Iowa Games Gravel Grinder
@ Sunny Heights
p/b Ames Velo
Saturday June 5th, 2021
10:00 AM - Sunny Heights Farm
​Ames, IA




Register Now 

Online Registration Only
Long Course (2 Laps) = 45 miles (10:00AM)
Short Course (1 lap) = 22.5 miles (10:15AM)

Age Divisions
18-34 | Female Male
35-49 | Female & Male
50 & Over | Masters | Female & Male
Single Speed | Female & Male
Tandem | Female, Male & Coed​

Facebook Event Page
Strava Route 
Strava Cue Sheet
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Click below link for TCX file:

iowa_games_2021_gravel_grinder_-_22.6_mile_laps_.tcx
File Size: 149 kb
File Type: tcx
Download File

Check out a course summary by Ames Velo: Home Town Hero Race Team member Trevor.

Key Race Info:


​The 2021 Iowa Games Gravel Grinder is a multi-surface bike race, held on a NEW 22.5  mile circuit in Ames, IA with a little bit of everything. The race include sections of crushed rock, pavement, and prairie trail. The terrain is undulating with several short, steep climbs per lap.


The Race Campus at Sunny Heights features picturesque views and is the perfect place to hang out, and enjoy the entire afternoon.   We will be asking everyone to practice social distancing and wearing masks when not competing.  
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RACE DAY INFO:

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  • Please be at the start area 15 minutes before the start of your event
  • Riders will be called up by their groups within the 2 separate start times
  • Riders will be allowed to race with other groups, we simply want to give them a chance to see the competition in their category
  • Feed Zone will be allowed for the 2 lap riders at the top of Templeton and will be marked 
  • We will attempt to have water at the far turn on the course.  Info will be available at start.  But BE PREPARED to be self supported.
Parking
  • 2 parking lots are available for Athletes/Spectators 
  • Just north of 180th on the east side of Templeton
  • South of 180th just east of the Templeton/180th intersection
Race Campus:
  • Registration and Number Pickup are located at the top of Templeton Rd.
  • Start line will be directly in front of the Sunny Heights farm house
  • Kaibos will also be near the start
  • The finish for both races will be up the steep driveway in to Sunny Height
Tricky Left Turns & Caution Alerts
  • Please use discretion at all left turns. 
  • The course SHOULD be marked, but you need to be prepared for signs to be blown over/taken from course.
  • Look for spray paint on the roads as well
  • PLEASE USE CAUTION on turns  4 & 5.  You will enter those from a downhill and turn directly up a steep incline.  We will have corner marshals at these turns.
  • Turn #9 is a hard left on a short paved section, followed by another immediate left.  When you transition from the dirt to pavement, be careful of the edge of the cement trail.  We had a  pinch flat on our last recon ride there. 
  • Preceding turn #9  is a tricky winding right turn on singletrack.
Directions to The Race:
  • Race Headquarters  will be located inside the Sunny Heights, 17641 Templton Rd, Ames IA 50010
  • If you are coming in from out of town on  i35, take Exit 116 and head West on 190th St.   
  • Continue .6 miles West until you reach the intersection with Dayton Ave, then take a right (North) on Dayton
  • You will hit a T intersection which is 180th St. -  Take a LEFT (west) on 180th St. 
  • Continue 1,500 ft then Turn RIGHT on the Templeton RD (just past the Skunk River bridge)
  • Sunny Heights is just up the hill to the left 2,000 ft.
  • Limited parking is available at Sunny Heights,  and at the bottom of the hill at the boat launch area.
  • Look for a friendly volunteer to help!