2026 Registration now open!

 

Cycling
Gravel Grinder

 

Online RegistrationCSG Apparel Store

Event Sponsors

General Information

DATE: July 18, 2026

LOCATION: Weeping Water, NE

TIMES:
The race will begin at 7 a.m.
All riders must be present at least 15 minutes before the start of their race for important pre-race announcements.

Distances & Routes:

100K* Routes
100K Cue Sheets
40K Routes
40K Cue Sheets
Family Route
Family Cue Sheets
*All distances are approximate until routes are finalized

POST RACE SNACK: A post-race snack and drink will be provided to all participants.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Support stations will be located along the route. Support stations will have water, fruit, and snacks to refuel.

RULES: All riders are required to wear helmets, carry cell phones and enough water for 30 miles. Bikes must be equipped with a headlight, red tail light and a properly calibrated cycling computer. This is a self-supported race meaning no outside help from a support crew is allowed. 

MEDAL PICKUP: Medals not picked up on site during competition may still be claimed after the Games through the following process:

1. Medal Pickup in LincolnParticipants who wish to pick up their medal(s) in person must email us at info@nebraskasportscouncil.com to notify our staff of their intent to pick up. After verification of eligibility, the medal(s) will be packaged and available for pickup at the Nebraska Sports Council office.

2. Medal ShippingIf participants are unable to pick up their medal(s) in Lincoln, we offer a shipping option for a $6 fee. To request shipping:

Email info@nebraskasportscouncil.com, and a staff member will follow up with verification and payment instructions OR call 402-471-2544 to verify and process your order and payment over the phone.

Events

100K Route: Approximately 62 miles. 7-hour time limit. Competitive, timed race.
40K Route: Approximately 25 miles. Non-competitive ride.
Family Route: Approximately 11.3 miles. Non-competitive ride. 

Event Name

100K Route
Men Open
Men Masters (50+)
Men Single Speed
Men Fat Bike*
Women Open
Women Masters (50+)
Women Single Speed
Women Fat Bike*
Tandem Open

40K Route
Non-Competitive Ride

Family Route
Non-Competitive Ride

*Fat Bike is considered anything with more than 3.5” wide tires on 50mm or wider rims.

Gravel Grinder Rules

CSG Gravel Grinder Rules:

The Cornhusker State Games Gravel Grinder is a self-supported dirt road race. This means participants are responsible for themselves while on the course and may not receive aid from any non-competitor at any time while on the course. Stopping at any public business, such as a gas station, to resupply is acceptable. Support vehicles are not allowed on the course for any reason unless a participant has chosen to drop out of the race. If a support vehicle is present on the course, it will be assumed the participant has withdrawn, resulting in a DNF. Several support stations will be located along the course and will provide water, fruit, and snacks for refueling.

Participants should plan to carry enough water to travel 30 miles between support stations.

The 100K route will be a timed race, and medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division. For those not interested in racing or who simply want to experience gravel grinding, a 40K route is available. Completion medals will be awarded to all participants who finish before the cutoff time.

All participants must obey all city, county, state, and “rules of the road.” Participants are responsible for their own well-being and decisions while on the course. In the event of a breakdown or injury, the first call should be to a personal support crew for assistance. Every effort will be made to provide help, but resources may be limited and assistance may not be available in a timely manner. If a participant exits the race for any reason, the race director must be notified. Participants are permitted to assist other participants with support along the racecourse.

The course will take place primarily on gravel county roads, with some sections of pavement and minimum maintenance roads. A course route and elevation profile will be available for download from www.ridewithgps.com a few days prior to the race. The course passes through several small towns, and riders may stop for breaks if desired; however, participants should be mindful of the time limit required to receive a completion medal. Riders must follow the designated course route at all times. Shortcuts are not allowed. If a participant leaves the course for a restroom break or convenience store stop, they must re-enter the course at the same location. Cutting the course will result in a DNF.

Riders are required to have the following items at the start of the race: a helmet, a properly calibrated cycling computer, a cell phone, and water bottles. GPS devices are not required but are permitted if participants choose to download the course route. Cue cards will be provided at check-in. Recommended items include a headlight, red tail light, air pump or CO₂, patch kit, spare tubes or tires, snacks, cash or credit card, food, and tools. Participants must complete the race on the same bike and frame used at the start.

Registration Fees & Deadlines

PRICING DEADLINES:
$55 for first event until February 18
$60 for first event until April 22
$65 for first event until June 17
$70 for first event until FINAL DEADLINE on July 1

Family Route:
$10 for first event until February 18
$15 for first event until April 22
$20 for first event until June 17
$25 for first event until FINAL DEADLINE on July 1

ENTRY FEE INCLUDES:  Competition and Summer Fun Freebies (coming soon) courtesy of our sponsors.

PAPER ENTRY FORMS: Paper entry forms will be accepted with a $5 processing fee. Registering online saves time, money and trees.

Exclusive Online Apparel Store!

  • Purchase official gear for the 2026 Cornhusker State Games via the online apparel shop HERE.
  • All apparel will be shipped directly to you, so you can rock your official gear in style!
  • No packet pickup required – competition info and items will be available onsite or online with details sent straight to your inbox.

Get ready to gear up and represent the 2026 Cornhusker State Games!

Further Information

Sport Specific Questions: Contact Gravel Grinder Director Chuck Meyers at cjmeyers58@gmail.com.

To Sponsor a Check-point: Contact Gravel Director Chuck Meyers.

Online Registration/Website Questions: Contact the Cornhusker State Games office at 402-471-2544 or info@nebraskasportscouncil.com.

Thank You to our platinum sponsors

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Official Member of the

info@nebraskasportscouncil.com

Phone: 402-471-2544

Mailing address: 
PO Box 29366
Lincoln, NE 68529

Shipping address:
7620 N 70th
Lincoln, NE 68517