Dust Bowl 100

Dust Bowl 100 – Martinsville, United States

• Date: July 24–25, 2026
• Location: Eminence, Indiana, United States
• Distances: 100 Mile, 100K, 44 Mile, Kids Race
• Event Type: Gravel

The Dust Bowl 100 unfolds in the quiet landscapes of Indiana, offering an immersion into the state's expansive farm fields and winding gravel roads. This event is a journey through scenery marked by century-old covered bridges and serene streams, punctuated by wooded oases providing respite under the July sun. It’s an exploration of the Hoosier state, designed to celebrate both its natural beauty and the rhythm of riding.

With three distinct routes, the Dust Bowl 100 caters to various preferences, each tracing its own path through the Indiana terrain. The 100-mile course encompasses 60 miles of gravel, seven historic bridges, and two off-road adventures, accumulating 3,500 feet of elevation. The 100K offers 40 miles of gravel, three bridges, and two off-road sections with 1,800 feet of climbing. For those seeking a shorter ride, the 44-mile option features 30 miles of gravel, two bridges, and two off-road segments over 1,300 feet of elevation. These routes are thoughtfully designed to showcase the Midwest's finest gravel, connecting vast fields with shaded creek valleys.

The event weekend begins with a free kids race on Friday evening, a spirited half-mile course designed for young riders aged 3 to 12. This sets a community-focused tone, allowing families to engage with the atmosphere before the main events on Saturday. Riders on Saturday will navigate diverse conditions that might range from dry and dusty to damp and cool—a reflection of Indiana's late summer weather, embracing the unpredictable elements of the natural world.

Headquarters for the Dust Bowl 100 is Eminence High School in Eminence, Indiana, a location chosen for its accessibility and its embrace of community spirit. This small town provides a welcoming backdrop for riders, with the promise of friendly greetings as participants move through the area. The event encourages a connection with both the environment and the local community, creating a sense of shared adventure and discovery on the gravel roads.

As riders traverse the carefully curated courses, the experience is one of engaging with the landscape, feeling the gravel under tyres, and embracing the challenge and beauty of Indiana. It’s an opportunity to find a personal rhythm amidst the expansive fields and historic pathways, reflecting on the journey and the quiet strength found in movement.