THIS IS NOT A RACE & THERE IS NO SUPPORT!

Start/Finish: Echo Valley State Park, near West Union, IA
Event Time: Sun rise to sun set
Distance:Approx 118 miles
Cost: FREE
Course: Gravel Roads
Pass Through Towns: Elgin, Elkader, Garber, Strawberry Point, Volga, Wadena

Why: Because I like to go on long gravel rides. Maybe you do too? If so, consider yourself invited.

Where: County gravel roads and maybe a "B" level maintenance road or two. A specific route will be posted after I verify the existence of the roads. Some pavement will be experienced through pass through towns.

How: Self navigated by a provided route map. The map details will be posted later. NO COURSE MARKINGS of any kind will be put up by me. That's waaay too much work, and besides, all the roads are marked at intersections with "street signs", so your ride can find you if you bail out, get injured, are attacked by pigs, etc...... You will be self supporting. There are no aid stations....well, not in the traditional"race" sort of way. Convenience stores will have to do! No one will pick you up if you are in trouble that is related to this event since, well....I'll be riding it! There is nobody else! Fend for yourself or........... (It is called "Death Ride" after all!) Get the picture? That said, I'd recommend bringing your cell phone. (Maybe lights too, see the "Latest News" for more)

When and for How Long?: July 17th: Sun up to sun down. If ya wanna ride longer, that's entirely up to you. The event's "time stamp" will be at the aforementioned times. (Note: there will be folks camping out on the 16th and a planned BBQ and camp out will be held the night of the 17th over to the 18th)

It's not a race?: Nope! But that doesn't mean you can't "race it". Ride whatcha brung, go as fast as you want to. The point for me is to experience the terrain, the suffering, and the camaraderie of riding with any like-minded folk that show up. If no one does, well that's okay. I'll still be out there! I won't be keeping any results, so don't expect any! I'll keep a roster of who started and who finished. That's it. I'm going rain or shine. Be prepared to do the same if you come.

Notes On The Route: 2010 will mark the first time I have chosen to use a route over again in its entirety. The advantage is that I can relate some important notes about the route to you if you are considering this. First of all, this route is extremely challenging! It starts out with a few miles of big rollers, then flattens out for approximately 25 miles. You'll reach the town of Elkader where we will fuel up. The hills kick in shortly afterward and never really let up the rest of the route. You will find many inclines of 10% plus, one right after another, with some as steep as 15-18% grade!

This also means there will be crazy, fast down hills. Be prepared! Great skill and wisdom will be required to keep you in one piece. Your bicycle will need to have excellent brakes and I would suggest a wide gear range, but this route was also done on a single speed last year, (albeit with much walking!)