Reputation: Local Iowa event.
[01]
Course Overview
Century ride featuring the Wabash Trace Trail through Silver City, Iowa.
100 mi
Distance
3,000 ft
Elevation
Silver City, Iowa
Location
May 24, 2026
Date
~50
Field Size
$75-100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Roll n' Rocks
Photo: YouTube / Roll n' RocksIowa 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
First Five Miles Rollers MI 0-5
Rollers right off the start that race director warns not to spend energy on - not where you'll win the race
Soft Gravel Section MI ~50+
Gravel gets crappy and soft after the second aid station - not dangerous but requires extra energy to get through
Last Three Hills MI ~55+
Final three hills on soft gravel that the race director suggests non-racers can skip by taking the trace
Class B roads are some of the smoothest sections of the whole course, even smoother than some of the pavement
One Class B section that's all grass is described as really pretty and one of the race director's favorite sections
One fun drop section got torn up a little with someone driving through mud but it's not too bad
[04]
From the Field
Some of the B-roads had some pretty big ruts from some recent rain but they were all dry and just had to pay attention to make sure those ruts didn't grab your wheel. There was one big downhill that was pretty sketchy as you're flying down it and could not find a line of any type.
Roll n' Rocks · 68 views
They did make sure to build some character with three big climbs right at the very end. There was one section you got to the end of a minimum maintenance road took it right onto another minimum maintenance road.
Roll n' Rocks · 68 views
My first ride was on the Wabash with my uncle prepping for RAGBRAI, so being in Silver City that was kind of a nice mental full circle way to be on the bike.
Iowa Gravel Series · 168 views
My first ride was on the Wabash with my uncle prepping for RAGBRAI, so being in Silver City was kind of a nice mental full circle way to be on the bike
Iowa Gravel Series · 168 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Silver City Century? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
May 24, 2026 SILVER CITY CENTURY
RIDERS REPORT
If you really love your aero bars, this is a course for you because you can hunker down for a good chunk of the long south-heading section
[08]
Train for Silver City Century
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
Omaha (OMA) 60 minutes
Lodging
Silver City has very limited lodging options. Plan ahead.
Food
Silver City has very limited dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Take the first five miles of rollers easy if you're not focusing on racing - this is not where you're going to win the race
Be careful of traffic where the course crosses a pretty busy road during the fairly flat speedy section heading north
Save energy for the soft gravel section after the second aid station as it takes extra work to get through
[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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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Silver City Century?
'great weather with some typical Midwest wind' for recent editions. Mid-May in Iowa remains a weather gamble - could be perfect spring conditions or dealing with late-season storms and mud. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Silver City Century?
Packet pickup the night before or morning of at the downtown gazebo with basic small-town setup. JewelerDry6222 drove an hour and wished he'd stayed for the festivities - Friday hangout and 10k run plus post-race meal and bar hang.[4]
How adventurous is Silver City Century?
Course includes the beloved Wabash Trace trail that JewelerDry6222 calls 'one of my favorite gravel trails.' Silver City is described as a community that 'loves cyclists and welcomes them everyday on the Wabash Trace.'[1]
How prestigious is Silver City Century?
Part of the Iowa Gravel Series with no notable pro field or major winners mentioned. Positioned as 'the perfect opener for the season' and beginner-friendly rather than attracting serious competitive depth.[1]
Should I race Silver City Century?
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: Dry - 100km - 2024 Silver City Centuryridewithgps.com/routes/46675307
- Other Sources Bikeiowawww.bikeiowa.com/Event/14307/silver-city-century
- Other Sources Bikeiowawww.bikeiowa.com/Event/16433/silver-city-century
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/10052/silver-city-cen...
- Community youtube.com: Playlistwww.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRBU6fQScQ-v9hvU-zZ1gydSsF...