BADLANDS GRAVEL BATTLE
Come GRIND across 120 miles, and ROLL over 10,500 ft of elevation gain on the fast and rugged red scoria roads that crosshatch the BADLANDS of western North Dakota.
distance
40-MILE
80-MILE
120-MILE
race DATE
May 26th, 2024
8AM-8PM MDT
Medora, ND, Badlands
elevation gain
2,994 ft.
6,985 ft.
10,568 ft.
COURSE RECORDS
(40) Jake Vigesaa | 2:06:36.23
(40) Jody Barton | 2:19:23.39
(80) Carl Fritz | 4:27:29.3
(80) Sarah Bilawski | 5:56:53.9
(120) Tinker Juarez | 6:43:446.31
(120) Kayde Anderson | 8:42:46.8
racecourse map
This Google Map is a very powerful tool. Download the latest version of the Google Maps App on your smartphone and do some course exploration right in the palm of your hand. Spectators only allowed on roads highlighted in RED to ensure the safety of our race participants.
Elevation profiles
120-MILE racecourse: About 122 actual miles, and approximately 10,569 ft of elevation gain.
80-MILE racecourse: About 83 actual miles and approximately 6,985 ft of elevation gain.
40-MILE racecourse: About 38 actual miles and approximately 2,994 ft of elevation gain.
race logistics
terrain
Rugged Badlands backcountry gravel roads. Some of the gravel in the Badlands may remind you of the your gravel roads back home, but some of it is made up of crushed red scoria rock. When the scoria is freshly laid it can be large and sharp at first, but once it is worn in by truck traffic, the gravel turns hard and smooth and in the right conditions it is very fast and fun. Just like anywhere the conditions can change overnight with weather or road work, be prepared for the best and the worst of circumstances.
aid stations
40-MILE: The WANNAGAN A.S. will be located at mile 19, which is your halfway point.
80-MILE: The WANNAGAN A.S. will be your first stop at mile 19. ELKHORN A.S. is your second stop at mile 41. At mile 64 WANNAGAN A.S. is your third and final stop before the finish.
120-MILE: Your first three Aid Station stops are exactly the same as the 80-MILE course. Then you have a fourth stop at mile 84 at the SENTINEL BUTTE A.S. before your final push to the finish.
PRE-race EVE
Don’t forget to get your bike tuned up and pick up any last minute supplies you might need with Jen and Loren Morlock at the one and only Dakota Cyclery Bike Shop in Medora, ND.
fully marked course
All the courses are well-marked with arrows and signs. There are many twists, turns and forks on the Badlands gravel roads, but you can race and ride with the peace of mind that you are taking the right turn at the right time with the combination of our GPX files, Que Cards and on-course markings. The course will be marked well enough that you could potentially get away without using Que Cards or a GPS, if you pay attention and ride with your head up.
POST-RACE RECOVERY
Stonehome Brewery will be providing some locally brewed post-race craft drinks at the finish line. After doing battle with your bike on Badlands gravel feel free to stick around and enjoy a drink while hanging out with your buddies and exchanging battle stories from your epic day in the ND badlands.
lodging
Spend the night before or after the race and enjoy Medora! The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation is our official Medora lodging partner, book your stay here. While in Medora, also might want to try the Pitchfork Steak Fondue and the Medora Musical and use the code RaceSeries15
AWARD CEREMONY
There will be a podium ceremony with prizes at 5:00pm for the top finishers and recognition of outstanding performances at the post-race recovery. Open men and open women categories for the 40, 80, and 120 mile races. All finishers will receive a custom Badlands Gravel Battle medal. $500 for 1st Place Overall Men’s and Women’s 120-miler.
schedule
All times listed in Mountain Daylight Time Zone
Sunday
6am – 7:15 Meet at the FAMILY FUN CENTER for:
Packet Pick-Up
Race Day Registration
Drop off your Aid Station Drop Bags
7:30am Pre Race Meeting at the FAMILY FUN CENTER
7:45am Racers line up at the Start Line
7:50am National Anthem
8:00am RACE START!
8:30am Wannagan Aid Station opens
9:30am Elkhorn Aid Station opens
11:00am Stonehome Brewery - drink tent opens - FINISH LINE (closes at 8pm)
11:00am Rock & Roll Tacos at FINISH LINE (closes at 8pm)
11:30am Sentinel Butte Aid Station opens
1:00pm Elkhorn Aid Station CLOSES
3:00pm Wannagan Aid Station CLOSES
5:00pm Sentinel Butte Aid Station CLOSES
5:00pm Awards at FAMILY FUN CENTER
8:00pm Finish Line SHUTS DOWN