A roughly 100-kilometer loop on hilly, open gravel roads in Madison County, with a checkpoint near halfway and surface difficulty dictated by freeze, thaw, precipitation, and wind.[3]
Course Profile
Editorial verdict
A hilly, self-supported Iowa 100K where late-winter weather writes the hardest part of the course.[3]
CIRREM began in 2009 as a late-winter 100-kilometer test on the gravel roads around Cumming, Iowa. Founded in 2009.
Reputation: An established grassroots Iowa winter gravel race known for weather uncertainty and a finish at Cumming Tap.
The organizer's results archive records every edition from 2009 through 2026.
Race-day conditions have included snow, sleet, freezing rain, ice, thawing gravel, and unexpectedly warm dry years.
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The Course
A roughly 100-kilometer loop on hilly, open gravel roads in Madison County, with a checkpoint near halfway and surface difficulty dictated by freeze, thaw, precipitation, and wind.
Signature challenge: Managing winter clothing, traction, pacing, and self-support as road conditions change across the day.
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Training
Race-specific preparation details are included in the demand profile below.
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Race Logistics
Airport
Des Moines International Airport is the practical gateway
Lodging
Stay in the Des Moines metro and drive to Cumming for race morning.
Food
Breakfast and check-in were scheduled from 8:00 AM at Cumming Tap for the 2026 edition; carry everything needed to finish.
Packet Pickup
2026 rider check-in ran from 8:00 to 9:45 AM on race morning
Parking
Follow the organizer's next-edition instructions for Cumming Tap
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Vittoria Terreno Mix
40mm · $80 · 34W
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
3
Continental Terra Trail
40mm · $75 · 34W
excellent wet grip
FRONT/REAR SPLITRene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
The official results archive records snow, freezing rain, ice, sleet, wind, and thawing gravel across past late-February editions. The organizer's own history describes soaked gloves, red bare hands, fresh snow, and mud buildup, meeting the rubric's extreme cold-and-storm standard.[4]
How are the logistics for CIRREM?
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The race starts and finishes in Cumming near the Des Moines metro. The official 2026 schedule put breakfast and check-in at Cumming Tap before the 10:00 AM start, making access straightforward even though the course itself is self-supported.[1]
How adventurous is CIRREM?
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A self-supported 100K on open Madison County gravel in February is memorable even without remote wilderness. Weather, surface changes, rural roads, and the Cumming Tap start-finish give CIRREM a distinct identity beyond a standard local race.[3]
How prestigious is CIRREM?
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CIRREM's official archive runs continuously from 2009 through its 18th edition in 2026, giving it an established regional reputation. It remains a grassroots Iowa event rather than a national professional fixture.[4]
Should I race CIRREM?
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Yes, if cold-weather uncertainty and grassroots Iowa gravel are the appeal. Do not commit travel or training dates until CIRREM publishes its next edition.
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Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.