The Rough Road 100 is an annual cycling event that has been captivating the Midwest since its inception in 2014. Nestled about an hour outside of Chicago in Morris, Illinois, this Spring Classic-inspired race offers a unique blend of road and gravel terrain, welcoming cyclists from all backgrounds to partake in an unforgettable experience. Starting and finishing in the charming town of Morris, participants will navigate through picturesque farm country roads that are characteristic of the Midwest. The course is designed with a 63% road surface and 37% gravel mix, making it accessible for nearly every type of bike and rider. Cyclists can expect to encounter short punchy climbs as well as stretches where they'll battle against wind on open sections. The Rough Road 100 offers two distances: the challenging 100K (62 miles) and a more manageable 64K (39.75 miles). Both routes are meticulously marked with ground arrows, turn signs, and confirmation markers to ensure riders stay on track throughout their journey. The event is known for its camaraderie among participants who share the thrill of tackling varying weather conditions—whether it's snow, rain, wind, or sunny skies—that can make early April unpredictable. In addition to the scenic routes and competitive spirit, the Rough Road 100 includes a post-race awards ceremony at Keg Grove Brewing in Morris. Equal payouts are given to top finishers in both open men’s and women’s categories for the longer distance: $500 for first place, $350 for second, $250 for third, $200 for fourth, and $150 for fifth. Participants can pick up their race packets at Keg Grove Brewing on April 2, 2027 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM or the morning of the event starting at 6:00 AM. On race day itself—April 3, 2027—the festivities begin with packet pick-up and registration until 7:30 AM, followed by a prompt start time of 8:00 AM. The Rough Road 100 is not only about the ride; it's also an opportunity to contribute positively to the community. By making a $3 donation at packet pickup or race day, cyclists can help We Care of Grundy County purchase up to nine non-perishable food items for their largest local food pantry. While there’s no on-course support due to distances involved, mini-marts are available in nearby Marseilles and Seneca. Additionally, the event ensures rider safety with approximately six intersections being monitored by law enforcement throughout race day. Join us at The Rough Road 100 this April for a memorable cycling adventure that celebrates community spirit and challenges riders on both road and gravel paths alike. The Rough Road 100 invites cyclists to embrace the beauty of Illinois’s farm country while testing their endurance against diverse terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Whether you're an experienced rider or just curious about gravel biking, this event promises a unique blend of competition and camaraderie that is hard to find elsewhere in the cycling world. For more information on race day logistics, charity partner details, and how to participate, visit our official website or follow us on social media. We look forward to seeing you at The Rough Road 100 this spring!
Races Offered
100K Open
Apr 03, 2027
straighten
Distance —
100K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
182 days remaining
sell
$75.00
100K Open 18U
Apr 03, 2027
straighten
Distance —
100K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
182 days remaining
sell
$60.00
100K Open E-Bike
Apr 03, 2027
straighten
Distance —
100K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
182 days remaining
sell
$75.00
100K USAC FWTNB
Apr 03, 2027
straighten
Distance —
100K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
182 days remaining
sell
$75.00
100K USAC Masters 40+
Apr 03, 2027
straighten
Distance —
100K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
182 days remaining
sell
$75.00
100K USAC Men
Apr 03, 2027
straighten
Distance —
100K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
182 days remaining
sell
$75.00
64K Open
Apr 03, 2027
straighten
Distance —
64K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
182 days remaining
sell
$75.00
64K Open 18U
Apr 03, 2027
straighten
Distance —
64K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
182 days remaining
sell
$60.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Morris.
thermostatTemperature
5.4° / 17.0°
wb_sunnyFeels like
1.2° / 12.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
8h 50m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.0 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.1 cm
air
Avg wind speed
16.1 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
63.3%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:13
nightlight
Sunset
19:34
About Morris
Learn more about the host city, Morris.
Morris is a city in and the county seat of Grundy County, Illinois, United States and part of the southwest Chicago metropolitan area. The population was 14,163 as of the 2020 census.
