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