Reputation: Regional Iowa event.
[01]
Course Overview
Iowa prairie ultra-endurance gravel challenge.
150 mi
Distance
8,000 ft
Elevation
Iowa
Location
October 17, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
$150-200
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / BikeIowaGuyIowa prairie ultra-endurance gravel.
Signature challenge: 150-mile Iowa prairie ultra-endurance.
50
MILE
Early Prairie
First 50 miles of prairie.
75
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
125
MILE
Late Prairie
Final 25 miles before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
B-roads
Riders encounter numerous B-roads throughout the course, described as dusty but beautiful sections.
Headwind sections MI 49
Significant headwind and hills for the majority of the way back in the second half, making for challenging conditions.
Flat headwind stretch MI 67
A particularly difficult 2-mile flat section into strong headwind with nothing to avoid it, described as sucking.
B-roads get dusty but are described as pretty sweet and smooth in sections.
Course includes both gravel B-roads and some pavement sections, with the final 3/4 mile finishing on pavement.
[04]
From the Field
What is spotted horse known for? It's a race in October, it's in Iowa, and what are they known for? Well they're known for challenge - like serious challenge, like hike a bike 3 miles through 2 ft of mud challenge, like end up in a Casey putting doughnut bags on your feet so you don't freeze to death challenge.
Iowa Gravel Series · 99 views
Temperatures were in the high 60s with winds blowing between 15-35 miles per hour... almost 13 miles in, had to walk the really first big hill because yeah, it's part of life. Into the headwind for 2 and a half miles going north, going to be a lot of this going forward.
DW's Adventures · 159 views
What is spotted horse known for? It's known for challenge right like serious challenge like hike a bike 3 miles through 2 ft of mud challenge like end up in a Casey putting doughnut bags on your feet so you don't freeze to death challenge.
Iowa Gravel Series · 99 views
October 24th is spotted horse gravel ultra in St Charles, that's still a go. Thanks to all the event coordinators, we know it's been a tough decision to still hold your event this year.
BikeIowaGuy · 57 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Spotted Horse Ultra? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
October 17, 2026 SPOTTED HORSE ULTRA
RIDERS REPORT
Rider used Maxxis Refuse tires in 40mm by 700c size for the race conditions.
[08]
Train for Spotted Horse Ultra
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
8
Climbing
6
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
8
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
6
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Des Moines (DSM) varies by location
Lodging
Iowa has good lodging options.
Food
Iowa has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Water available around mile 35-37 mark for resupply.
Expect strong winds of 15-35 mph, with significant tailwind sections early but challenging headwinds in the second half.
[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 Spotted Horse Ultra?
Mid-October Iowa weather swings violently, as the 2018 race proved with severe attrition. "the second I hit the Iowa border, the rain-pocalypse broke loose. Also, the temperature dropped 20-some degrees." The 2019 start was delayed 40 minutes for thunderstorms with lightning, while recent years saw "extremely dusty" conditions with 30 mph wind gusts. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[4]
How are the logistics for Spotted Horse Ultra?
Race director Sarah Cooper allows camping on her front lawn at her house "appropriately off a gravel road," though Adrienne Taren noted "the appropriate amount of swearing at iPhone Maps" to find it. The self-supported format eliminates aid stations but routes riders past Casey's convenience stores at miles 38, 69, 100, and 138. Weather-forced course reroutes happen last-minute—Friday rains "forced a couple of re-routes before the race started" in 2018.[4]
How adventurous is Spotted Horse Ultra?
Self-supported navigation through unmarked Iowa farm roads creates real adventure without wilderness risk. Scott encountered wildlife throughout: "I saw too many deer, rabbits, raccoon, possum and a few cats in this dark-thirty stretch." Two farm dogs followed him for 5-7 miles each, "having a ball." The remote course offers solitude—elite finisher noted you're "free to ride all day long" with just the sunrise as your companion.[4]
How prestigious is Spotted Horse Ultra?
Regional Iowa event with limited national recognition outside gravel circles. The 120-rider cap keeps it intimate but invisible—Kate Geisen noted "not being a regular to the Iowa gravel scene, I saw few familiar faces." HP Ultra Cycling's reference to race director Sarah Cooper as "one of your heroes" reflects respect within ultradistance circles rather than mainstream gravel media attention.[4]
Should I race Spotted Horse Ultra?
If you're in the Midwest—yes, it's solid. If you're international—there are better options.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Kate-My-Mindkate-my-mind.blogspot.com/2016/11/spotted-horse-150.html
- Other Sources Spottedhorsecyclingspottedhorsecycling.com/results/
- Other Sources Bikeiowawww.bikeiowa.com/Review/1709/spotted-horse-gravel-ultra-r...
- Media & Press Gravel Cyclistwww.gravelcyclist.com/race-reports/race-report-2018-spott...
- Other Sources Hpultracyclingwww.hpultracycling.com/spotted-horse-gravel-ultra-shgu-2019/