Registration opens on January 1, 2027, at 8:00 AM EST. The event is strictly capped at 1,500 participants and typically sells out quickly (the 2026 race sold out in January). Once the cap is reached, a free, first-come, first-served waitlist will open. We highly recommend joining our email list to receive a reminder before registration goes live.

Once the 1,500-rider cap is reached, open registration closes and waitlists open for each distance/category (this may take a couple of hours after sellout to populate).

How It Works:

• Free to Join: There is no charge to join a waitlist.

• Selection Order: Spots are generally offered on a first-in, first-out basis across the combined waitlist as cancellations occur, though the race promoter reserves the right to prioritize underrepresented categories.

• 2-Day Claim Window: If selected, you will receive an email invitation and have 2 days to complete your registration and pay the entry fee before the spot passes to the next person.

Good to Know:

• Registration turnover happens regularly leading up to July, so join early for your best shot. (Elite Women, Junior 18 & Under categories and the Friday Kids' Race may remain open without a cap—check the Registration Process page for 2027 updates.)

No, we do not offer race-day registration (or walk-up registration during Friday packet pickup). All participants must register online in advance through the dustbowl100.com registration page.

What to Know About Registering:

• Register Early: The Dust Bowl 100 has a strict total participant cap across all distances and categories, and the event typically sells out well ahead of race weekend.

• Waitlist Option: Once the event reaches capacity, open registration closes and a first-come, first-served waitlist opens. You are only charged if a spot becomes available and you are moved into the race.

• Registration Transfers: If the race is sold out and you find a registered participant who can no longer attend, official registration transfers are permitted up to 2 days before the event. Check the Registration Process and Refund Policy pages for full details and deadlines.

• No Unregistered Riders: For rider safety, event insurance, and accurate timing, unregistered riders are not permitted on the course during the race.

We offer worry-free registration with free transfers and a tiered refund schedule if your plans change.

Free Registration Transfers:

• Transfer to Another Rider: You can transfer your entry to anyone at no additional charge through your RunSignup profile.

• Deadline: All transfers must be completed at least 2 days before race day (by July 22, 2027).

Cancellation & Refund Schedule: If you prefer to cancel rather than transfer, refunds (excluding service fees and donations) are issued based on how far in advance you request one on our Refund Policy page:

• 90+ days out (through April 25, 2027): 100% refund

• 60–89 days out (April 26 – May 25, 2027): 75% refund

• 15–59 days out (May 26 – July 9, 2027): 50% refund

• 0–14 days out (July 10 – July 24, 2027): No refunds (transfers remain open through July 22).

Yes! You can switch between the 100-mile, 63-mile, and 44-mile distances directly through your RunSignup profile, provided the distance you want to switch into has not reached its capacity limit. If you upgrade to a longer distance, you will be prompted to pay the price difference. There are no refunds for downgrading to a shorter distance.

No. While the Dust Bowl 100 is a USA Cycling (USAC) sanctioned event, a USAC license is not required to participate.

However, all participants must be in good standing and free of any active suspension or ban from USAC, UCI, USADA, or WADA. 

We offer four gravel distances plus a free Kids Race, starting/finishing at Eminence Community Schools (6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125):

Saturday, July 24, 2027:

• 100-Mile: 60 mi gravel, 3,500' gain, 7 bridges, 2 off-road sections, 5 SAG stops. Starts: 7:50 AM (Elite M), 7:55 AM (Elite W), 8:15 AM (Age Group).

• 63-Mile (100K): 40 mi gravel, 1,800' gain, 3 bridges, 2 off-road sections, 3 SAG stops. Start: 8:30 AM.

• 44-Mile: 30 mi gravel, 1,300' gain, 2 bridges, 2 off-road sections, 2 SAG stops. Start: 8:45 AM.

Friday, July 23, 2027:

• 308-Mile Dust Bowl Deluxe (New): 165 mi gravel, 14,000' gain, 20+ historic bridges. Self-supported; GPS tracker required. Start: 8:00 AM.

• Free Kids Race: 1/2-mile loop for ages 3–12. Start: 6:00 PM.

