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History of Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride
In the rolling countryside of North Florida, where pecan orchards stretch lazily under the warm Southern sun, a wild idea was born. It was part genius, part insanity, and entirely fueled by a love of bikes, dirt, and the nuttiest scenery our region had to offer. This is the story of the Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride—a ride as gritty as the roads and as nutty as its name suggests.
The Birth of an Idea (and Sore Legs)
It all started when my wingman and I took a long gravel ride on North Florida’s dusty gravel roads and thought, “What if we made this fun?” We are the kind of folks who found joy in suffering—cyclists with determination and questionable judgment. We also had a penchant for snacks, which led us to Monticello’s pecan orchards, where the dirtt roads were red, the views were stunning, and the pecans… well, they were the best in the South.
He suggested, “Why don’t we organize a ride through this pecan wonderland?” I replied, “Sure, but let’s make it ridiculously long, cover it in red clay, and throw in some sand traps (100/150 miler) for good measure.” And so, the Dirty Pecan was born—a ride designed to test endurance, patience, and the capacity of bike tires to survive Florida’s most diabolical terrain. We also wanted to give back to Jefferson County, FL - we decided to donate the proceeds to 4-H. 🍀
The First Dirty Pecan: Sweat, Sand, and Squirrels
The inaugural Dirty Pecan ride was a grand experiment in chaos. Riders gathered at sunrise, fueled by strong coffee and sheer determination. The course wound through 40, 60, 80, 100, and even 150, 200 miles of grand plantation, moss covered oak trees, unpaved roads, past fields, swamps, and the occasional confused cow.
Participants quickly learned that gravel isn’t just gravel. By mile 80, riders were questioning their life choices. By mile 100, they were hallucinating pecans cheering them on. Squirrels added to the entertainment, darting across the paths like they were running their own races.
Tradition Takes Root
Despite the suffering—or perhaps because of it—the Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride became an annual tradition. Cyclists from across the country flocked to Monticello, lured by tales of epic views, camaraderie, and the legendary post-ride pecan snacks. Riders wore jerseys with slogans like “Embrace the Grind” and “Got Gravel?” while secretly hoping they’d packed enough spare tubes.
The event grew to include all types of riders: hardcore cyclists aiming for Strava glory, casual cruisers looking for Instagram-worthy moments, and locals who just wanted an excuse to eat more pecan pie.
A Ride Unlike Any Other
What makes the Dirty Pecan special isn’t just the distances or the eclectic mix of riders—it’s the spirit of the event. There are no podiums or trophies, only bragging rights and the satisfaction of having survived. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Jefferson County unique: the gorgeous landscapes, the unpredictable terrain, and the undeniable charm of small-town hospitality.
The Legacy Rolls On
Today, the Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride has become a North Florida institution. It’s equal parts punishment and pleasure, a test of willpower and a love letter to the land. Riders leave with sore muscles, dirty bikes, and hearts full of pecan-fueled joy.
So, if you ever find yourself in North Florida with a bike, a sense of adventure, and a questionable relationship with pain, join the Dirty Pecan. It’s not just a ride—it’s a rite of passage. And remember: the dirt washes off, but the stories last forever.