Farmstand 50

The Farmstand 50 is a premier gravel cycling event held in the heart of "The Mesa," the primary agricultural region of Pueblo, Colorado. Scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, this inaugural event serves as a spring counterpart to the popular Grassroots Gravel races. The course is designed to highlight the local farming community, featuring well-maintained gravel roads with minimal elevation gain and a focus on local culinary experiences, including the famous Pueblo chile.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• -- Ride Format: Unlike multi-distance events, the Farmstand 50 features a single 50-mile loop. It is designed to be "as spicy as you want," catering to both competitive racers and casual adventure cyclists.
• -- Categories: The event offers inclusive registration tiers, including Women’s, Men’s, and Gender-Expansive categories, as well as specific divisions for Para/Adaptive, Single Speed, and Tandem riders.
• -- Local Flavor: Every rider is provided with locally-sourced meals as part of their registration, emphasizing the agricultural heritage of the region.
• -- Philanthropy: The event supports two major local non-profits: the Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County and the Palmer Land Conservancy, which focuses on agricultural conservation.
• -- Sponsorship: The race is powered by Minnequa Works Credit Union, a long-standing financial institution in Southern Colorado.
• -- Safety and Navigation: The course winds through active agricultural land; riders are encouraged to respect local farmstands and property while navigating the Mesa's grid.

Regional Context and Environment:

• -- Location: Pueblo is situated in the high desert of Southern Colorado at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. "The Mesa" is renowned for its high-quality produce, particularly its chiles, which benefit from the region's intense sun and mineral-rich soil.
• -- Geography: The terrain is characterized by expansive, open landscapes with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west. The roads are generally fast but can be dusty depending on recent moisture.
• -- Climate: Late May in Pueblo typically sees the beginning of the summer heat. Morning temperatures at the 8:00 AM start are usually mild but can climb rapidly by the time riders finish. The area is semi-arid, so staying hydrated is critical for participants.
• -- Historical Setting: Minnequa Works Credit Union has been a part of this community since 1937, reflecting the deep industrial and agricultural roots of Pueblo. The race seeks to bridge these traditions with the modern growing popularity of gravel cycling.

The Farmstand 50 2026 provides a high-energy, community-centric cycling experience that celebrates the unique agricultural landscape of Southern Colorado while fostering support for local youth and land preservation.