Terrain & Navigation: Saturday routes feature flat-to-rolling hardpacked gravel and are fully marked. GPS/Strava files are on our Routes page.

All three Saturday routes (100, 63, and 44 mi) include two short off-road "adventure" sections beyond traditional gravel roads:

Terrain & Surfaces:

• Gravel-Bike Friendly: 100% rideable on a gravel bike (no MTB needed; 40–48mm tires most popular). Expect grassy two-track, dirt farm lanes, and wooded trails with dirt, grass, light ruts, or roots.

• Notable Sectors: All routes hit a 0.5-mi wooded trail at Query Corner (~mi 79 on 100-mi, ~mi 41 on 63-mi, ~mi 23 on 44-mi) and creek-valley two-track. (The 100- and 63-mi routes also ride the crushed-limestone Vandalia Trail—watch for bollards and yield to pedestrians.)

Etiquette & Rules:

• Give Space: Leave extra room on narrow trails and call out hazards.

• Private Property: Some sectors cross private land permitted for race day only—do not trespass or pre-ride outside official recon rides, and stay on course.

(Confirmed in July's Tech Guide.)

A gravel or cyclocross bike is ideal (no mountain bike is needed). Based on rider surveys, 40–48mm tires are the most popular choice for our terrain. Helmets are mandatory for all riders. 

While the Saturday courses are fully marked with signage, signs can occasionally be vandalized or removed. Therefore, we strongly recommend having the route loaded on a GPS computer. (Note: A live GPS tracker is required for the 308-mile Deluxe and will be available to rent if needed).

E-bikes are permitted only in the 44-mile and 63-mile events. If you are riding an e-bike, you must register in the designated E-bike category. Please note that this is a non-competitive class, meaning e-bike riders are not eligible for overall or age group podium awards. E-bikes are strictly prohibited in the 100-mile and 308-mile Deluxe races.

Aero bars are legal, but we require all riders to use common sense and good judgment. You may only use your aero bars when you are riding by yourself. Using aero bars while riding in a paceline, in a tight group, or navigating crowded sections of the course is unsafe and strictly prohibited.

Out-of-town riders can choose from on-site venue camping, discounted partner hotels, or other nearby lodging:

On-Site Camping (At the Race Venue):

• Location: Eminence Baseball Fields at Eminence Community Schools (6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125), steps from the start/finish.

• Rates & Booking: Friday and Saturday nights ($25/night or $40/both). Reserve in advance in the Dust Bowl Store.

• Amenities: On-site restrooms and school locker room showers during posted hours.

Partner Hotels (Discounted Rates):

• We partner with multiple hotels ~20 miles (20–25 mins) away. Check our website's Lodging page for booking links, rates, and early-summer deadlines.

Other Nearby Options:

• Just 7 mins off I-70 and 30 mins west of downtown Indy, additional hotels, state park campgrounds, and rentals are available in Greencastle, Cloverdale, Plainfield, Martinsville, and the Indy Airport area.

On-site primitive camping is available at the Eminence Baseball Fields at Eminence Community Schools (6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125), steps from packet pickup and the start/finish.

Booking & Check-In:

• Rates: $25/night or $40 for Friday (July 23) and Saturday (July 24) nights. Reserve in the Dust Bowl Store.

• Check-In: Opens Friday at 12:00 PM EDT.

Amenities:

• Restrooms: Permanent restrooms at the baseball facility plus porta-potties near the start/finish.

• Showers: School locker room showers during posted weekend hours.

• Dry Camping: No electric or water hookups available.

Rules:

• No Alcohol: Strictly prohibited on Eminence Community Schools property.

• Camp Courtesy: Follow staff placement directions, respect quiet hours before early morning starts, and pack out all trash.

(Final camping map and details emailed race week.)

Yes, camper vans and RVs/trailers are welcome for overnight camping at the Eminence Community Schools (6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125) with an advance camping pass from the Dust Bowl Store ($25/night or $40/both nights).

