The Cheesehead Roubaix is coming back for its 13th year this April! Originally advertised to me as "One of the most miserable races" there is, the weather doesn't seem to disappoint on that promise. This is a 100km, or ~63 mile bike race, that has roughly 10 miles of chunky gravel throughout the route. While road and fat tire bikes can handle these roads, a gravel setup is optimal. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing, as poor weather (usually) does not cancel this race, and if it ends up anything like last year, you can expect to be pedaling through 40 degree sleet/rain.
This race is free to enter, but they do take donations or merchandise purchases to help support the ride. There is one provided rest stop ~40 miles in, but the rest of the ride is self supported. I will be at the starting location about 30 minutes early to check in EBC members. Most riders, including myself, will be riding at a 15-16mph average, but last year there were riders averaging between 12-19mph average.
While poor weather does not (usually) cancel this ride, if the travel conditions are poor enough, I will cancel this as an EBC event. The website is currently down, as it is being updated for the 2024 version, but once it is back up you can access the route and more details here: https://sites.google.com/site/cheeseheadroubaix/
While check in is not required, it would be great to know if you plan on making your way up. Please email me at ctmay@protonmail.com if you're interested!
Details about this ride are subject to change as more information comes out in the following month.