The Pine Island Gravel Odyssey 2026 was formerly known as the Gold Rush Gravel Grinder and is rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in the Midwest and one of the Best Cycling Race Events in South Dakota. This is South Dakota’s premier gravel event, which operates under a special use permit for the Black Hills National Forest and is organized by Ridge Rider Racing.

The Pine Island Gravel Odyssey 2026 offers three distinct routes designed to challenge and delight cyclists of all levels, set against the stunning backdrop of the Black Hills National Forest.

The Ponderosa Escapade is the most challenging option at ~100 miles and the main event. This single-loop route will take you through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. The event will be a fun yet challenging endurance gravel race/ride using open public-access gravel and dirt roads through the Black Hills National Forest and into Wyoming. The course consists of mostly gravel, dirt, possible mud, and a bit of pavement while rolling over the open prairie, meandering through beautiful canyons with flowing creeks, exploring the deep forest, and climbing to several spectacular vistas. This race is intended for people familiar with gravel riding that can average a minimum ten mph pace. This is a challenging race with nearly 5,600 ft. of elevation gain.

The race starts at 6:30 am at Spearfish City Park with a 5-mile neutral roll-out escorted out of town, officially beginning once on the gravel. There are three aid stations along the route: at mile 32 (cut-off at 9:45 am), offering water, food, and Heed sports drink; at mile 55 (cut-off at 1:30 pm), where riders must check-in and can meet their support crew; and at mile 72 (cut-off at 3:45 pm), providing more supplies. A support crew is highly recommended, as they can meet riders at the Trailhead Lodge checkpoint.

The Limber Excursion, at 65 miles, offers a slightly shorter but still challenging ride (4,300 ft. of elevation gain) through the beautiful landscapes of the Black Hills. This race starts at 6:45 am at Spearfish City Park, with a 5-mile neutral roll-out, and officially begins on the gravel. There are two aid stations: at mile 30 (cut-off at 10:30 am), offering water, food, and Heed sports drink, and at mile 47 (cut-off at 2:30 pm), where riders can restock and enjoy a downhill ride to the finish.

The Pine Cone Frolic, a 45-mile non-competitive ride, focuses on the fun and challenge of finishing with over 3,000 ft of elevation gain. It’s the only course allowing E-Bikes, which are incorporated into the same rules and start time. The race begins at 7:00 am at Spearfish City Park with a 4-mile neutral roll-out. One aid station at mile 20 (cut-off at 11:00 am) provides food, water, and Heed sports drinks.

Everyone who makes the cut-offs makes the check-point and crosses the finish line will get a finishers award. If you are new to gravel riding/racing, these are great events to start with; however, don’t be fooled; these courses are still challenging.