Bear Howard Gravel Race

Event Overview

We love the spirit of the west and this is our homage to an Arizona legend. Jessie "Bear" Howard who was, a bear of a man. At 6’4”, it was said he could “whip just about anyone” even in his twilight years.

Historical Background

• Arrest and imprisonment: The stories began with his arrest and time spent at San Quentin, later escaping and finding his home at Oak Creek.
• Nickname Origin: He earned his nickname when he began killing bear for the Babbit meat market and Sante Fe Rail Road.
• End of an Era: The name "Bear" inflated and outgrew the man, but like the extinction of Arizona’s grizzly he so lustily aided, Bear Howard's end in 1910 marked the end of an era…until now!
• Event Spirit: In the spirit of adventure and exploration, like Bear Howard himself, we came up with an event to leave you feeling legendary (if only in your own mind).

Race Format Changes

For 2023 we have changed up the format a bit by starting and finishing in the town of Flagstaff.

• Course Approval: It took some time but finally got approval on the course we have been wanting, by adding a challenging out and back climb up Saddle Mountain, north of the Peaks.
• Distance Increase: This added some distance to make it an even century, YOUR WELCOME!
• Shorter Distances: We have also added two shorter distances at 60 miles and a very pleasant 30-mile loop.
• Legend Creation: All legends start somewhere, who will be Arizona’s next Bear Howard Legend.

Race Details

Join us for the Bear Howard Gravel Race on 2026-08-01 at 400 W Elm Ave, Flagstaff, AZ. For more information, visit the event page.