Rural Minnesota hosts numerous established gravel road races, and in recent years, several new events have emerged as annual traditions among cyclists. The diverse terrain, minimally maintained roads, elevation variations, picturesque rural landscapes, and unpredictable weather during Spring and Fall contribute to the enjoyment and challenge of these races. While some events are free, others necessitate registration fees. Most of these races are unsupported, meaning participants must manage their own repairs and support.
This year's schedule will feature a variety of gravel races, rides, and mixed surface events from both within the state and neighboring regions. Some events may have registration deadlines, participant limits, or additional details pending announcement. A chronological list of all known gravel events is provided below, and I will keep this post updated with new information as it arises. Event organizers interested in having their events included here or on my
Event Calendars page are encouraged to contact me via
e-mail.
Events coming soon
April
Iowa Bike Co.
Pella, IA
100 km, 50 km
Winterset, IA
340 miles
Elkader City Pool
Elkader, IA
100, 60, 30 miles
May
Grandma’s House
Princeton, MN
100, 50, 25 miles
Chequamegon MTB Festival Headquarters
Cable, WI
100, 60, 28 miles
Kalona Historical Village
Kalona, IA
100 km, 50 km
Central Park
Northfield, MN
390, 165, 110, 55, 30 miles
Grand Marais, MN
110, 54, 26 miles
June
American Birkebeiner Trailhead
Cable, WI
Epic Singletrack-June 7
37, 18 miles
Epic Gravel-June 8
50, 27 miles
Rambling River Park
Farmington, MN
158, 79, 44, 17.9 miles
Lutsen Mountains
Lutsen, MN
99, 69, 49, 25 miles
July
Freedhem Store
Little Falls, MN
106, 76, 46 miles
Online registration opens January 1, 2025
Finland Community Center
Finland, MN
135 miles
August
Gary, SD to Hager City, WI
240 miles (solo), 240 miles (2-4 rider relay)
Wilson's Ciderhouse & Venue
Iowa City, IA
100, 60, 40, 20 miles
Online Registration opens 11/12/24
Cannon Valley Fairgrounds
Cannon Falls, MN
333, 222, 111, 69, 50 miles
September
Gritty Goose Gravel Grinder-September 13, 2025
Bertram Lakes Singletrack
Monticello, MN
70, 50, 35 miles
Hokah, MN
103, 67, 40, 18 miles
Northland Community & Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN
64, 25 miles gravel, 30, 16, 1.4 miles paved
Dirt Bag Gravel Grinder-September 27, 2025
Sportsman's Park
Clearwater, MN
October
Two Harbors, MN
100, 60, 19 miles
Briggs Outdoors
Winona, MN
100 miles, 100 km, 50km
November
Events will be included as they are made available.