terrain May/June 2022
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Dirty South Roubaix
Nothing quite launches the local gravel race season like the Dirty South Roubaix, held each year on the first Saturday of March in the heart of the southern Illinois. Rooted in a connection to the local cycling community and an appreciation for the challenging terrain that this area offers, the Dirty South embraces all the fundamental elements of the gravel cycling culture, while promoting a sustainable approach to competitive racing. Having started out as a group ride over six years ago, the event has been steadily growing ever since, with 500 riders this past spring. Regular appearances from nationally ranked riders and teams line up with groups of cyclists that enjoy riding more of a "party pace," displaying gravel cycling's true colors on a local scale. The main offering is a 100k course, along with an option for the 50k course - trust us, you get your money's worth on either! The route launches out of the incredibly welcoming village of Alto Pass and takes you through both scenic and challenging stretches of the Shawnee National Forest and Trail of Tears State Forest, as well as down levees surrounded by the local Wildlife Refuge. Race Director Shawn Moore, owner of the local Bike Surgeon of Southern Illinois, Pat Work, and the entire team have created a unique relationship with St. Nicks Brewery, so that when you finish, you can grab a complimentary bottle of the Dirty South Roubaix Black Ale. facebook.com/ dirtysouthgravel
PHOTOS BY AARON ARNZEN
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