Festivus of Gravel - May 24
What is Festivus of Gravel
- Festivus of Gravel is a weekend‑long celebration of gravel cycling taking place May 23–24, 2026, in Leduc County, Alberta. The event brings together professional and enthusiast cyclists from across Canada and beyond to share their passion for cycling, adventure, and community.
- The event features mass‑participation gravel rides on rural gravel roads, intentionally routed away from busy city streets and highways. Riders travel at their own pace, navigate independently, and experience the natural beauty of Leduc County while testing their endurance and technical skills. Festivus of Gravel emphasizes self‑reliance, navigation, and respect for the rules of the road—participants are expected to carry their own repair gear and stop at all intersections as required.
- Distances range from a 24 km charity ride to longer 50 km, 90 km, and 150 km routes, making the event accessible to a wide range of riders. A charitable component, including a prostate cancer ride, reinforces the event’s community‑focused purpose while showcasing Leduc County as a premier destination for sport tourism.
Why Volunteers Are Needed
- Volunteers play a critical role in ensuring the safety, success, and smooth operation of Festivus of Gravel. Because the event spans long distances over open rural roads, volunteers are required at designated highway and road crossings to marshal cyclists and enforce stop signs before riders cross active roadways.
- Volunteers do not control vehicular traffic. Instead, they help ensure cyclists obey traffic laws, improve visibility at crossings, and provide clear direction and reassurance to riders. Their presence is essential to meeting safety standards, insurance requirements, and permitting obligations while protecting riders, motorists, and the surrounding community.
- Without volunteer support at these key locations, the event could not operate safely or at full scale.
Volunteer Highway Crossing Locations
- Volunteers are stationed in pairs at the following designated highway and roadway crossings throughout Leduc County:
- Crossing #1: Highway 814 / Township Road 492
- Crossing #2: Range Road 233 / Township Road 492
- Crossing #3: Range Road 233 / Township Road 490
- Crossing #4: Highway 616 / Range Road 223
- Crossing #5: Highway 616 / Range Road 240
- Crossing #6: Highway 623 (Rollyview Road) / Range Road 234
- Crossing #7: Highway 814 / Township Road 500
- Crossing #8: Range Road 250 (Ninth Street) / Farm Road
- These locations correspond to the event routes and are clearly marked on course maps. Volunteers hold stop signs, communicate route directions, and inform riders of distances to upcoming aid stations.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Volunteering at Festivus of Gravel offers valuable personal, social, and community benefits, including:
- Supporting a major sport tourism and community event in Leduc County
- Helping promote cycling, outdoor recreation, and healthy lifestyles
- Playing a direct role in rider safety and event success
- Meeting like‑minded people and becoming part of the cycling community
- Receiving safety orientation and clear role training
- Enjoying flexible 2–4-hour shifts
- Lunch/snacks provided and volunteer gear supplied
- The satisfaction of contributing to a high‑quality, community‑focused event
- Volunteers are essential partners in creating a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for riders and spectators alike, and their contributions help ensure Festivus of Gravel continues to grow as a signature cycling event for the region.
