Gravelstoke Great Western Reroute

Video by ALMSTHRE

Photos by Jake Orness 

The Great Western Reroute: A Gravel Adventure Worth the Climb

We recently caught up with Dave Malwitz, founder of Gravel Stoke, to chat about one of our favorite events: the Great Western Reroute. With a camera in his face, Dave shared the backstory, the spirit, and what’s next for this beloved gravel adventure.

A Birthday Ride That Became an Annual Tradition

The Great Western Reroute began in 2018, sparked by a simple birthday wish. Dave asked his friend Roman, who was living in East County San Diego at the time, to cook up a challenging gravel ride to mark the occasion. Roman’s idea was to reimagine the storied Great Western Loop—an iconic road loop in East County—by adding dirt roads, singletrack, and a healthy dose of adventure.

That first year, just seven riders joined the birthday ride. But the experience was so good it was clear it needed to become an annual affair. “It was like my birthday,” Dave laughed. “A good excuse to get back out there every year.”

Growing the Reroute

Since then, the Great Western Reroute has grown organically, evolving from a small, invite-only event into a community ride open to everyone. “The last couple of years, I’ve really started to open it up,” Dave said. “We’re using BikeReg to make sure it’s an open and inclusive experience.”

The ride now offers two routes: a 70-mile full course and a 45-mile shorter option. Both highlight the rugged beauty of East County, with around 55% dirt to pavement and some serious climbing—up to 8,000 feet of elevation gain on the long course.

It’s About the Journey, Not the Race

Dave’s philosophy is simple: the Reroute isn’t a race; it’s an epic day of gravel exploration. While there were a few timed segments on Strava this year, the focus is firmly on the ride itself. “It’s a no-compromises, amazing gravel route,” he said.

The 2025 route started in Alpine, headed up through the Cleveland National Forest to Lake Cuyamaca, and looped back through the beautiful singletrack of Rancho Cuyamaca State Park. “It’s a hard day,” Dave admitted. “But the roads, the dirt, the singletrack—it’s all so good.”

A Community Vibe

The ride always wraps up at Mike Hess Brewing, where cold beers, good food, and raffle prizes await. This year’s sponsors included ALMSTHRE, who generously provided bags for every rider, and Holland Cycles, a custom bike builder based in Alpine.

To keep the event intimate, registration is capped at 100 riders. “It helps us keep the experience small and personal,” Dave said. Plus, it makes sure there’s enough good stuff at the aid stations—which, speaking from experience, are stocked with solid nutrition, carb gels, and treats to keep you rolling.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Next year’s date is already set: May 16th, 2026. Dave explained that May is the sweet spot for the Reroute: cooler temps in the mountains, avoiding the heat of June, and none of the sketchy spring weather.

Registration will open early to give everyone a fair shot at those limited spots. With two well-stocked aid stations, a post-ride meal, and plenty of camaraderie, the Great Western Reroute is more than just a ride—it’s a day to remember.

See You on the Dirt

For those curious about the next edition, mark your calendar: May 16th, 2026. Whether you’re tackling the full 70-mile route or the shorter course, you’ll find yourself immersed in a community of like-minded riders, chasing the joy of dirt roads and mountain views.

As Dave put it best: “It’s a hard day, but it’s a good day. And we can’t wait to share it with you.”

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