Set among the rolling hills and historic farmland of Rapidan, Virginia, the Dirty Kitten Gravel Fest (DKGF) offers an unforgettable weekend adventure for cycling enthusiasts. Hosted at Locust Hill Farm & Preserve on July 25-26, 2026, this festival-style event celebrates grassroots off-road cycling through a variety of rides, activities, and community engagement. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains' foothills, Locust Hill Farm & Preserve boasts over 5,000 acres of scenic trails. The property features smooth gravel roads, rugged dirt paths, and forested singletracks that wind through serene creeks and open fields. Participants can expect a mix of challenging climbs and technical descents, making it an ideal destination for both seasoned off-road cyclists and those looking to push their limits. This year's event transforms DKGF from its traditional race format into a vibrant bike party weekend. Expect morning challenges like the Zoomies! gravel circuit challenge on Saturday (8am-12pm), which promises to be a fast-paced, lapped ride for riders of all abilities—think "gravel crit" meets fun challenge. The event will also feature adventure-gravel and mixed-surface rides ranging from 20 to over 50 miles, catering to various skill levels. Throughout the day, participants can enjoy skills sessions on off-road riding techniques, workshops with renowned coaches, and engaging talks that cover everything from training tips to bikepacking adventures. The property offers ample opportunities for rest and relaxation, including a picnic lunch, live music by Joe Reiman, and community hangouts where you can connect with fellow cyclists. Don’t miss the Kitten Crusher Hill Climb Challenge on Sunday morning (8am-11am), which will test your endurance on steep climbs. The afternoon is reserved for more rides, skills sessions, activities like a bike rodeo and relay games, and an obstacle course challenge known as DK GravelCX. As night falls, the event concludes with community hangouts and beverages. Registration opens March 9, 2026, offering spots at $150 per person or $100 for one-day participants starting July 1st. Junior riders (under 18) receive a $25 discount. Off-site camping is available for an additional fee of $20/person. This event promises to be more than just cycling; it's about fostering community and enjoying the beauty of nature together. Mark your calendars, gather your gear, and prepare for an exhilarating weekend at Locust Hill Farm & Preserve!
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Rapidan.
thermostatTemperature
21.8° / 30.3°
wb_sunnyFeels like
23.9° / 33.0°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
11h 59m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
5.5 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
8.7 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Very high
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Very High (8.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
78.1%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:54
nightlight
Sunset
20:28
About Rapidan
Learn more about the host city, Rapidan.
Rapidan is a small unincorporated community in the Virginia counties of Culpeper and Orange, approximately five miles (8 km) northeast of the Town of Orange. The community, located on both sides of the Rapidan River, was established in the late eighteenth century around the Waugh's Ford mill. The Orange and Alexandria Railroad built a line through the town in 1854, a post office was built at the river crossing, and its name was changed to Rapid Ann Station. Milling remained a major industry in the area up through the mid-twentieth century.
