel riding on the California calendar. Clocking in at 54 miles with 5,800 feet of climbing, the Long Infestation is sure to please. Designed by fiendish course wizard Jeff Parker, the route starts in the seductive beauty of the smooth tree-lined roads around the Stanford University campus, then turns uphill.
Once the route leaves the pavement, the challenges begin, and don’t let up until after a ripping 9-mile descent, when riders will get a flat cruise to finish.
Jonathan Lewis ascends the final climb. The Roaring Mouse Infestation Gravel returns to Silicon Valley on September 26, 2026. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
The Short Infestation course is still a solid day in the saddle, with 3,800 feet of climbing over 42 miles, but like the Long, it ends with a glorious downhill and smooth pavement. This route descends into Stevens Canyon, instead of the Long Course’s John Nicholas Trail.
Clifford Lee descends the John Nicholas trail. The Roaring Mouse Infestation Gravel returns to Silicon Valley on September 26, 2026. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
(Please note that some of the trails on both courses are reasonably technical, so the event is recommended for intermediate+ level riders only.)
The John Nicholas Trail offers views for miles. The Roaring Mouse Infestation Gravel returns to Silicon Valley on September 26, 2026. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Parker emphasizes that the hilly off-road terrain is well-suited to mountain bikes and mountain bike tires, as well as gravel bikes using wider tires, with a recommended minimum of 40mm. It’s the perfect “bring what you’ve got” day in the saddle.
The mice are the ones doing the feeding of humans on event day. The Roaring Mouse Infestation Gravel returns to Silicon Valley on September 26, 2026. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Riders will be greeted with three aid stations up in the gnarly parts of the Long course, and two for the Short, each with its own Infestation theme.
The Roaring Mouse Infestation Gravel returns to Silicon Valley on September 26, 2026. Railroad grade gravel greets riders on the return home. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Waiting for you at the finish? Your inaugural Infestation Gravel t-shirt and refreshments.
Happy finishers from Alto Velo, with their finisher shirts. The Roaring Mouse Infestation Gravel returns to Silicon Valley on September 26, 2026. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
This event is in partnership with Live In Peace, a Bay Area non-profit whose mission is to empower East Palo Alto’s youth and young adults to reclaim the vision for their future. $5 for every entry will go to support Live in Peace and its youth programs that train the next generation of bike mechanics and get more kids on bikes and to the bike races!
The Roaring Mouse crew is infamous for making memorable events, and with this one, the memories will come from those excellent miles of forest trail and big views from the top of the ridges.
There is a cap on rider count, so register today!
More info and Registration: teamroaringmouse.com/infestation
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