McLain Farm Adventure Race

7th Annual MFAR

Member of the Ohio Gravel Race Series

A gravel grinding adventure, proudly showing off northern Jefferson County, Ohio

Welcome to a gravel adventure like no other! Grass roots racing at its best, with 3 challenging courses to test your legs and lungs, while giving back to the community you are riding in. Whether you are coming to race or to hang out and ride with friends at a party pace, MFAR welcomes you to northern Jefferson County. Set amongst beautiful hills and hollows that follow the creeks that our local Hellbender's call home.

Riders interested in racing for points in the Ohio Gravel Race Series can test themselves on our Hellbender route over 54 miles. Riders not racing for points have two other options at 32.5 and 16 miles. 40mm tires or bigger suggested.

The roads are rough and steep, but that should only add to the allure. This is a ride that will make you feel like you earned your meal afterwards, which is included with your race fee.

Afterall, you have to ride up big hills, if you want big downhill thrills!

Any question please reach out. See you all in August!

Routes:

The Hellbender 50 -Hellbender Route MFAR 2026 · Ride with GPS

Ohio Gravel Race Series points, take on the Hellbender and test yourself. There will be 3 aid stations along this route on race day. Bag drops available, please check in 45 minutes before race start so we have adequate time to deliver them to your aid station of choice.

Middle Distance Route 32.5 miles - MFAR middle distance route 2026 · Ride with GPS

This route features the best gravel finish in Ohio! 10 miles of uninterrupted gravel that flows slightly downhill to a flat 1 mile of pavement to the finish. The start is equally as epic, start with Crowe Hill a.k.a. The Church Climb at 500ft and then a technical descent leading to the signature climb and road for the event, Schoolhouse. Get the bulk of your climbing done early and enjoy the ride back.

Schoolhouse Revenge - Schoolhouse Revenge 2026 downhill finish · Ride with GPS

It might only be 15.6 miles but this routes name lets the rider know that if you come visit this valley, you will have to climb Schoolhouse Hill in all of its 13% gradient goodness.

Notice: new routes this year, they are a bit easier, with indoor restrooms at the venue, and at the main aid station. Aid stations for this year will be at mile 15, mile 28, and mile 42. There will also be in addition to the aid stations coolers placed at strategic points along the routes.

What does your registration get you?

1. Marked course

2. Chip timing - updated live on race day

3. Sag Support vehicles

4. 3 fully stocked aid stations with cold water

5. Custom Halo Visorband - check it our here - Halo Visorband | Cycling Workout Visor | Halo Headband

6. Post ride meal - catered by Naples Spaghetti House of Steubenville, Ohio

7. Podium prizes

8. Winners of the Mens and Womens Hellbender and Middle Distance will be given free entry into next years event.

9 Donation to the Irondale Fire Department

Our Neighbors and Friends:

Irondale Fire Department will be on course again this year providing enhanced safety and cheering you all on. What a great group that we are so proud to call friends and partners. They will join us for the post race meal as well.

Post race meal will be provided by Naples Spaghetti House, family owned and operated for over 100 years. The rigatoni dinner is made with sauce the owner Lisa makes the morning of the race, and the bread is from the bakery in town that uses no preservatives and a special oven creating bread that we locally consider to be the best bread ever with a crunchy crust and soft interior.

Additonal Stuff:

Free camping in the field the night before the race with a community bonfire. No fires or RV's (they are so heavy, if it rains really heavy leading up to the event we worry they could get stuck in the field. There are close local campgrounds if interested in RV parking. One RV campground is less than a half mile from the start line.

Lodging Options:

Austin Lake Park – Camping in Ohio – There’s so much to do here! very close and has very nice amenities- a great choice if a family or group weekend is planned. It needs mentioning that they have a waterpark onsite and after a long hot day of gravel grinding a water park might feel nice.

If the camping or Austin Lake are not your speed we suggest you book a hotel in Calcutta/East Liverpool or Steubenville which will put you less than 30 minutes driving from the venue.

There is also an RV campground at the end of the road that the venue is on, about a quarter mile from the start/finish. Joe Bottom's is the name and if anyone has a tow behind or RV it offers full hookups.

Please download the route to a cycling computer. The files are spot on and ensure you have a stress free day with no worries of navigation. A few signs get stolen or messed with each year is why we stress downloading the route.

Any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

See you all August 15th!