Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience Returns to Excelsior Springs in 2025
Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Dec. 13, 2024) — After a two-year hiatus, the Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience is set to return to Excelsior Springs on Oct. 11, 2025, promising a revitalized take on one of the Midwest’s most challenging gravel bike races. Known for its grueling terrain and quirky charm, the event has been reimagined through a partnership with the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP), combining its rich tradition with a renewed focus on community impact.
A Scenic Challenge Returns
The Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience debuted in 2018, founded by Phil and Stacey Scherer as a labor of love for the sport and their community. The race quickly gained recognition for its punishing course, featuring relentless hills and uneven gravel roads situated near the Missouri River Valley. The terrain’s “endless undulation” made the race a favorite among avid gravel riders, who came from across the U.S. and beyond to test their endurance.
“It’s just continuous up and down climbing. So it makes for a tough day… and can make the distance feel much longer,” said race director Phil Scherer.
The race was last held in June 2022, during a grueling early summer heatwave in Excelsior Springs. After the weather challenges of previous years, including a flood in 2021 that caused a last-minute reroute of the race, organizers opted to move the event to October to take advantage of cooler temperatures and the area’s vibrant fall foliage. Scherer described October as the best time of year to ride, offering riders a safer, more enjoyable, yet still demanding experience.
Gravel Racing: Adventure Meets Endurance
Gravel racing differs from traditional road cycling in its rugged, off-road terrain. Riders navigate dirt paths, loose gravel, and steep inclines, testing their physical stamina and mental resilience. Unlike the structured, high-speed nature of road racing, gravel events prioritize camaraderie and adaptability, building a unique sense of community.
The sport has grown in popularity in recent years, appealing to both elite competitors and recreational cyclists. Its grassroots nature, challenging courses, and scenic settings have made gravel races a favorite for those seeking two-wheel adventure.
The reimagined Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience will offer riders a couple of options for varying skill levels and ambitions. A long-distance, approximately 85-mile course will feature the well-known steep climbs, fast descents, and massive elevation gains Opal Wapoo has become known for. There will also be a 45-mile(ish) option for those seeking a shorter but still demanding ride.
New Partnerships, New Opportunities
In 2025, the Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience will feature several updates to enhance the event while preserving its original spirit. DEP’s involvement brings professional event management to the race, helping to provide seamless operations. The partnership will also allow a renewed focus on the event’s commitment to giving back. Fifty percent of the race’s profits, up to $2,000, will be dedicated to an effort to build and maintain mountain bike trails in the Excelsior Springs area.
“The race has some power to be a bit of a fundraising mechanism, to do some good in the community,” Scherer said. “Through this race, we’re not just promoting gravel riding but also laying the groundwork for expanded outdoor recreation opportunities in our community.”
A Limit on Riders, But Not on Excitement
Organizers have capped registration at 500 participants to maintain a high-quality experience. Registration will open on Jan. 1, 2025, with race information and sign-ups available through the Visit Excelsior Springs website.
The race will also see the return of some cherished traditions, including handmade age group awards and free, downloadable photography for participants. Riders who cross the finish line will again receive the iconic bolo tie—a hallmark of the event. However, some changes are in store, including a return to having the start and finish line in downtown Excelsior Springs and an aid station at Shamrock Hills Winery, where family and friends can cheer on riders while enjoying themselves.
“It’s really important for us to keep the same vibe of the race, which has always been pretty grass-rootsy, but with our proximity to Kansas City, we have the ability to draw a lot of folks to race here locally.”
Community and Resilience
Phil and Stacey Scherer remain at the helm of the event and are now supported by a dedicated committee of volunteers. Their continued involvement and the organization of DEP should ensure a seamless transition and an elevated experience for participants.
The Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience is more than a bike race—it’s a celebration of community spirit and the natural beauty of Excelsior Springs. For local businesses, it’s an opportunity to provide services and goods to hundreds of riders and their friends and families. For riders, it’s a chance to test their limits on one of the most challenging courses in the country.
Looking Ahead
The return of the Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience is eagerly anticipated by riders and community members alike. With its combination of scenic challenges, community involvement, and a renewed focus on local trail development, the 2025 race is shaping up to be an unmissable event.
For more information on the race, visit Visit Excelsior Springs or contact DEP Executive Director Lyndsey Baxter at exec@visitesprings.com.
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