Outland Gravel is Raw, Remote, and Totally Worth the Drive

Get ready for a brand-new kind of gravel adventure just south of the border in Iowa. Outland Gravel launches August 2 in rural Iowa with river crossings, raw trails, and savage MMR that’ll push your limits. And Nxrth readers get $15 off registration with code "FriendsToTheNorth".

Words by Race Director Vance Fletcher. Learn more at Outland Gravel.

If you’ve been digging into gravel in the Driftless or cruising around the rugged routes of Wisconsin and Minnesota, we’ve got an adventure calling your name just south in rural Iowa. On Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, the inaugural Outland Gravel rolls out from Chariton, Iowa, with a course built to challenge and reward. We’re talking deep, remote backcountry miles with river crossings, miles of minimum maintenance roads, a journey through Stephens State Forest, and even a stretch on the oldest rail-to-trail in Iowa—the historic Cinder Path. This isn’t fast gravel—it’s Outland gravel, and it’s going to test your line choices and your legs.

We built Outland with one goal: to take you to the edge, literally and figuratively. The name says it all. Outland is where the map fades, where the terrain gets wild, and the adventure begins. This course ventures into the remote corners of southern Iowa, far from smooth tarmac and safe choices. Expect roads that are rugged but rideable, scenic but savage. It’s for the riders who crave the unknown...who embrace the mess, the challenge, and the unexpected. You’ll hit river crossings, raw forest trails, chunky MMR, and plenty of “did-that-just-happen?” moments. The kind of ride where the stories write themselves.

Registration is open on BikeReg, and the first 100 riders to sign up will snag a limited-edition swag bag packed with local flavor and race-day essentials. Trust us, you’ll earn it. Stick around after for food trucks, music, and a raffle.

To our friends up north, we want you here! We know the Upper Midwest is packed with tough riders who love a good story and an even better challenge. Come down, camp out, and join us for a weekend of community and chaos on the gravel. Whether you’re chasing the podium or the party, we’ve got a spot for you at the start line. And because we like you, we’ve got a discount code just for you: FriendsToTheNorth gets you $15 off registration (That makes it only $30!!).

Follow the journey and stay updated on race-day details, previews, and more by following us on Instagram at @outlandgrvl. We’re stoked to show you what southern Iowa has to offer—raw roads, big skies, and an experience that’s anything but ordinary. Let’s ride.