December 12, 2026
McLane Grange Hall, Olympia, WA
Gravel cycling event
A free, 65-rider winter gravel race through the forest roads outside Olympia, on a new course every December.
The Evergreen Grinder is a free mid-winter gravel race in the hills west of Olympia, starting and finishing at McLane Grange Hall. It began in 2017 as a way for friends to stay motivated through the wet season and now draws everyone from fast racers to party-pace riders. The route is new every year, with long climbs, fast descents, and unpredictable December conditions; draft 2026 courses are posted on Ride with GPS. Check-in opens at 5:00am and the race rolls at 6:00am. The field is capped at 65 riders, released in waves: priority spots for FTW/NB and BIPOC riders and for Patreon supporters opened October 1, and general registration opens October 14. Entry is free, but riders are asked to donate the equivalent of a typical race fee to an equity, outdoor-access, or environmental justice organization.