Reputation: Local Iowa event.
[01]
Course Overview
100 miles through Iowa's Driftless region with 5,000 feet of climbing and river valley gravel.
100 mi
Distance
5,000 ft
Elevation
Waukon, Iowa
Location
June 20, 2026
Date
~50
Field Size
$75-100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Iowa Gravel SeriesIowa rolling gravel.
Signature challenge: Iowa rolling terrain over 100 miles with significant elevation.
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
Opening Gravel Section
The worst gravel on the route is in the first straightaway - looser surface with big truck traffic until you hit the turn to pavement.
Van Buren Drop and Climb
A quick drop followed by a steep section that's a little bit loose - gets your heart going early in the race. This used to be at the end of the race but now hits you at the beginning.
First Long Valley Climb
First long climb out of the valley around mile 20, wide road with plenty of room but you'll be going slower on the ascent.
Aggressive Hills
Multiple riders mention the hills are hard and aggressive throughout the course.
The gravel is in great shape overall, with recent moisture helping to bring down dust levels. Roads aren't icy and conditions are described as beautiful.
Nice meandering roads down into valleys with trout streams, temperatures cool down in the valley areas compared to what weather reports may indicate.
[04]
From the Field
The good news and bad news is that the worst gravel on the route is on this first straightaway - it's not terrible, it's not dangerous, it's just a little bit looser. We got some big trucks that like to drive on it so until you hit the turn it's just not the greatest gravel but it's the worst that you'll see on the whole route.
Iowa Gravel Series · 214 views
It's absolutely one of my favorite courses, it's a beautiful area so lucky to be out in Allamakee county and to enjoy this beautiful land. It really is a special part of Iowa - you'll notice some trout streams and you'll probably even dodge some fishermen out on an early morning fishing expedition.
Iowa Gravel Series · 214 views
It really is a special part of Iowa and I'm not just saying that because it's one of my races it's I think you'll find that it's just a beautiful experience
Iowa Gravel Series · 214 views
I got into gravel just from like peer pressure and wanting to go to new areas it opens up some especially i mean just everywhere it opens up so much more places to ride which is great
Iowa Gravel Series · 222 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Waukon 100? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
June 20, 2026 WAUKON 100
[08]
Train for Waukon 100
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
6
Climbing
6
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
8
Technical
6
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
La Crosse (LSE) 60 minutes
Lodging
Waukon has limited lodging options. Plan ahead.
Food
Waukon has limited dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Be careful on the fairly busy paved road section early in the race, though there is a nice wide shoulder.
Keep an eye out for fishermen on early morning fishing expeditions near the trout streams in the valley sections.
The first aid station comes up surprisingly fast around mile 20 due to all the downhill leading up to it, positioned right before a climb back out of the valley.
Plan for survival mode - riders emphasize just making it through the challenging course.
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M
Mixed-terrain specialist. Balanced grip and speed for variable conditions.
3
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Vittoria Terreno Dry 40mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster 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 Waukon 100?
June 21st in Iowa brings heat and humidity with zero weather mitigation mentioned in race planning. The 7:00AM start helps beat heat, but Iowa summer weather can turn ugly fast with no documented contingency plans. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Waukon 100?
Church basement packet pickup and 6:00AM race day check-in covers the basics without sophistication. The sweep ending at 2:00PM creates a hard cutoff that could strand unprepared riders miles from anywhere in rural Waukon.[1]
How adventurous is Waukon 100?
The route explores "all the beauty of the Upper Iowa River and Waterloo river bottoms" through terrain that organizers admit "might surprise you." The driftless region offers Iowa's most varied topography, though adventure here means discovering regional gems rather than conquering legendary terrain.[1]
How prestigious is Waukon 100?
Elite winner Mitch Brekke was featured on the Iowa Gravel Series Podium Podcast for "his unbelievable journey," but competitive depth remains regional. The race explicitly positions itself as "friendly to both new and experienced racers" rather than pursuing elite field development.[2]
Should I race Waukon 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: Waukon 100 Training ride (casey)ridewithgps.com/routes/51103873
- Other Sources Allamakeecountywww.allamakeecounty.com/events/waukon-100-iowa-gravel-series
- Other Sources Bikeiowawww.bikeiowa.com/Event/16025/waukon-one-hundred-iowa-grav...
- Other Sources Cityofwaukonwww.cityofwaukon.com/events/waukon-100
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=J0q4sRsjUCo
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=-FzQr-rqnq4