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terrain May/June 2022
The Mid South
Mud. Music. Hugs. Laughter. Mud. Single speed. Mud. These are all words frequently used to describe what has grown to become known as The Mid South. Regularly scheduled for the second Saturday in March, this internationally known race takes you through the southwest corner of Missouri and across the border into the blue-collar town of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Having just celebrated its 10th anniversary, the history of The Mid South reaches back to 2011 under the name of the Land Run 100. With just over 100 riders that first year, the event now welcomes upwards of 3,000 participants between the multiple ride distances and a 50k run. The main offering at The Mid South is its 100-mile gravel race. Over the years, a 50-mile option, 12-mile inspiration ride, and 50k run have been added. There's an impressively large group of folks who participate in "The Double," which entails tackling the 50k foot race on Friday and the 100-mile gravel race on Saturday. What makes this event one of the top gravel races in the Midwest, and one of the premier races in the world, is its unparalleled relationship to the participants, to the land that it traverses, and the history that surrounds it. Event founder and Director of Stoke Bobby Wintle refers to the weekend not just as a race, but as a festival of love for the bicycle, for the land, and for the native people who first inhabited it. Once you arrive in Stillwater, you'll know what he's talking about. Race weekend is packed full with both the foot and bike races, as well as a large industry vendor gathering, a concert, film showings, presentations, and much more. If you haven't done so already, be sure to put this one on your calendar, and whatever happens out there, get yourself to the finish. Bobby will be waiting to give you a hug! midsouthgravel.com
PHOTOS BY MONICA FOLTZ
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