Waffles, Beer, and Unroad: Who’s In for Belgian Waffle Ride 2026?

[BWR25]

We’re gearing up for the 2026 Belgian Waffle Ride Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel, and we’re curious, who’s thinking about taking on more than one stop this season?

The Quad-Tripel is four Unroad races across four wildly different landscapes:
• Arizona – desert grit, washes, and relentless climbs
• California – coastal canyons, infamous Unroads, and full festival chaos
• Utah – red rock, elevation, and terrain that never settles
• Montana – Big Sky gravel, forests, mountains, and a proper series finale

Each BWR stands on its own, but the Quad-Tripel Crown is about stacking experiences—testing yourself across radically different terrain, weather, and race dynamics. And when the riding is done, the suffering gives way to what we do best: waffles, beer, a proper finish-line celebration, and stories that somehow get better with every retelling.

Podiums aren’t required. Grit is.
Waffles help.

We’d love to hear from the community:
Which stop are you most excited about?
Which one intimidates you the most?
Who’s eyeing two… three… or all four?

Let’s talk Unroad. 🧇🚲

 

[Unchained]

BWR has done a great job. Offering races that people want to do and getting interest from fans even if they have no intention of participating.
BWR might just be in evolution, but start money isn't an American phenomenon because of previously and currently the tiny amount of professional racers. Professional licensing requirements, compliance with UCI rules have not been a big factor for racers, fans, sponsors, participating communities and overwhelming amateur age grade racers.
Nobody really cares apparently.
Personally I don't, but start money could help add a Wout, MVP, Tom Pidcock, current champion from UAE, Florian Vermeersch, or past champ..Mahoric.
In my opinion adding incentives to attract the best racers as recognized by world standards will add prestige to American races and racers who are getting limited exposure to best races, best racers .
BWR has great race routes throughout the US and recently a fantastic event in Mexico. Mexico mentioned because of current popularity of Isaac Del Toro and his desire to race gravel previously.
Because BWR is American based has success throughout the country, BWR races can be enjoyed year round with much of Southern part of the US with agreeable climate for European based pros who train away from cold weather as a rule.
Many places in US and Mexico, are ideal for winter training and could easily fit in a professional schedule.
Many of the worlds best pros wanted to participate in Tour of California for good racing and ideal conditions. BWR has great schedule, great organization ..all this is my opinion and think will help the sport overall. Outside of my opinion,
BWR is going to be successful with or without European pro participation, just a wishlist item to me. Gravel really wasn't a thing when Tour of California started and ended so possibly BWR could fill a void.
If you are a racer, come from a family of a fanatic racer..planning a vacation around a BWR in Southern California or Mexico, will give you good weather, plenty to explore and experience for non racers.
Example I am familiar with BWR San Diego is a great race, great course, great competition.
Race takes place in a world recognized tourism destination. You can race, go to San Diego Zoo, go to Sea World, Lego Land, go to great winery locations in San Diego and Northern Baja within a short drive. Too many attractions including famous beaches and if you have a racer or 2 but the rest of the family has thousands of miles of riding around San Diego, very, very bike friendly place.

American cycling fans need to support BWR and others who are promoting racing despite the people who were supposed to being asleep at the wheel.