Reputation: Local Iowa event.
[01]
Course Overview
Iowa's original gravel series race, 30 minutes from Omaha through rolling western Iowa farmland.
60 mi
Distance
2,400 ft
Elevation
Glenwood, Iowa
Location
August 10, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
$50-75
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Iowa Gravel SeriesIowa rolling gravel.
Signature challenge: Iowa rolling terrain in heat.
20
MILE
Early Rolling
First rolling sections.
30
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
50
MILE
Late Rolling
Final rolling sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Miles 3-5 Pitchy Inclines MI 3
Miles 3, 4 and 5 all feature a pitchy incline in the six to eight percent range
Pathfield Road MI 10
One of the most prominent features with towering sidewalls, features both a fast ascent and challenging climb with nearly 14% grade
Quant Road MI 13
One mile climb at nearly 13 miles in with a thousand feet of climbing already logged, final section at 10% incline will definitely sting a bit
Farm Road from Hell MI 21
Can be a dream or a nightmare depending on how dry or wet the path is, fast farm road action through cornfields
Quick Climb MI 48
The villain of the race, just over a mile long topping out at nearly 11% incline, key factor in determining the front group
Rally Road Descent MI 48
Most technical sector with bike tire size ruts and stunning negative 14% grade at the start
Be ready for dirt and possibly even a little mud on some of the best B roads in Western Iowa
Moving fast on a double track B Road leading to Nagle Avenue
Rally Road descent has bike tire size ruts
[04]
From the Field
At Mile 10 you'll arrive at one of the most prominent features of the Glenwood gravel course pathfield Road with its towering sidewalls path field is a sight to behold you'll experience both a fast ascent and a challenging climb in this picturesque portion of the Los Hills the latter portion of which features a nearly 14 grade.
Iowa Gravel Series · 245 views
This segment known as Farm Road from hell can be a dream or a nightmare depending on how dry or wet the path is - if you've ever wanted to ride your bike as fast as you can through a cornfield this is your big chance.
Iowa Gravel Series · 245 views
Rally Road is without question the most technical sector of the course with bike tire size ruts and a stunning negative 14 grade.
Iowa Gravel Series · 245 views
Glenwood is actually one of the faster races in the Iowa gravel series with last year's winner clocking in at 3 hours and 17 minutes averaging just over 19 miles per hour
Iowa Gravel Series · 245 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Glenwood Gravel? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
August 10, 2026 GLENWOOD GRAVEL
[08]
Train for Glenwood Gravel
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
3
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Omaha (OMA) 30 minutes
Lodging
Glenwood has limited lodging options. Book ahead.
Food
Glenwood has limited dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Course is front loaded with about half of the climbing taking place within the first 25 miles
At Rally Road descent, remember the old axiom go slow to go fast
There will be spectators at the top of Quant Road awaiting your arrival
[10]
Tire Picks
38mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
3
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
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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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Glenwood Gravel?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 86°F and lows of 68°F, with a 37% chance of rain on any given day. August in Iowa brings heat and humidity challenges, though 2020 conditions were ideal at 67 degrees with 17 mph winds. 7:30 AM start time helps beat the worst heat, but that's not typical for Iowa summers. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Glenwood Gravel?
Registration through BikeReg.com with standard options. The race promises they're "rethinking what a gravel race might be if you decided to race around your own home" for 2025 with "some surprise, but with all the good stuff still there." Research lacks parking and packet pickup specifics.[5]
How adventurous is Glenwood Gravel?
Race markets itself as "the one that started it all" for the Iowa Gravel Series, promising to "make this a great day in the saddle for everyone." Located less than 30 minutes from Omaha through pastoral Iowa scenery, but not epic adventure territory.[1]
How prestigious is Glenwood Gravel?
Described as the founding race of the Iowa Gravel Series when Chris McQueen "put on the Glenwood Gravel Grinder and decided to expand" into seven races. Regional status in Iowa racing but not drawing national talent or media attention.[1]
Should I race Glenwood Gravel?
If you're local to Iowa—yes, it's good value. If you're traveling—skip it.
[11]
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: Dry 100KM Glenwood Gravelridewithgps.com/routes/51634081
- Other Sources Gravel-Resultswww.gravel-results.com/race/12609
- Other Sources Bikeiowawww.bikeiowa.com/Event/16028/glenwood-gravel
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/13166/glenwood-gravel
- Other Sources Movemintwww.movemint.cc/events/glenwood_gravel_2025
- Community granfondoguide.com: Superbloom Gravelwww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/12361/superbloom-gravel
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=b8vWVoXHYc0
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=UJK4f8LKmtM
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=nefz6ymJKSw
- Community welovecycling.com: Gravel Queens Why Women Are Owning The Gravel Scene In 2025www.welovecycling.com/uk/2025/02/13/gravel-queens-why-wom...