Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Races across a state (border to border)

Participated in my first long distance event ride this August. Event is called Gutcheck 212 and is an annual race on US Hgwy. 212 across the state of South Dakota. Purpose of race is to raise funds and promote awareness of Crohn's Disease. Since I opted for the "Hell and Back" option" without support, I did it as more of tour than a race. Did manage to finish the event within the alloted 96 hours to successfully complete.

This was a really great experience for me and I would like to try some other organized races across a state. Anyone know of other states which conduct border to border timed events?

If anyone would like to participate in South Dakota event here is a link for info.

http://www.gutcheck212.com/

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/fluffypeanutcat/gutcheck/gutcheck2007.jpg
Some of the riders pose before 2007 event beginning at Wyoming Border (only 3 riders of 17 in solo division were able to finish).

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/fluffypeanutcat/gutcheck/gutcheck2007x.jpg
Taken from a support vehicle as riders cross the Missouri River just east of Cheyene River Indian Reservation.(Gutcheck 212 - August, 2007)

The Space Coast Freewheelers run a cross-Florida race in the spring. The ride is from Cocoa Beach to Tampa. It's roughly 200 miles, and to be completed within one day, sunrise to sundown.

Only 3 of 17 finished? Wow! Congrats on finishing within the alloted time. It sounds like a great event, somewhat like PBP, eh? What was the distance to cover in the 96 hours? (edit-412 miles; pretty similar to a 1200k)

Oatbran crossing Nevada.... Border to border. One of my proudest rides..
Another ride I'd like to do. The Palm Ride. Across the width of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.. Lake to Lake . Not border to border. Does that count. A ride I'd like to do.

(edit-412 miles; pretty similar to a 1200k)

1200K is 750 miles and on the PBP needs to be completed within 90 hours.


And to the OP ... congratulations on finishing it and thank you for bringing it to our attention. I hadn't heard of it.

1200K is 750 miles and on the PBP needs to be completed within 90 hours.

If I read it right, it's 412 one way, meaning 824 out and back in 96 hours, so pretty similar limits to PBP. I shoulda spelled it out better.

The Space Coast Freewheelers run a cross-Florida race in the spring. The ride is from Cocoa Beach to Tampa. It's roughly 200 miles, and to be completed within one day, sunrise to sundown.

Only 3 of 17 finished? Wow! Congrats on finishing within the alloted time. It sounds like a great event, somewhat like PBP, eh? What was the distance to cover in the 96 hours? (edit-412 miles; pretty similar to a 1200k)

Thanks. 2009 had much more favorable weather conditions than 2007. The previous posted pics are from 2007 event which had nasty headwinds and cold drenching rain (weather variable for South Dakota in August, more normal for temps to be in 100's this time of year) I believe only about one fourth dropped out in 2009 event. I never could have made it twice across the state within the 96 hours if it had been a normal year. Had favorable tailwind for at least 2/3 of ride and cooler temps with only about 4 hours of rain. As you noted in later post the "Hell and Back" is twice the 412 miles distance.

The only other rider who attempted the 830 mile (detour added 3 miles each way) "Hell and Back" had to drop out because of injury. Anyway this event is a good reason for anyone to come out to visit Black Hills, see Mt.Rushmore and maybe visit the Sturgis motorcycle rally before doing the race.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/fluffypeanutcat/gutcheck/westofFaith.jpg
Lots of lonely road in westriver South Dakota (2009) . Excellent pavement with little traffic for most part

Awesome! My folks and brother actually live in Watertown, SD right on 212 so I'm very familiar with the stretch of the highway east of Watertown.

There used to be a Race Across Minnesota but I think it's been a long time since it's been held, probably not since the 1990's. I think they started in Gary, SD, just south of 212 and it was about 200 miles long.

Congratulations! Mrs. Octopus and I have ridden some in South Dakota. It's a truly beautiful state.

Add RAIN -- the Ride Across Indiana -- to the list. See http://bloomingtonbicycleclub.org/tours/rain/rain.html. It's a mere 160 miles. Plan on doing it both ways to save yourself the car shuttle problem. Park in Richmond the day before and ride out, then do the ride, grab your car, and go home. It's a fun, well-organized event.