I am in the Midwest so around that area but I could be talked into driving out west. Distance is not an issue. I will do any distance really. Finally I would like to have fun but would prioritize good competition over fun, since getting my ass handed to me is fun in a weird way.
Last weekend I rode the Pony Express they had a 120 miler and a 75 miler. I opted the 75 miler. It was a great race.
Some of the races I heard everybody talking about there.
The Epic Gravel Worlds Graveler's Raid I think this is right
Some rides I have on my radar to do
Spotted Horse 150 they also have a 200 miler. It is run by Sarah Cooper a RAAM veteran. It's unsupported with no drop bags and you will have to get supplies in towns that you ride into, Registration closes real soon.
Another one coming up soon. The Crippler out of Canon City Colorado looks like a great ride.
If you're willing to drive to Sun Valley, you won't be disappointed with Rebecca's Private Idaho over Labor Day weekend (gives you a year to prepare). The best support, a super chill vibe all through town (and cool parade), lots of great mountain biking right from your doorstep, and some seriously awesome vistas. This year they sold out at 800 riders. There are ex-Olympians, Td'F guys, Tour Divide race vets who all are not only unbelievably fast but very approachable before, during and after the race. The post race event is pretty damn fun too.
I'm old, slow and finished way down in the pack. I had enough fun to go back for more and had an even better time.
Sidjournell wrote:I am in the Midwest so around that area but I could be talked into driving out west. Distance is not an issue. I will do any distance really. Finally I would like to have fun but would prioritize good competition over fun, since getting my ass handed to me is fun in a weird way.
Can you be more specific about where in the Midwest? I'm halfway between Chicago and Madison and there's a TON of stuff out here (and in Iowa).
Can you be more specific about where in the Midwest? I'm halfway between Chicago and Madison and there's a TON of stuff out here (and in Iowa).
So dangle since I would be flying what would be the top 3 rides/races that you would go to again. Since our winters are cold(can't take the cold like I use to)but not snowy I probably would be interested in rides from June on. I won't say that I will never go do the DK200 but with the cost of it just isn't on my radar right now. Yes I probably could afford it but no I don't want to support a gravel race that is that expensive.
Robidoux Quick and Dirty in Scottsbluff Nebraska is a small event with a very casual vibe but is close enough to Colorado that it gets some of the fast riders from Boulder/Denver/Fort Collins. Fun and friendly, unique and scenic country, harder and hillier than it looks. Also neat if you're into US history and the western migration. Lodging is easy too. Just make sure you run tubeless.
A little further away is the Gold Rush Gravel Grinder in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I haven't done this event but have ridden in the area and it looks like it could be a great ride.
If you are in OKC one of the premier gravel races is Land Runs 100. You said you wanted something to kick your butt. Last year they had terrible conditions with lots of rain and clay mud. The ride I went to in Kansas said they had 2 locals finished it but had $300 - $500 in repairs to their bikes afterwards it was that nasty. Lots of folks had hypothermia and had to bag the ride. I didn't look at the exact results but I would guess 50% didn't finish it last year.