Overnight RV & Van Guidelines:

• Dry Camping Only: No electric, water, or sewer hookups are available. Keep generators quiet and observe quiet hours before early morning starts.

• Large RVs & Trailers: Space is limited—if bringing an oversized RV or long trailer, email dustbowl100@gmail.com in advance to confirm placement.

• Venue Rules: Alcohol is strictly prohibited on all school property.

Race-Day Parking Only (Non-Camping):

• Camper vans fitting in one standard space may use general lots (or paved VIP lots with a VIP pass). Oversized vehicles/trailers are not permitted in paved lots and must use designated grass areas as directed by attendants.

Parking at the main venue (6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125) is split into free general lots and reserved VIP parking:

• General Parking (Free): First-come, first-served at the A&A Fire Barn and designated town lots. Follow attendants' directions in the A&A field lot and pull up to the tape.

• VIP Parking: Paved lots at Eminence Schools are reserved for race support and pre-paid VIP passes (available in the Dust Bowl Store).

Parking & Safety Guidelines:

• Carpool if possible and use only one paved space (use grass areas for extra room).

• Do NOT park at Eminence Dairyland, Dollar General, or in front of driveways/homes.

• Bridge Safety: Walking across the bridge to/from the A&A field lot crosses the active finish course—pedestrians must yield to cyclists.

(Subject to change; final parking map emailed race week.)

Yes, general parking is completely free for all participants and spectators, though a paid VIP upgrade is also available if you want to park directly at the main venue.

• General Parking (Free): Available on a first-come, first-served basis at the A&A Fire Barn and designated town lots throughout Eminence. (Note: Event volunteers also receive complimentary event parking.)

• VIP Parking (Paid): All paved parking directly at Eminence Schools (the main race venue) is reserved for race support and pre-paid VIP pass holders. A limited number of VIP Parking Passes ($40 each) are available for purchase in the Dust Bowl Store while supplies last.

If you choose free general parking, please carpool if possible and follow all posted signage and parking attendant directions to help respect local residents and businesses.

Packet pickup takes place at Eminence Community Schools (6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125) during these hours (EDT):

• Friday, July 23, 2027: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Dust Bowl Deluxe riders may pick up starting at 6:30 AM before their 8:00 AM start.)

• Saturday, July 24, 2027 (Race Day): 6:00 AM – 8:15 AM

Race Weekend Tips:

• Pick up Friday if possible: Skip race-morning lines and enjoy the Vendor Expo, Zipp Tech Session, shakeout rides, and Friday festivities.

• Arrive early on race day: There is a mandatory Riders' Meeting at 7:40 AM at the start/finish line, followed by wave starts at 7:50 AM (100M Elite Men), 7:55 AM (100M Elite Women), 8:15 AM (100M Age Group), 8:30 AM (63M), and 8:45 AM (44M). Leave plenty of extra time if picking up Saturday morning.

(Note: Schedule times are subject to change; final details will be emailed race week.)

Yes! A friend, teammate, spouse, or family member is welcome to pick up your race packet on your behalf during regular packet pickup hours at Eminence Community Schools (6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125).

To help keep the check-in line moving smoothly, please make sure they have:

• Your Registration Details: Your full name (as registered) and the race distance/category you entered. Having a copy or screenshot of your registration confirmation email is also helpful.

• Pre-Ordered Merchandise Info: If you pre-ordered any additional event t-shirts or Dust Bowl 100 store merchandise for race-weekend pickup, remind them to ask for those items at check-in as well.

(Note: While someone else can pick up your packet for you, only the registered participant may race under that bib number. If another rider will be taking your spot, please complete an official registration transfer before the race-week deadline.)

Both the start and finish lines are located right at the main race venue—Eminence Community Schools (6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125)—in the open field directly behind (west of) the school buildings.

Helpful Venue & Race-Day Details:

• All-in-One Race Hub: Because the start and finish share the same venue, everything you need is within easy walking distance—including packet pickup, the Vendor Expo, post-race food, showers, and podium awards.

