The Big River Gravel Series is a four-race endurance cycling challenge set across the rugged landscapes of the Quad Cities region on the Iowa-Illinois border. Founded with a mission to build mental and physical strength through "doing hard things," the series is inspired by the personal journey of its founder, who turned to cycling as a form of therapy and community-building.

The Series Journey

The series traverses terrain nestled between the Mississippi River and the Rock River, moving through four distinct stages from early spring to late autumn:

Hell of the Wind (New Liberty, IA): A raw, early-season opener characterized by wide skies, unshielded "raw roads," and a biting spring wind.
1904 (Morrison, IL): Named for the last year Illinois had no paved roads, this stage aims to recreate a pre-paved era with narrow, curvy dirt and rock paths. For 2026, it moves to a new venue at the Bike Barn, a staple of the local motocross community.
Burning Quad (Erie, IL): A mid-summer test that includes a punishing 1-mile singletrack section approximately 22 miles into the "Mississippi" distance.
Turkey Burner (New Liberty, IA): The season finale at Camp Liberty, serving as the final point-earning opportunity and tie-breaker for the overall series standings.

Race Dynamics & Community

The series is designed to be inclusive, welcoming both elite professionals and "weekend warriors" to experience the same trials on the course.

Distances: Most events offer two primary tiers: the Mississippi distance (approx. 65–70 miles) and the Rock distance (approx. 33–38 miles).
Navigation: To maintain a sense of adventure, routes are not physically marked; riders must use GPS computers or printed cue sheets to navigate.
The Payout: The series features a dynamic payout for the top three men and women in the Mississippi distance. The prize pool grows with participation, starting at $500 and increasing by $50 for every rider over 50 registered for the full series.
Post-Race Culture: The narrative concludes at the finish line with legendary post-race parties featuring Casey's pizza, beverages, and the sharing of stories among participants.

Gravel Events in Illinois

Big River Gravel Series

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