How it started
Beginnings in the dirt
In late 2011, as the District Bicycles family was beginning to form, we discovered the rural roads surrounding Stillwater, Okla., offered virtually limitless potential for gravel cycling. Mile after mile of gravel roads ranging from smooth, hard packed dirt to rutted, gnarly mud revealed themselves to the growing community of cyclists who ventured out to explore the beautiful country surrounding Stillwater.
NEW ROADS
The first Land Run 100, now known as The Mid South linked 107 miles of red, rutted roads and featured more than 6,000 feet of climbing with Carney, Oklahoma as its halfway point. 121 riders braved the course that first year. In 2020, the event garnered more than 3,600 registrations for The Mid South 50K and The Mid South Double. Between the bike race and the foot race, entrants will be coming from 47 states, Canada, Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, England, and Australia. 2020 and 2021 each had different lessons for our team. In 2021 we adapted and collaborated across the industry to extend a safe challenge for our participants all across the US. In 2022 we’re taking these lessons and welcoming the entire gravel family back to Stillwater!
The NATURE OF THIS PLACE
Every year, the weather has been a defining characteristic of the event. When rain falls on Oklahoma red dirt, the roads become unforgiving and, in some cases, unrideable. Stories of ruined derailleurs and miles-long sections of hike-a-bike through "peanut butter mud" that can swallow a shoe have become staples of the experience. But even when Oklahoma gravel is hard-packed, dusty, and fast - as it is most of the year - losing yourself on these country roads can evoke strength, grit, and resolve that you never knew you possessed. The spirit of The Mid South is found in the will to redefine what is possible.
Gratitude
In 2011, when we invited our friends to come ride 100 miles of dirt, we never imagined the event would grow to be what it is today. As we continue to explore these lonely roads and uncover the nature of Oklahoma in new ways, we’re excited to offer you - whatever the weather - an amazing experience at The Mid South.