• Morning Staging: Plan to line up near the start/finish arch ahead of the required Riders' Meeting at 7:40 AM on race day, with wave starts kicking off right afterward (starting at 7:50 AM for Elite Men).

• Finish Chute Safety: If spectators or riders are walking between the venue and the free general parking lot at the A&A Fire Barn, please use caution when crossing the bridge onto school property. That bridge is part of the active race course for finishing riders, so pedestrians must always yield to cyclists.

Yes. The official cutoff for the 100-, 63-, and 44-mile events is 6:15 PM EDT on Saturday, July 24, 2027:

• 100-Mile: 10 hrs from the 8:15 AM Age Group start (10.0 mph avg). Elite waves start at 7:50 AM (Men) and 7:55 AM (Women).

• 63-Mile: 9 hrs 45 min from the 8:30 AM start (~6.5 mph avg).

• 44-Mile: 9 hrs 30 min from the 8:45 AM start (~4.6 mph avg).

• 308-mile Dust Bowl Deluxe cutoffs are listed on the Dust Bowl Deluxe page.

What if I finish after 6:15 PM? You may still finish the route, but please note:

• No Official Time: Finishers after 6:15 PM do not receive an official time or results placement.

• Limited Amenities: Post-race meals, showers, and festivities begin wrapping up at 6:15 PM and may be unavailable.

• Support & Safety: Aid stations and roving SAG close as the cutoff passes. Obey Indiana traffic laws on open public roads and pack bike lights if riding near dusk.

Yes! All routes have stocked SAG (aid) stops plus a water-only stop ~10–12 miles from the finish.

Aid Stations by Distance:

• 100-Mile: 4 full SAG stops (~miles 26, 49, 62, 77) + 1 water-only (~mile 88)

• 63-Mile (100K): 2 full SAG stops (~miles 26, 40) + 1 water-only (~mile 50)

• 44-Mile: 1 full SAG stop (~mile 22) + 1 water-only (~mile 32)

Full SAG Stops:

• Fuel & Hydration: Cold water, Tailwind electrolyte mix, Neversecond gels, fresh fruit, fruit snacks, and trail mix.

• Facilities & Support: Porta-potties at every full SAG stop and neutral mechanical support at select stops (carry your own flat-repair gear).

Rules:

• Outside Support: Crews/vehicles allowed only at designated checkpoints, never on the open course.

• Pack It In, Pack It Out: Pocket wrappers and use SAG trash cans.

(Subject to minor updates; confirmed in July's Rider Technical Guide.)

Saturday routes (100, 63, 44 mi) have stocked SAG stops every ~20 miles, a water-only stop ~10–12 mi from the finish, neutral mechanics, and roving SAG.

Full SAG Nutrition:

• Hydration: Cold water, Tailwind Endurance Fuel, and pickle juice (and maybe a mini Coke!).

• Fuel: Neversecond gels, granola bars, trail mix, fruit snacks, and fruit. (Final stop is water-only.)

Mechanical & Safety Support:

• Self-Sufficiency: Carry tubes, plugs, pump/CO2, and a multi-tool for flats.

• Neutral Mechanics: Crossroads Cyclery and Zipp at the Endeavor Communications SAG stop (all Saturday routes) and select stops.

• Roving SAG & Medical: Transports DNF riders to Eminence (rides only; no repairs). Medical and police monitor the course.

Rules & Notes:

• Outside Support: Designated checkpoints only (elsewhere = DQ).

• Dust Bowl Deluxe (308-Mi): Self-supported.

• Details in July's Tech Guide.

1. Medical Emergency: Always call 911 first.

2. Roving SAG Pickup: Powered by SAG Rescue, roving SAG transports you and your bike back to Eminence (rides only; no on-road repairs):

• Request Pickup: Scan your seatpost tag QR code, enter your name, bib, phone, and issue (note/photo optional), select "YES" to share location, and tap "Submit Help Request."

• Track Driver: Monitor live status on the tracking page and via automated texts.

• Weak Signal? Call our backup SAG hotline at (317) 268-8261.

• Stay Safe: Move completely off the road onto the shoulder/grass while waiting.

