Soldier Cutoff Hillduro

Soldier Cutoff Hillduro – Pisgah, United States

• Date: September 19, 2026
• Location: Pisgah, Iowa, United States
• Distances: 100 km, 50 km
• Event Type: Gravel Race

The Soldier Cutoff Hillduro is a demanding gravel race in Iowa, set within the uniquely challenging terrain of the Loess Hills. Formerly known as Pisgah Preparation, the event’s new name better captures the spirit of a course that tests riders with climbs rarely seen elsewhere in the state. The landscape around the Loess Hills State Forest is a place of rugged beauty, winding through the valleys of the Little Sioux River and the Soldier River Cutoff. It offers a taste of Western-style climbing right in America's heartland.

Two route options are offered to suit different ambitions. The full 100-kilometre course amasses over 4,000 feet of elevation, making it a significant undertaking. A shorter, 50-kilometre route is also available, with around 2,000 feet of climbing, providing a more accessible but still rewarding day on the bike. The routes are designed to showcase the diverse geography of the region, where every tough ascent opens up to another expansive vista and each descent flows through quiet, less-travelled hollows.

The race weekend begins on Friday evening with packet pickup at Pisgah City Park, which serves as the central hub. The park offers camping facilities and showers, creating a convenient and communal atmosphere for riders to gather before and after the event. This setup encourages a sense of community, allowing participants to share stories and experiences from the gravel under their tyres. The park provides a comfortable base for this grassroots gravel race in Iowa.

Race day starts early on Saturday, with the 100km riders setting off first, followed by the 50km group. The starts are staggered, but both are group departures from Pisgah City Park. Organisers provide support on the course with aid stations, though riders should be prepared for a self-reliant day. Routes are finalized the week of the event to account for local road and weather conditions, with both "wet" and "dry" options prepared to ensure the best possible experience on the region’s unpredictable surfaces.

The character of this event is defined by its landscape. It’s an honest test of climbing legs and a rewarding journey through a part of the American Midwest that is surprisingly wild. The experience is less about outright speed and more about finding a rhythm on the rolling hills. For those seeking similar challenges, there are many other other gravel events in United States that explore the country's varied terrain. This particular ride, however, offers a unique physical and visual signature.

As the day concludes and riders cross the finish line, the focus returns to the shared accomplishment. While there are podiums for the fastest finishers, the true prize is the experience of conquering the steep grades and flowing descents of this distinct gravel race in Iowa. It’s a day of effort rewarded with immense satisfaction. For full details and registration, please visit the official event website.