Event Details

Location: Chestnut Mountain Resort, 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, Galena, IL 61036.
Registration: Fees typically range from $85.00 for the 30-mile ride to $145.00 for the 100-mile competitive categories (prices increase closer to the event date).
Weekend Schedule:
- Friday: Festival kickoff with shakeout rides, a kids' race, and packet pickup.
- Saturday: Main event races begin from the resort, which overlooks the Mississippi River.
Inclusions: Registration includes a custom water bottle, stickers, fully stocked aid stations, and a post-race meal and drink.

Course Descriptions

The course is famously difficult, featuring "old school" grit and significant vertical gain. Note: Routes are not marked; riders must use a GPS cycling computer.

Terrain: A 50/50 mix of gravel and paved roads through the scenic, unglaciated topography of Jo Daviess County.
100+ Mile Route: The premier "Big River" challenge, featuring approximately 8,000+ feet of elevation gain.
60 Mile Route: A mid-distance competitive option with roughly 4,000+ feet of climbing.
30 Mile Route: A non-competitive "fun ride" option for those who want the scenery without the extreme endurance demand.
Key Feature: All riders finish by tackling the Diggins Hill Climb before returning to the resort.

Race Categories

Competitive categories are chip-timed and include podium awards for the top three finishers:

Age Groups: Juniors (19 & under), 20–44, and 45+ for both Men and Women.
Non-Competitive: An "Open" category is available for the 30-mile and 60-mile distances for those not looking to race.

Lead Ore Gravel

Lead Ore Gravel