Illinois River Ramble 2026

WE ARE BACK FOR VOLUME III OF THE ILLINOIS RIVER RAMBLE!

Come experience the rarely ridden gravel backroads of Northeastern Oklahoma! Our courses lead you on the scenic backroads of Cherokee and Adair counties. We offer three route options: a challenging 62 mile course with a lot of climbing and chunky roads, a 30 mile intermediate route with fun climbs and descents, as well as a 10 mile intro to gravel riding! Remember this is a ride not a race, have fun and enjoy the day! This part of Oklahoma ain't flat!

After your ride, hang out at the finish line for complimentary food and drinks from Downing Brewery! Stick around while we welcome everyone back home, from the first to final finisher!

Register by October 25, 2026 for a free event t-shirt!

We'll keep you updated with a detailed schedule as we get closer to event day.

All proceeds will benefit Tahlequah Trails Association and their mission to build MTB and hiking trails in Cherokee County!

SEE YOU AT THE GRAVEL FUNCTION!

Event Rules and Regulations:

THE COURSES WILL NOT BE MARKED; ALL DISTANCES REQUIRE A GPS HEAD UNIT WITH TURN BY TURN NAVIGATION

Be Safe, Have Fun and Follow Rules of the Road

Riders must wear an ANSI certified helmet at ALL times.

Follow the Rules of the Road. The roads are OPEN to vehicle traffic, so treat them as such! These rules include, but are not limited to: Follow the centerline rule. Keep your bike on the right side of the road.

We encourage you to ride as far right as safely possible. Most of the paved sections have a shoulder, but if not, stay as close to the right as possible

On the gravel roads, please stay on your “side of the road”. This is especially important when going around corners or cresting hills. Residents are going to expect that you ride as they drive...on the right side of the road at all times.

The roads are OPEN. Expect automobile traffic. All routes are on open public roads with no special traffic control for this event. Obey all vehicle laws. Be alert to traffic.

Pass with care! Do NOT pass in blind corners, let someone know that you are going to pass them (especially on the paved sections) and pass on the left. This should mean that the cyclist you are passing is staying as far RIGHT as possible.

No headphones, ear buds or texting while riding. If you need to document the ride, please pull over to the right side, come to a complete stop and share away.

Flashing tail lights are always helpful for vehicles who may come upon you during the race.

Be courteous and respectful at all times. This goes for your actions towards other racers, spectators, volunteers (they are here to help you on their own time), the community and vehicles. We get to ride these roads all the time and we would love for our community to keep supporting us!

Riders are expected to be prepared to deal with mechanical issues. Please bring extra tubes, a hand pump and/or CO2, etc., Be prepared to be self-sufficient. Please be equipped to fix your own flats and know how to do it. There will be limited SAG available.

Main aid stations with have water and electrolytes along with sweet and salty snacks. All riders should be prepared to have extra nutrition and hydration in case of unforeseen conditions.

In the event of a natural disaster or weather that could be potentially dangerous to racers or volunteers, the race will be delayed, shortened, postponed or canceled without refund.

Please Leave No Trace. Pack out all trash.

Stay on the course. It is YOUR responsibility to be in the right place. Study the map, find someone who can show you how to download/upload the GPX file from RIDE WITH GPS to your bike computer.

All Route Maps are available on Ride with GPS app, download the app at the App Store or Google Play. Ride with GPS integrates nicely with Garmin, Wahoo, Strava, and other devices and services

Remember part of the adventure is finding your own way through the course.

Listen to event officials. If an Event Official gives you a specific direction, you must follow it. If they tell you to stop, it is for a good reason!

If you find yourself needing to drop from the race, please notify the nearest Aid Station or Event Official.

We reserve the right to make any last-minute course/timing changes as deemed necessary for a safe and successful ride.