North American Races Comparable to Badlands Ultra Gravel?

Triathlon Forum
1

YouTube has recently fed me some videos about this Badlands Ultra gravel race that Alistair Brownlee did last year. Was curious if there is anything comparable to this in North America? Probably couldn’t match the scenery. Way back when there used to be a race called Trans Iowa that was a race across Iowa, but I don’t think that exists anymore, and DEFINITELY wouldn’t match the scenery!

2

Of course there’s always Tour Divide but that’s 5x longer.

There’s a new race called North South Colorado that’s just under 1,000km. This year’s race start on July 1st and I’m signed up.

There’s also the Arkansas High County that’s just over 1,000 miles. It’s supposed to be brutal. Having done Big Sugar I can believe it.

I heard about the Vermont Super 8 recently and it sounds it would be cool. Just over 1,000km.

EDIT: Trans North Georgia is shorter (575km) but again supposed to be brutal.

3

I assume the trans Iowa race is now called RAGBRAI and is scheduled for July 23-30.

4

I assume the trans Iowa race is now called RAGBRAI and is scheduled for July 23-30.

Trans Iowa and RAGBRI couldn’t be more different.

5

That reminds me though that there is the Iowa Wind and Rock race that has a similar spirit as Trans Iowa.

6

Some Canadian bikepacking races. I’m sure there are more.

BC Epic 1000
https://www.bcepic1000.com/

Lost Elephant
https://lostelephant.ca/

Alberta Rockies 700
https://www.albertarockies700.com/

Log Driver’s Waltz
https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/

BT700
bt700.ca

7

Bad assumption on my part.

8

I assume the trans Iowa race is now called RAGBRAI and is scheduled for July 23-30.

this made me laugh
.

9

ragbrai - good one.

10

I really want to do this: https://azgravelrides.com/ride-across-arizona/

If time and logistics weren’t considerations, I’d be there 5/2.

11

Thanks for the responses all, there’s more of these than I would have guessed.

12

There is a documentary on TNGA that can be found on Amazon prime video.

13

There is a documentary on TNGA that can be found on Amazon prime video.

Just looked it up now, have you seen it? Worth the $15 or whatever?

14

I watched it and found it inspiring, BUT it was free at the time. I watched episodes while on trainer rides, so my memory is a bit fuzzy.

I do remember thinking it was a grueling event. Something I would be interested in for sure if I was local.

Navigating seemed to be a real challenge for folks. Head units and batteries are better now. So maybe less of an issue in 2022. Being local would also be a big help.

If I were seriously considering doing the event I would pay. But not just to satisfy a curiosity.