Dirty Kitten Gralley Cat

The Dirty Kitten Gralley Cat is a unique "choose-your-own-adventure" event scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Locust Hill Farm & Preserve in Rapidan, Virginia. Combining elements of gravel racing and traditional urban alleycats, the event functions as an adventure scavenger hunt where participants navigate 100% unpaved private farm roads, dirt trails, and grass double-track. Rather than following a fixed GPS route, racers receive a map on the morning of the event and must determine their own path to visit various checkpoints across the property. The event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming competitive racers and recreational adventurers alike, with options for cyclists and runners.

Rapidan is an unincorporated community located along the border of Culpeper and Orange Counties in Virginia. The demographic profile of Culpeper County is approximately 63.8% White (Non-Hispanic), 16.9% Black or African American, 11.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Asian, and 5.2% from two or more races. The median annual household income in the county is roughly $87,500. Geographically, Locust Hill Farm & Preserve is situated in the Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and clay-rich soils. The climate in mid-April typically sees average lows of 6°C (43°F) and highs of 19°C (66°F). Spring weather in Central Virginia can vary between dry, dusty trail conditions and thick, "peanut butter" mud if there has been recent rain, making tire choice—specifically 32mm or wider—essential for navigating the farm's varied terrain.

Registration for the 2026 Gralley Cat opens in January, with tiered pricing based on registration dates in February and March. Participants can enter as individuals (Solo), pairs (Duo), or small groups (Team) of up to five people. Juniors under 18 receive a discount on their entry. Because the course relies on paper or digital maps provided on race morning, there are no pre-released GPS files. The event is produced by Dirty Kitten Productions, which emphasizes a safe and respectful environment for all participants. Recommended equipment includes gravel, cyclocross, or mountain bikes; traditional road bikes are strongly discouraged due to the rough, choppy nature of the farm roads and the possibility of muddy sections.