Featured Event: Robidoux Quick & Dirty
Featured Event: Robidoux Quick & Dirty – by Aaron Raines
Editor’s Note; Over the vast “fly-over” states of the Great Plains you might be surprised to find many thriving, interesting, and challenging gravel events and courses. One of those is the Robidoux Quick & Dirty. Riding Gravel welcomes the event’s promoter, Aaron Raines and his story about this latest “Featured Event”.
A Gravel Rendezvous at the Ingress of the American West
Just off the Front Range of Colorado, this event in Gering, Nebraska focuses on the unsung gravel terrain of the Old West. The Robidoux Quick & Dirty will be held on June 20, 2020. The event features 25, 65, and 100 mile routes. All courses trace parts of the Great Platte River Road section of the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails.
Immediately out of town, riders cruise along fast gravel roads while the crisp morning air flows over burgeoning corn and bean fields, waking them up if coffee doesn’t do the trick. Take a couple turns, however, and they’ll be up against a piney, sandstone bluff system that presented the first major geologic obstacle for fur trappers on their way west nearly 200 years ago. They found their way through and the route became so popular that Antoine Robidoux—the race’s namesake—set up an aid station of sorts for Oregon Trail travelers in the form of a trading post. The trading post is still located about halfway up the first lung-buster riders encounter. They can stop and take a peak if not on the hunt for a podium spot.
Once past Antoine’s, immigrants crested the bluffs and likely took a break to admire the view of Wyoming. Unfortunately, their wagons didn’t have 40c rubber or disc brakes, so the impending descent wasn’t as fun as it is today! From here, riders loop around, climb a couple more passes, rally their corresponding descents, pass some pioneer graves, make animal noises at cows and turkeys (and peacocks if they’re lucky), and gear up for the final sprint. The last watts are spent on pavement through Mitchel Pass through Scotts Bluff National Monument, crossing the same path as later western immigrants. Look left or right here and find original wagon ruts left behind from their journey.
Racers cross the finish line to be greeted by cheering spectators, recovery beverages, and an afternoon of music and camaraderie!
More Information and Details on the Robidoux Quick & Dirty:
Course Distances: 25, 65, 100 miles
Prices for Entry: $30, $60, $75 Register January 1st, 2020
Event Offers: Fully stocked aid stations, Raffle prizes and swag from sponsors
Social Media: IG and FB: @robidouxquickanddirty
Event Website: www.robidouxquickndirty.com
Contact: info@robidouxquickndirty.com
Note: The information and images used in this post were provided by the Robidoux Quick & Dirty/Aaron Raines. Riding Gravel is not responsible for any instances of damage or personal loss or injury due to the use of the links provided here or from anyone’s participation in registering for, or participating in the event known as the “Robidoux Quick & Dirty”. Any changes in information regarding the event, either for date, time, or entry fees is not controlled by Riding Gravel. Any inquiries concerning the Roubidoux Quick & Dirty are to be directed to the event.
6 Comments
t smith
it’s a great race and with plenty of altitude. you might get to ride real close to a longhorn bull taking it easy in the shade
Robidoux Quick & Dirty
Our friend from last year has a couple cows that have joined in on his gravel spectating! At least, that’a been my experience the past few rides out there!
Sean
I have spent lots of time in the cattle ranching country of Nebraska. There is so much undiscovered gravel riding in the Sandhills. I will be putting this event on my list for 2020
PETER lopez
What are the gravel roads out that way like? Tire advice appreciated?
Robidoux Quick & Dirty
Thanks Sean! Glad to have you!
Robidoux Quick & Dirty
Howdy Peter! Best bet is a decent all around 38 or 42c like the Specialized Pathfinder or Tracer Pro. Definitely tubeless. We have a lot of solid, fast, packed dirt roads, but we also have a fair amount of golf ball sized gravel, sandy spots, and chunk. You’ll be experiencing a bit of all of it! We’ll be sending 100 milers (and possibly 65 milers) down an optional singletrack section that has a fair amount of roots and rocks, but being fastest here won’t be enough to win the race.