Reputation: Local Iowa event.
[01]
Course Overview
Prairie Burn 100. 100 miles of gravel through Grinnell.
100 mi
Distance
3,500 ft
Elevation
Grinnell, Iowa
Location
June 6, 2026
Date
~50
Field Size
$75-100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Iowa rolling gravel.
Signature challenge: Iowa rolling terrain over 100 miles.
30
MILE
Early Rolling
First rolling sections.
50
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
80
MILE
Late Rolling
Final rolling sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
The route is almost 100 percent gravel roads, utilizing Iowa's 79,000 miles of gravel road network. Riders can travel for 2-3 hours on gravel and see only one car, making it much safer than road riding.
[04]
From the Field
You can ride on gravel two three hours sometimes and see one car so you can go for that aspect so you don't have the target on your bike like you do on the road. We think they're much safer than riding on the road and you there's just so many more of them than riding on the trails.
We Are Iowa Local 5 News · 51 views
There's about 79,000 miles of gravel in Iowa and so we can pick routes north south east west depending on the wind so these are gravel rides 100 almost 100 percent. We get out of town right on gravel.
We Are Iowa Local 5 News · 51 views
All riders route back through Central Park with food trucks, family activities from 9 to 12, smoothie maker, yoga in the park, and art in the park. People might be on their bike for a couple hours to 10 hours.
We Are Iowa Local 5 News · 51 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Prairie Burn 100? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
June 6, 2026 PRAIRIE BURN 100
RIDERS REPORT
Road bikes with a little bit bigger tires are recommended to be more comfortable on gravel.
[08]
Train for Prairie Burn 100
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
6
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
7
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Des Moines (DSM) 90 minutes
Lodging
Grinnell has good lodging options.
Food
Grinnell has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Routes are chosen north, south, east, or west depending on the wind conditions. The organizers try to stay away from busy gravel roads and take routes that are less traveled.
[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 Vittoria Terreno Dry 40mm / 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 Prairie Burn 100?
Second Saturday in June brings Midwest summer weather gambling, though organizers promise 'the PB100 will occur rain or shine! All bike routes will have hard surface rain re-routes if needed.' Morning 8 AM start attempts to beat afternoon heat and storms. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[3]
How are the logistics for Prairie Burn 100?
Aid stations every 10-25 miles with Central Park serving as the hub for 25 and 50-mile route returns. Official timing ends at 3:30 PM with bailout support until 5:00 PM, though the race director warns riders to 'know how to fix a flat' as pickup support is limited.[1]
How adventurous is Prairie Burn 100?
Course explores Poweshiek County's network of agricultural gravel roads through farming landscape. Two 'Burner Challenge Segments' in the first 50 miles add competitive elements, but the adventure comes from internal suffering over Iowa's deceptively rolling terrain rather than dramatic scenery.[2]
How prestigious is Prairie Burn 100?
The 2026 edition promises a 'new and better format' after previous iterations, suggesting the event is rebuilding rather than established. Despite claims of being 'legendary,' the race lacks visible pro participation or widespread gravel community recognition.[2]
Should I race Prairie Burn 100?
If you're local to Iowa—yes, it's solid. 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: Prairie Burn 100 - 2019ridewithgps.com/routes/30208684
- Other Sources Thesandbthesandb.com/53911/sports/prairie-burners-group-ride-blaz...
- Other Sources Imaginegrinnellwww.imaginegrinnell.org/events/prairie-burn-100-gravel-bi...
- Other Sources Longrangehuntingwww.longrangehunting.com/threads/204-or-223-for-prairie-d...
- Other Sources Longrangehuntingwww.longrangehunting.com/threads/6-5-creed-for-prairie-do...
- Other Sources Longrangehuntingwww.longrangehunting.com/threads/caliber-choice-for-prair...
- Other Sources Longrangehuntingwww.longrangehunting.com/threads/caliber-combination-for-...
- Other Sources Longrangehuntingwww.longrangehunting.com/threads/long-ish-range-prairie-d...
- Other Sources Longrangehuntingwww.longrangehunting.com/threads/panhandle-prairie-dog-hu...
- Other Sources Longrangehuntingwww.longrangehunting.com/threads/prairie-dogs-spots-in-ar...
- Other Sources Longrangehuntingwww.longrangehunting.com/threads/scope-recommendations-fo...
- Other Sources Traveliowawww.traveliowa.com/calendar/prairie-burn-100-gravel-bike-...
- Video YouTubewww.youtube.com/@prairieburn100