Lyons-Heart Gravel Classic - Premier Gravel Bike Race in Mandan, North Dakota

Lyons-Heart Gravel Classic — July 11, 2026 • Mandan, North Dakota

A premier gravel event carved along the Heart River: choose the 35-mile non-competitive ride, 65-mile race, or 100-mile test of endurance. Celebrate at the downtown Mandan finish line with live music, vendors, and community festivities.

We took a favorite local gravel route shaped by the Heart River and expanded it to give cyclists a fresh opportunity to explore North Dakota’s rolling landscape. Expect winding descents through the Lyon’s Den, punchy climbs that prove North Dakota isn’t flat, and long stretches of scenic gravel that reward pacing and line choice. The course was designed for fast riding, spectator opportunities, and an unforgettable finish in downtown Mandan — Where the West Begins.

All 100-mi racers will be given trackers on race morning, so race directors and family/friends can track your progress along the course. Please take a moment to watch this quick video on how to properly wear the tracker on race day. 

https://youtu.be/MtIIzrkSP00

Attached below is the the file containing the 100-mi course cue sheets

Attached below is the the file containing the 35-mi course cue sheets

Attached below is the the file containing the 65-mi course cue sheets

Race hard. Rest easy.

We’ve teamed up with Marriott International as the official hotel partner of the Lyons-Heart Gravel Classic. Whether you’re lining up for 100+ miles of North Dakota gravel or rolling in to support your favorite racer, Marriott has four hotel options in the Bismarck area ready to welcome you. Expect clean rooms, great amenities, and the kind of hospitality that makes a race weekend that much better.

Special group rates are available now. Book at https://bit.ly/4mv2PaU
Or call the hotels directly and mention group code “LYO” to book at the discounted rate.

What to know:
• 4 Marriott hotels to choose from
• Discounted rates for race weekend
• Limited rooms available — don’t wait
• Book before June 19th to take advantage of the discounted rates

Welcome to the Lyons-Heart Gravel Classic!

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, please adhere to the following race guidelines:

• Completion of Chosen Distance: Participants must complete the distance they registered for; failure to do so will result in a Did Not Finish (DNF).

• Race Plates: Athlete race plates MUST be affixed to the front of the handlebars. Athlete race plates MUST NOT be bent, folded, wrapped around the head tube, or in any other position than flat against the handlebars. Improper attachment of the race plate will cause timing chips not to register and may be cause for disqualification.

• e-Bikes: e-Bikes are permitted in the 35-mile distance ONLY.

• Course Integrity: Cutting the course or concealing food stashes along the route will result in a DNF.

• Race Abandonment Plan: Choose a distance within your capabilities and have a contingency plan in case you need to abandon the event. Ensure someone is available to assist you in case of a mechanical issue, injury, or inability to finish.

• Support and Retrieval: No vehicles are allowed on the course for any form of support. Spectators or support personnel are not permitted on the course, except for picking up a rider abandoning the event. Having someone available to pick you up is strongly encouraged.

• Support Crew: Support crew is ONLY allowed for 100-mile racers. They can meet their racer at the Flasher Checkpoint. They must travel to/from Flasher via Hwy 6 only to stay off the race course.

• Aid Stations and Checkpoints: Utilize aid stations for resupply and be aware of mandatory checkpoints. Not checking in at a checkpoint will result in a DNF.

o   35-Mile Non-Competitive Event has 1 Aid Station at Mile 19.6

o   65-Mile Race has 2 Aid Stations at Mile 19.6 and Mile 43.8

o   100-Mile Race has 3 Aid Stations at Mile 19.6, Mile 63 (Flasher Checkpoint), and Mile 83.6

• Drop Bags: Drop bags will only be allowed on the 100-mile course and will be available to racers at the Flasher Checkpoint at mile 63. Drop bags need to properly marked with racer name, phone number, and plate number and should be dropped off at the mandatory 100-mile race meeting held at the Community Room of the Mandan Morton Public Library at 5pm on Friday. Drop bags can be picked up after the race at the 701 Cycle and Sport tent at Dykshoorn Park.

• Participant Assistance: Participants may assist others with mechanical issues, navigation, or other support.

• Course Navigation: The courses will NOT be marked. All riders will be responsible for navigating the course. Riders should have a GPX file downloaded and/or printed cue sheets for navigation. Links to courses are available on the registration page.

• Safety Gear: Participants must wear a helmet at all times. Headlights & taillights are recommended.

• Traffic Laws: Obey all city, county, and state laws, as well as "Rules of the Road." Traffic control will not be provided at intersections or road crossings. Roads will be open to the public.

• Awareness of Traffic: North Dakota is an agricultural state, gravel roads may be used by farmers & area landowners; riders must yield to traffic and be cautious in blind corners.

• Train Crossings: All race distances will have 3 railroad crossings. Be alert at crossings. Do not try to re-route around railroad crossings, doing so will result in disqualification.

• Conduct: Riders must behave in a manner that reflects positively on the event. We are guests on the gravel roads, be respectful to landowners.

• Littering: Absolutely no littering is allowed. Please dispose of waste responsibly. Waste receptacles will be available at all Aid Stations. Please utilize them.

• Finish Line Protocol: If you do not complete your registered distance, do not ride through the finish line chute. Inform the chip timers that you are a DNF to avoid result discrepancies.

• Be Kind, Fair, and Respectful: Embrace the spirit of camaraderie and enjoy the ride!

Finish all 5 bike events in 2025 to earn your RAD vest!

 
Fat & Flurious Fat Bike Race - Saturday, March 1, 2025

Capitol City Crit - Saturday, May 3, 2025

Otter Creek MTB Race - Saturday, June 14, 2025

Lyons-Heart Gravel Classic - Saturday, July 12, 2025

AlKemist Gravel Fest - Saturday, October 4, 2025