RIDIN' DIRTY GRAVEL JULY 6, 2024
RIDIN' DIRTY GRAVEL JULY 6, 2024
July 6, 2024
Ridin’ Dirty Gravel at Sittin’ Pretty Farm, p/b Femme Forty Racing is a new supported, unsanctioned gravel event in the beautiful Wisconsin Driftless, which was spared the last round of ice age glaciers. Rather than hills and lakes, the Driftless Area is dominated by steep ridges and river valleys. No matter the route you choose, you’ll be ridin’ scenic roads through sprawlin’ landscapes and small farms and towns, experiencin’ the magic of the Driftless.
TLDR: no glaciers, yes gravel!
Ridin’ Dirty Gravel offers a weekend of ridin’, campin’, and partyin’! Come for the race, the community, the pizza…just come! Femme Forty Racin’s mission is to bring new participants into competitive cyclin’ by promotin’ and empowerin’ people through mentorship, community buildin’, knowledge sharin’, and advocacy. We aim to create safe, welcomin’ spaces for cyclists, and Ridin’ Dirty Gravel will certainly be one of them. Good vibes only, partner!
Ridin’ Dirty Gravel is presented by Femme Forty Racing, a women’s and non-binary cycling team based in Madison, Wisconsin. We are very proud and excited to have the opportunity to host a race event!
The Vibes
WHAT TO BRING?
DISCLAIMER: these are suggestions based on our experience and understand everyone has different styles and preferences! Hopefully this helps point folks in the right direction.
Tire/bike recommendations! The experience we can vouch for is the routes are all rideable on 35cc tires — CX bike, gravel bike, road bike…don’t matter so long as there’s clearance! 33cc tires (for all you CX bike folk) are very likely also okay, dependent on your confidence and tolerance for a bit more bump. We wouldn’t comfortably recommend bald road tires.
Gearin’ recommendations! You’re gonna have a particularly spicy time if your largest gearin’ is 34 chainring / 28 sprocket equivalent or smaller. Not sure where your gearin’ falls? Check out this handy calculator or shoot us an email! Bicycle Gear Ratio Table | BikeCalc
STARTING LINE
Like many gravel events, Ridin’ Dirty will be a party from the start line to the finish. And, choose your own adventure! Whether you’re goin’ for the gold, challengin’ yourself with a distance or speed, or just out to enjoy the views, there’s a place for you here. While this is a mass-start event, start times will be staggered so many racers finish around the same time, no matter your route!
MID-RIDE SUPPORT
Ridin’ Dirty Gravel is a supported event. There will be on-course aid, SAG, and course sweeps to make sure all participants are safe and accounted for. Stay tuned for who to expect along course!
PARKIN’
On-site parkin’ will be available! More details to come, pals.
FINISH LINE and AFTER PARTY!
Ridin’ Dirty Gravel will start and finish at Sittin’ Pretty Farm. Roll on back to camp and share stories from your race over cold beverages, wood-fired pizza (included with your registration cost, and gluten-free crust and vegan cheese are available!), and a climate-controlled party barn. Whether you’re campin’ on site, stayin’ in the area, or high tailin’ it home post-race, be sure to enjoy the after party and podiums.
Note: there will be bathrooms on-site! Showers will be available on-site for campers only. Also check out the local Viroqua YMCA pool for showers ($10 day-pass).
Event Timeline
Friday, July 5, 2024
5p Friday Night Pizza Barn at Sittin’ Pretty Farm*
*be sure to pre-order pizza if you’re comin’ for this! Link for Friday pre-orders here.
5-8p Packet Pick-Up
8:30p On-Site Campin’ Opens!
Saturday, July 6, 2024
6a Registration and Packet Pick-Up Opens
7a Long Route Mass Start
8a Mid Route Mass Start
9a Short Route Mass Start
2p Finish Line After Party at Sittin’ Pretty Farm
4p Aid Stations Close and Final Course Sweep
TBD Podiums
TBD Finish Line & After Party Closes