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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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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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Cadence Cyclery Encinitas recently had the privilege of hosting PAS Normal Studios for their Mid Summer 200K ride. Regardless of your opinion of the PAS brand, there is no denying one thing. Between their US-based youth cycling program and now this group ride, they are here to impact the cycling community for the better. And they have some deeply passionate people working hard to make it happen. We are looking forward to more of this and hope to aid in their efforts however we can.
I’ve always believed that having a plan is good, but being flexible is even better. Our recent trip to Montana proved that point in the best way possible.
The inaugural Belgian Waffle Ride Montana didn’t just arrive in Bozeman—it kicked the door down, left tire tracks through the living room, and poured a cold recovery beer on the way out. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana’s vast gravel playgrounds, the first-ever BWR MT delivered a day that tested the sadists of the saddle and gave us the “Hell of the Bozone” in all its glory.
