Dust and determination: Documenting the 2026 Dust Bowl 100

The Dust Bowl 100 is one of our favorite events. While it’s much smaller in size and scope than marquee events in the U.S. like MidSouth, Unbound, or Gravel Worlds, it's our local race (located about 30 minutes from our Indianapolis HQ) and showcases some of central Indiana’s spectacular rural terrain. 

There’s something for everyone with elite pro and amateur divisions, fast rolling gravel roads, historic covered and uncovered bridges, a SILCA-sponsored bike wash, and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. This year was extra special, with SILCA’s media team on hand to document the pro Men's race and a handful of our athletes showing up at the start line. 

Founded by race promoter Marc O'Leary, the Dust Bowl 100 has grown rapidly since its inception from a small local field into one of the region's standout gravel events. Named for the often dry and dusty late-summer conditions of the Indiana backroads, the event has expanded year after year. It routinely sells out its 1400 maximum capacity within days of registration opening. 

The race is headquartered in Eminence, Indiana, at the town’s community school. The signature 100-mile pro and amateur course winds through Morgan and Putnam counties, challenging riders with over 60 miles of manicured hardpacked gravel, 3,500 feet of elevation gain, multiple off-road adventure sectors, and crossings over seven to eight historic covered bridges.

The event introduced significant elite upgrades, including dedicated men's and women's pro elite 100-mile start waves, a cash prize purse, and a professional livestream. Additionally, the race serves as a stop on competitive circuits like the USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series. The event weekend also emphasizes a welcoming festival atmosphere with early packet pickup, a vendor expo, shakeout rides, a Friday night kids' race, a catered lasagna dinner, and a SILCA-sponsored bike wash. 

In the Men's Elite 100 Mile division, Robert Oehler of the Lads Racing Collective clinched the victory with an impressive time of 4:11:27.08. He narrowly edged out runner-up Evan Boyle of Milligan University (4:11:36.05), while Derek Dotlich rounded out the podium in third place at 4:14:13.42.

On the women's side, Samanth Johnson took the title in the Women's Elite 100 Mile category, crossing the line in 5:12:18.39. She out-sprinted Mairen Lawson, who finished tightly behind in second at 5:12:21.13, and Peta Mullens, who completed the podium steps in third at 5:12:21.47.