Driftless Dagger

Event Details

• Location: Starts and finishes at Chestnut Mountain Resort, Galena, IL.
• Registration: There is a combined field limit of 50 riders for the main event.
• Cost: Approximately $125.00 for solo, pairs, or specialized categories. 

Course Options

• The Dagger (Main Event): 550 miles with over 40,000 feet of elevation gain.
• The Baby Dagger: 237 miles with approximately 20,000 feet of vertical climbing. 

Self-Supported Rules

• No Outside Aid: Riders must be entirely self-sufficient. No pre-arranged support, private resupply, or pacing is allowed.
• Commercial Services Only: Use of hotels, gas stations, and bike shops is permitted only if they are available to all racers.
• Continuous Clock: The timer starts at the Grand Depart and does not stop for sleep or mechanical issues until the rider finishes or scratches.
• Navigation: Routes are not marked. Riders must use a GPS tracker (such as Trackleaders) for both navigation and proof of completion. 

Equipment & Preparation

• Lighting: Must have two independent head and tail lights; lights must be on from dusk to dawn.
• Tire Choice: While 38mm tires are fast on tamer sections, riders often prefer 2-inch (50mm+) tires for comfort and control on the rougher back roads and "B-roads" found later in the course.
• Gearing: Given the relentless "punchy" climbs, low gearing is highly recommended. The inaugural 550-mile winner notably completed the course on a single-speed setup.