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Dust Bowl 100 returning to Putnam County roads July 23
The Dust Bowl 100 presented by Lithko Contracting, is returning to Putnam County roads on Saturday, July 23.
Billed as Indiana’s premier gravel bicycle race, the race welcomed 400 riders from 18 different states in 2022. This year’s race is sold out at 600 riders representing 21 states.
While the race starts and ends at Eminence High School, 95 percent of the route is on Putnam County roads. Three race distances — 100 miles, 80 miles, and 44 miles — are offered to cater to a wide range of cyclists of all abilities.
Riders will get to experience some of the best gravel roads that west-central Indiana has to offer and will also pass a number of Putnam County attractions on route, including:
• Vandalia Trail,
• Pine Bluff and Rolling Stone covered bridges,
•●McCoy Road and Hibbs Ford metal bridges,
• Big Walnut Sports Park,
• Putnam Park Road Course,
• Historic Union Valley Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church.
The routes will travel directly through Fillmore, Groveland and Mount Meridian, while also passing closely by Coatesville, Bainbridge, Greencastle and Belle Union.
Residents are encouraged to use extra caution when driving on race day, especially when encountering cyclists on the road.
The Dust Bowl 100 aims to expand youth cycling opportunities in Indiana while also supporting local organizations. In 2021, the Dust Bowl 100 gave back to the local community through the following initiatives:
• Donating six bicycles that were awarded to Eminence students who demonstrated positive behavior and student growth during the academic year;
• Funding four full student scholarships for the 2021 Indiana Interscholastic Cycling League season; and
• Contributing more than 1,500 food items to the Eminence Christian Church food pantry
A number of volunteer opportunities are still available, so anybody that would like to play a role in making this national level event a success is encouraged to visit www.dustbowl100.com/volunteer. All volunteers will receive a Dust Bowl 100 event T-shirt and free breakfast (donuts and coffee), lunch (barbecue) and shaved ice. A monetary donation will also be made to any school organization, civic group or church group that provides more than 10 volunteer hours for the event.
More information on the Dust Bowl 100, including the race routes, can be found at www.dustbowl100.com.