Chip-timed grassroots gravel event out of Kendrick Park in Sheridan, run by the local bike shop through Bighorn-foothills ranch country. By Dead Swede Hundo LLC / Sheridan Bicycle Company.
Reputation: Small regional Wyoming event.
[01]
Course Overview
Sheridan's Bighorn-foothills hundo — Wyoming ranch gravel, four honest distances.
100 mi
Distance
7,671 ft
Elevation
Sheridan, Wyoming (Kendrick Park)
Location
June 5 (Saturday pattern; 2026 ran Jun 6 — 88 Hundo finishers), 2027
Date
~50
Field Size
$100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Brent Kastner
Photo: YouTube / Brent KastnerDead Swede Hundo LLC's chip-timed race from Kendrick Park, Sheridan (~3,750ft — under altitude gate): 100mi 'Crusher' flagship 7,671ft (71% gravel), 60mi 'Creeper' 3,899ft, 40mi 'Cruiser' 2,092ft, 20mi shuttle option from Dayton. Bighorn-foothills tour — punchy climbs, green ranch country, aid ~every 10mi, sweeper vehicle. PRIOR 62mi/3,500ft matched no option — corrected 2026-07-14 (anchor = 100mi Crusher).
Signature challenge: Wyoming high plains wind and open terrain.
RIDERS REPORT
big climb
Riders mentioned struggling through a big climb that was particularly difficult, with one rider saying 'that big climb that sucked' and another mentioning 'we'll see when we get this other big climb'
The 20-mile option includes significant uphill grinding with sustained climbs that riders describe as 'no joke'
[04]
From the Field
We're at the 30-mile aid station here and I want to show you the real MVPs of this race - the bacon, everything here, everything nice little cups, real MVPs right here.
Brent Kastner · 476 views
You just had to pace yourself, such a perfect day though like light winds coming in, such a fun route.
Brent Kastner · 476 views
The 20 miles is no joke there's a lot of uphill grinding in there last sustained stuff
Brent Kastner · 476 views
Aid stations MVPs bike races MVPs or your aid stations
Brent Kastner · 476 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Dead Swede Gravel? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
June 5, 2027 DEAD SWEDE GRAVEL
[08]
Train for Dead Swede Gravel
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
5
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
6
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
6
Race Specificity
5
FREE
GET THE DEAD SWEDE GRAVEL PREP KIT
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Billings (BIL) 2.5 hours, or Denver (DEN) 6+ hours
Lodging
Sheridan has basic lodging. Small city with limited options.
Food
Small city with basic dining. Stock up beforehand.
Packet Pickup
Race morning
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Aid stations are described as the MVPs of the race, providing bacon and other food in nice little cups at the 30-mile mark
Pacing yourself is essential - riders emphasized the importance of not going out too hard early in the race
[10]
Tire Picks
38mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
3
Continental Terra Trail
excellent wet grip
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Dead Swede Gravel?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 79°F and lows of 53°F, with a 41% chance of rain on any given day, and gusts reaching 27 mph. Weather swings wildly year to year. Heidi's 2019 race was blazing hot: 'The still air combined with my black skin suit and hot sun made me want to melt.' Jeffrey's 2022 featured 'amazing weather, low 50s to start, mid 70s in afternoon' but rain dumped 2.5 inches the day before, forcing course changes. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego. "Around hour one I started sipping my Tailwind, cognizant of the fact I needed to be taking on the calories and hydration in the sun."[4]
How are the logistics for Dead Swede Gravel?
Packet pickup requires day-before arrival only, which Anonymous notes 'pretty much requires that participants book some form of lodging for one night.' Registration via ItsYourRace works fine, and one rider confirms the process 'from registration to packet pickup to post meal collection was seamless.' Still no airport or parking details published. "all done on a 2012 Specialized Crux with canti brakes and relatively narrow tires in comparison to today's trends, and hamburger seat bag. I thumb my nose at you, industry marketing tactics!"[2]
How adventurous is Dead Swede Gravel?
The course turns 'north onto the gravel nestled along the base of the Bighorn Mountains' with minimal dust conditions, possibly from road oil treatment or recent rain. One rider loved starting 'at Kendrick Park, right there in the heart of town' with horses 'grazing on the hillside overlooking the park.' Wyoming backcountry through terrain most never see. "my passion is bikepacking, and many of those long miles are solo, so the beautiful landscape (see pics) and sky kept me company."[1]
How prestigious is Dead Swede Gravel?
Jeffrey finished 64th out of 65 finishers in the 100-mile, spending most of the race dead last with a sweeper truck following him. The mass start crowd was 'mostly filled with people that have never road raced or ridden in a peloton.' Self-proclaimed 'Premier Gravel Race of the West' without competitive depth to support the claim.[1]
Should I race Dead Swede Gravel?
Only if you're in Wyoming or seeking a remote high plains experience. Not worth traveling far for.
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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.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: WY: Dead Swede 40 Gravelridewithgps.com/routes/30317261
- Other Sources Thedeadswedehundothedeadswedehundo.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=8932
- Other Sources Thedeadswedewww.thedeadswede.com/faqs
- Community heidiridesbikes.com: Race Report The Dead Swedeheidiridesbikes.com/2019/06/09/race-report-the-dead-swede/
- Community heidiridesbikes.com: Race Report 2021 Dead Swede Hundoheidiridesbikes.com/2021/06/06/race-report-2021-dead-swed...
- Community joinbasecamp.com: Jeffreys Story Dead Swede 2022www.joinbasecamp.com/post/jeffreys-story-dead-swede-2022
- Community 2wheeledinspiration.com: The Dead Swede A Race Review2wheeledinspiration.com/2024/06/19/the-dead-swede-a-race-...