Dakota Dust and Dirt Tour

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Dakota Dust and Dirt Tour! This is a three day gravel race or ride. Some little changes this year, there will now be a sprint segment added to day one which will no longer be an optional day if you want to compete for the overall title. No time bonuses either but we will be using a point system so you get the number that you place in your division. Lowest combined score wins for all 3 days. In the event of a tie, the fastest time from day one will decide. There are two race options, either the Short Tour or the Long Tour. But if you can’t make all three days , you can still ride on a single day. Each race will have one overall winner in male and female categories and the top three of the Tours will also be awarded.

Packet pick up will be at June 26 at 4:00 pm at 25 Burleigh Rd in Wilton, ND on the far east side of town just across the railroad tracks. This green space park will be the starting point for the first 2 days and has a few camping hookups if anyone wishes to camp. Stage 1 will start at 6pm on a new safer 19 mile loop. I took out the highway crossings but I had to take out the fun minimum maintenance sections, but your safety is always paramount. This is a fun little route that still takes you through the heart of a wind turbine farm.

Stage 2 starts from the same location (25 East Burleigh Rd) in Wilton, ND. The long tour kicks off at 9:00 am for a scenic 55 mile route. The short tour starts at 10:00 for a easy to navigate 26 mile course.

Stage 3 moves the race down to Saint Anthony, ND at the greatest place in town to quench your thirst from all your riding, Rusty’s Saloon. The long tour starts at 9:00 am for a beautiful 62 mile loop in the heart of Morton county. The short tour starts at 10:00 am for a 29 mile route that is bound to leave a smile on your face.

Helmets are mandatory as well as a positive attitude. These are open roads so use caution and always, always stay to the right side of the road especially when cresting hills or going around any blind corners. Ride within your limits. You are responsible for whatever you might encounter that day. Be prepared for any mechanical problems and pack proper food and water drinks. There will be one aid station for stage one about halfway through. On day two and three there will be two aid stations for the long tour and one aid station for the short tour.

Garmin GPX files are posted on the facebook event pages. The routes can also be accessed on Strava under (Eleno-rides Somewhere) in my saved routes. This course will be marked well but do your due diligence on familiarizing yourself with the routes. I hope to see you out there.