Lead Ore Gravel 2026

The Lead Ore Gravel race begins and ends at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, Illinois. It is described as Illinois' most difficult gravel race, taking participants into the Driftless Region. This area features continuous hills and roads that are approximately 50% pavement and 50% gravel. The primary Lead Ore distances are held on Saturday morning as part of the Driftless Gravel Festival. These include a 30-mile Explorer option (noncompetitive), a 60-mile Settler route, and a Pioneer route exceeding 100 miles. The Pioneer route includes roughly 10,000 feet of climbing over its course, with two aid stations. The Settler route offers about 6,000 feet of climbing and one aid station. Even the Explorer route, considered the more accessible choice, involves approximately 2,000 feet of climbing. The festival weekend also features shakeout rides, packet pickup, a children's race, and a community run on Friday. Additionally, ultra-distance participants in the related Driftless Dagger event embark on their own extended challenge. The Galena area's historical production of millions of pounds of lead inspired the race's name. Following the race, the resort serves as the central point for a gathering with food and drinks.