3. Aid Station Mechanics: Neutral mechanical support (Crossroads Cyclery, Zipp) is at select full SAG stops, including Endeavor Communications (all Saturday routes).

4. DNF Check-In: If you drop out, notify the timing tent at the finish line.

(Note: Friday's 308-mile Dust Bowl Deluxe is fully self-supported.)

Personal support crews and private SAG vehicles are only permitted at designated checkpoints. Accepting outside support anywhere else on the open course is grounds for immediate disqualification. This rule ensures rider safety and prevents traffic congestion on rural roads. Designated checkpoints will be identified in the Rider Technical Guide.

Yes, restrooms are available at the main venue and at every full SAG (aid) stop on course.

At the Start/Finish Venue (Eminence Community Schools):

• Porta-Potties: Located near the start/finish line and in the A&A Fire Barn general parking lot.

• Permanent Restrooms: Unlocked at the Eminence baseball facility on school grounds for riders and spectators.

• Post-Race Showers: Available in the school locker rooms after your ride.

On the Course:

• Full SAG Stops: Every full SAG stop has at least one porta-potty (4 stops on the 100-mile, 2 on the 63-mile, and 1 on the 44-mile).

• Water-Only Stop: The final water-only stop (~10–12 miles from the finish) is a hydration refill point only and does not have restroooms.

Yes! Your registration includes pre-race coffee and donuts on Saturday morning, plus a complimentary post-race meal featuring BBQ and shaved ice (vegan options are available) starting at 11:00 AM. We also host an optional Friday night Lasagna Dinner catered by Almost Home Restaurant, which you can reserve in advance through the Dust Bowl Store.

No. Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the race course and at the main event venue. This includes all property owned by Eminence Community Schools, local churches, Citizens Bank, and the A&A Fire Department. Failure to comply with this rule may result in disqualification and a ban from future events.

However, we will have ice cold Athletic Brews (NA) waiting for those 21+ at the finish line!

Yes! After you cross the finish line, you can rinse off the gravel dust using the indoor locker room showers located inside Eminence Community Schools ($5 shower fee goes directly to Eminence Schools). We also provide a post-race SILCA Bike Wash Station near the finish area so you can clean your bike before heading home.

Yes! Both a finisher award and an official event t-shirt are included with your registration.

• Event T-Shirt: All participants receive a softstyle short-sleeve Dust Bowl 100 t-shirt, guaranteed if you register before June 30, 2027. Shirts are distributed at packet pickup alongside your race bib and sponsor swag bag. (Looking for extra gear? Additional Dust Bowl 100 apparel and merchandise are also available in the Dust Bowl Store.)

• Finisher Award: Every rider who completes their course receives a custom finisher award handed to them right as they cross the finish line.

• Podium Trophies & Elite Awards: In addition to finisher awards for everyone, podium plaques are awarded to the top 3 finishers in every age group. For the 100-mile Elite fields, overall men's and women's winners receive a custom handcrafted Dust Bowl trophy, and all Elite podium finishers receive a custom plaque. 

• Elite Field Prize Purse: A $10,000 prize purse will be awarded exclusively to the podium finishers in the 100-mile Elite fields (both Men and Women).

Saturday podium presentations take place at roughly 1:15 PM, 3:15 PM, and 5:00 PM. Elite field riders compete exclusively for the overall 100-mile podium ($10,000 prize purse) and are not eligible for age group awards. Age group riders compete for top-3 awards in their respective categories. Finishing the 100-mile or 63-mile race also earns you points toward the Indiana Race Series standings.

Yes! The total prize purse for the 2027 Dust Bowl 100 has been increased to $10,000.

This prize purse is awarded exclusively to the podium finishers in the 100-mile Elite fields (both Men and Women) and will be paid out as follows:

• 1st Place: $2,500

• 2nd Place: $1,500

• 3rd Place: $1,000

(Note: Elite riders compete exclusively for the overall 100-mile podium and the prize purse. Age Group riders are not eligible for the overall podium or the elite prize purse, and Elite riders are not eligible for Age Group awards.)

