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Stetana’s Paydirt gravel race drew riders from 22 states, paid a $10,000 women’s purse
Summary
Organizers told the Carson City Culture & Tourism Authority that the May 2025 Stetana’s Paydirt gravel event continued to attract out‑of‑state riders, produced an estimated 473 room nights and added a juniors’ race; the event will return May 16, 2026.
Carlos Perez, owner of Bike Monkey, told the Carson City Culture & Tourism Authority Board on Aug. 11 that the May 2025 Stetana’s Paydirt gravel bike event continued to bring out‑of‑state visitors and grew some participant categories. "We appreciate the opportunity to get together and recap on this event," Perez said.
The event, organized by Bike Monkey and partners including Visit Carson City, offered a $10,000 professional purse reserved for the top five women in the race; organizers said Shimano underwrote the women’s purse. Perez said professional riders helped draw media attention and that the winner this year was Paige Onweller.
By Perez’s accounting, competitors from 22 states participated. Using post‑event survey math, organizers estimated 473 room nights tied to the event, down by about 100 room nights from the previous year but with a higher party size per registered entrant. Perez said more attendees stayed three or more nights, and the festival‑style finish at Fuji Park encouraged multi‑day stays. The board was told the event included a free junior race that drew 50 juniors — the largest junior field Perez said he had seen for a mass‑participation gravel race in the country — which organizers cite as a driver of family stays.
Perez described the race format as a series of timed segments rather than a nonstop, start‑to‑finish sprint; riders roll out together on a scenic route and then race three timed sections whose segment times are aggregated. He said the event leverages professional photography and videography to market the region’s scenery and to attract participants from other states.
Organizers listed partners including Canyon, IRC and Wahoo and said some festival elements (for example, a mechanical “bull” hosted by Wahoo) aim to increase on‑site spending and visitor satisfaction. Perez said the event team plans minor course changes and operational tweaks for 2026 and announced the next Stetana’s Paydirt date as May 16, 2026.
Board members asked about growth areas; Perez said increasing junior participation and creating low barriers for younger riders is a deliberate strategy to sustain long‑term growth in adult fields.
