Anyone doing this? I’m doing the race for the first time, 120 mi route. Shooting for <7 h.
Currently running 48x10-52 and dubnital 50s on my 2022 checkpoint.
I vaguely remember hearing that this course has had some nasty sections in the past. Does anyone have boots on the ground?
2025 Finish times (men)
I live in the area and ride parts of the course often. Currently I am coming back from an injury so I have mostly been riding inside since late spring. I don’t have much current knowledge of conditions.
Times from last year might not be representative because of the worst possible case weather scenario of a massive rain storm the night before followed by a well over 100 degree race day with 90 percent plus humidity. There were a lot of DNFs and DNSs. The long course has previously been around 100 miles instead of 120, some of the early years it had more miles of more difficult mountain bike trails.
The amount of rain is key because of the “level b” or minimum maintenance roads. If they are dry they can be very pleasant to ride on. If it is wet then you probably want to ride on the grass in the ditch or put the bike on your shoulder and hoof it.
The biggest selection is usually made at Sugar Bottom, the first single track section. The trails are pretty rooted and windy, If you are stuck behind someone less skilled it will be hard to get around them. It looks like they may have left out some of the worst sections this year. The second single track section, Woodpecker, is flat and generally pretty smooth.
There will be a water crossing around mile 76 heading north on the Hawkeye WMA extension. It can be pretty deep if you take a bad line and it has been raining a good amount recently. The next turn to the north on Greencastle Ave will be the most difficult section to ride on a dry race day. It is definitely rideable but I’m not sure I would want to in a group, especially around people who have never ridden it before. There is a decent sized step on and off of the bridge deck. I always unclip and walk it but there are many people more talented than me. If I were coming from out of town and cared about my time, the two northbound roads in Hawkeye WMA would be things I would go look at the day before.
After your race go to George’s in Iowa City and order a cheeseburger or two.
Awesome! Stop by the Corridor Devo tent at the finish chute and say hi! I’m doing the 20 this year with my youngest.
Gravel is in great shape! Save for a few washouts near the shoulders from hard rains last month. Keep your eyes up if you are in a pack.
Forecast is iffy this week for how much rain we will/wont get. Keep an eye on it, and a spatula close if it turns wet.
Your set up is on point. This is a new route this year, so times are probably not a great indicator either.
Either way, it will be a great weekend. They do a top job with the Vibes.