Spectators can track your progress live using chip-timing updates via the RaceJoy app. Friends and family at home can also tune into the GoPutnam.com Livestream, which begins Saturday at 7:30 AM ET and broadcasts on YouTube, GoPutnam.com, and our website. Plus, all riders receive access to free professional event photos after the race!

Absolutely! Friday evening is packed with family-friendly events, including the Vendor Expo, Zipp Tech Session, pre-rides, a movie night, and the free 1/2-mile Kids' Race (ages 3–12) at 6:00 PM. Kids race under the main DB100 arch and are entered into a raffle for Kali Protectives helmets. Saturday afternoon features live music at the finish line to keep the party going.

Yes! Our volunteers are the backbone of the Dust Bowl 100. Perks include an event t-shirt, weekend meals, free parking/on-site camping, and guaranteed early registration for 2028. If you are racing this year, you can even earn a partial refund on your 2027 entry fee proportional to your volunteer hours. We also make monetary donations to non-profit groups that provide 15+ volunteer hours.

Volunteer at dustbowl100.com/volunteer.

Yes! Vendor booth spaces are available for the Dust Bowl 100 Vendor Expo, which takes place on Friday, July 23, 2027, from 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the main race venue (Eminence Community Schools, 6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125).

Expo Overview & Who Can Participate: The Vendor Expo runs alongside Friday packet pickup, shakeout rides, the Zipp Tech Session, the pre-race lasagna dinner, and the Kids' Race—drawing an engaged crowd of over 1,000 riders, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. You do not have to be a cycling company to participate; we welcome both industry brands and local community partners, including:

• Outdoor and cycling gear, bike, and nutrition brands

• Local artisans, woodworkers, potters, and jewelers

• Bakers, food purveyors, and farm stands

• Service providers and non-profit organizations

Because booth options and partnership tiers vary by vendor type and footprint, pricing is provided directly upon inquiry rather than listed as a single flat rate on the website.  Connect with us at dustbowl100@gmail.com

• Standard Vendor Booths: Email dustbowl100@gmail.com with a brief description of your business or organization to check space availability, request current booth rates, and reserve your spot.

• Brand Sponsorships & Custom Activations: If your brand is interested in a broader sponsorship package, custom on-site activation, or viewing the 2027 Prospectus / Sponsorship Deck, visit our Partner with the DB100 page.

Yes, vendor spaces are outdoors, and no, you do not need to be a sponsor to participate.

Outdoor Expo Setup:

• Location: Held outdoors at Eminence Community Schools (6760 State Road 42 North, Eminence, IN 46125) on Friday, July 23, 2027, from 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT—right alongside packet pickup, the start/finish arch, and the Kids' Race loop.

• What to Bring: Plan to bring your own pop-up tent/canopy, tent weights, tables, and chairs (let us know in advance if you have special setup needs).

No Sponsorship Required:

• Open to All: You do not need to be an event sponsor or a cycling brand. Alongside industry brands, we welcome local artisans, woodworkers, potters, jewelers, bakers, food purveyors, farm stands, service providers, and non-profits.

• How to Reserve: Email dustbowl100@gmail.com for booth availability, rates, or custom sponsorships).

We expect over 1,000 attendees—including riders, families, and local outdoor enthusiasts—at the Friday Vendor Expo (out of a race field capped at 1,500 participants).

Why Foot Traffic Stays Strong:

• Central Hub: Held Friday, July 23, 2027 (12:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT) at Eminence Community Schools, the expo sits right next to Early Packet Pickup and On-Site Camping check-in (both opening at 12:00 PM), bringing most participants to campus the day before the race.

• Built-In Crowd Draws: Afternoon and evening activities keep attendees on-site, including the Zipp Tech Session (2:30 PM), group shakeout rides (3:00 PM), the Lasagna Dinner (5:00 – 7:30 PM), and the free Kids' Race (6:00 PM), which loops directly through the Vendor Expo.

To inquire about booth space or 2027 sponsorship metrics, email dustbowl100@gmail.com or marc@dustbowl100.com.