2024 MId south 100
Get ready to experience 100 beautiful miles of central Oklahoma most people will never see. You’re in the Cross Timbers eco region, one of 12 distinct regions of Oklahoma. You get to spend a day descending and then crawling out of the countless contours that make this area special. We’ll be riding through the tribal lands of the Osage, Quapaw, Kickapoo, Wichita and Kiowa nations and weaving your way through Postoak and Blackjack Oak forests. These resilient, scrubby trees cling to massive sandstone ledges that will often be exposed by the sunken and shaded roadbed.
You’ll also see countless Eastern Red Cedar, a species that has become dominant in the area with the elimination of natural of prairie fire.
These are active hunting grounds for the Northern Harrier and Redtail hawk, so keep your head up! Miles 15-30 almost always offer multiple sightings.
Leaving out of Stillwater, you’re on some classic Stillwater roads. This zone has claimed hundreds of derailures throughout the race’s history. We’ll cross Wild Horse Creek at mile 12.9. I’ve seen people ride through it, but I wouldn’t call it rideable. :P
By the time you reach Mullhall Rd, the course takes on a different feel, with wide open views. The descents are amazing in this section :) You’ll have Aid station at mile 33. At this point you’ll have gained almost 2500’ for the day. Stay in your groove as you climb up to Perry, you’re just getting warmed up. Vittoria Tires will be there to get you refueled, so make sure to stock up on nutrition in Perry. For support crews, here are some choice dining establishments in Perry you may want to check out! Red Barn Coffee Truck, Walkers BBQ ( breakfast burrito and lunch), Charlie B's (lunch) Kumback Cafe (Breakfast & lunch), Redline Nutrition (Teas & Shakes), Maroon Nutrition (Teas & Shakes), Kaya Hibachi (sushi and hibachi)
From Perry you surf the rollers down to the northern edge of Lake Carl Blackwell. Some of the best miles of the entire course are in this sector. Once headed back north, you’re cruising Hackelman Rd all the way to Harvest where you’ll hit a section we’ve called “the panhandle”. These roads are very cruise-able when dry, but are open to the wind. This is a great section to engage the party pace cruise control and ponder the mysteries of the universe or sing at the top of your lungs. After the panhandle, you’re almost to the Mile 80 Aid Station!
Sram and Skratch will be there to save the day with nutrition and hydration. When you’re rested and ready, jump right into that beautiful Lake McMurtry singletrack! Thanks to Friends of Lake McMurtry for the opportunity to spice up the course! Please be safe and kind out there on the trail. After the singletrack section, you’re crusin into town for that sweet, sweet finish! We’ll see you there!
