Lead Ore Gravel - gravel cycling event - in Galena, IL - presented by Lead Ore Gravel

Lead Ore Gravel

Saturday, October 3, 2026Chestnut Mountain Resort, 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, Galena, IL
Event Details

Event Type

Gravel

Location

Chestnut Mountain Resort, 8700 W Chestnut Mountain RdGalena, IllinoisOpen in Maps

Links

Upcoming Dates

Saturday, October 3, 2026Register

Event Location

About This Event
The Lead Ore Gravel is a challenging endurance event set in the rugged "Driftless Region" of Northwest Illinois. The race is part of the Driftless Gravel Festival, a weekend-long celebration held in partnership with the Driftless Dagger ultra-distance race. 
Additional Information

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.
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