Brown County, Indiana Bike Races: Road, Mountain Bike, and Gravel Races
Tanglewood Hideaway partners with different affiliate platforms to generate commissions. When you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s just one way you can support my small business. I am also a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases made there. You can see my Privacy Policy for more information.
If you’re looking for Indiana bike races that aren’t flat and predictable, Brown County is where things get interesting. This area draws cyclists from across the state and the Midwest who want hills, technical terrain, and routes that actually test endurance and strategy.
I don’t race myself, but my husband and daughters ride the EPIC every year, and I’ve watched firsthand how these events bring people in for full weekends. Riders camp in the state park, fill local restaurants, and treat some of these races like bucket-list challenges. Between the steep climbs, the deep gravel network through Hoosier National Forest, and the nationally recognized trail system in Brown County State Park (an IMBA Bronze Ride Center), this isn’t your typical Midwest course.
While this isn’t a comprehensive directory of every Indiana bike race, Brown County consistently hosts some of the most challenging and best-supported cycling events in the state. If you’re comparing Indiana mountain bike races, Midwest gravel races, or road events with real elevation, this is one region worth prioritizing.
Whether you’re into gravel grinders, enduro stages, or punishing road loops, Brown County offers a different kind of race experience—one that’s worth planning a trip around.
Quick Reference: Not Sure Which Race to Choose?
Click any of the links below to jump straight to more information about that race, or keep scrolling to explore them all.
Gravel Races
- Want a self-supported gravel adventure with strategy and navigation? → Choose the Death March
- Looking for a classic gravel grinder with distance options and strong SAG support? → Choose the Gravel Grovel
Mountain Bike Races
- Prefer timed downhill stages and technical singletrack? → Choose the Brown County Enduro
- Want a structured cross-country mountain bike race with multiple skill divisions? → Choose the DINO Mountain Bike Race Series
- Not focused on winning and want a full weekend mountain bike festival experience? → Choose the Brown County EPIC
Road Bike Races
- Love road cycling and stacking serious elevation on repeat climbs? → Choose the Rollfast 8×8 Challenge
Gravel Races in Brown County
Death March
Typically held in March out of the Maumee Scout Reservation near Hoosier National Forest, the Death March is one of the most unique gravel events in Indiana. It’s a self-supported endurance race where riders navigate to designated historic cemeteries scattered through the forest, taking photo proof at each checkpoint.
Some checkpoints are mandatory, others offer bonus time, and a few are declared “dead” the morning of the race, which means strategy matters as much as fitness.
Terrain can include gravel forest roads, unmaintained county roads, pavement, and sections of trail. Riders can compete solo or as a team, and there’s also a “Lite” division that shortens the requirements while keeping the adventure feel.
It runs rain or shine, and participants are fully responsible for navigation and pacing. It’s less about polished race production and more about grit, route planning, and handling whatever the Hoosier National Forest throws at you.
If you like problem-solving on the bike and earning every mile, this is one to look into. My husband and his friends have done this race in the past, and they still talk about the training and strategy required.
→ Visit the Death March race website for more information.
Gravel Grovel
Typically held in November, the Gravel Grovel is one of the original gravel road races in Indiana and a longtime favorite for riders who want a late-season challenge. The event starts near the Story area and sends cyclists deep into the gravel roads of Hoosier National Forest.
Distances usually include a 100k, 42-mile, and 30-mile option, along with relay and e-bike categories. The 100k route features thousands of feet of climbing and a mix of gravel, pavement, and occasional trail, while the shorter distances still deliver steady hills and scenic forest riding. Expect well-stocked SAG stops, a post-race meal, and a strong community vibe at the finish.
Like many Brown County events, this isn’t flat Midwest gravel. The climbs are consistent, the terrain can be rugged, and pacing matters. Riders who are used to wide-open farm roads often find this course more technical and physically demanding than expected.
If you’re looking for a gravel race that combines scenery, elevation, and strong local support, Gravel Grovel is worth a closer look.
→ Visit the Gravel Grovel race website for more information.
Mountain Bike Races in Brown County
Brown County Enduro
Typically held in May at Brown County State Park, the Brown County Enduro focuses on timed downhill stages connected by untimed transfer climbs. Riders race the descents against the clock, then pedal to the next stage at their own pace. Final standings are based on cumulative downhill times.
Categories usually include Open and Expert divisions for men and women, youth races, and a Class 1 e-bike category. Most courses feature multiple timed stages that use some of the park’s most technical and flowy singletrack. Because you’re only timed on the downhill portions, it rewards bike handling and smart pacing just as much as fitness.
One thing that stands out about this event is how approachable it feels. Enduro racing sends riders off in intervals, so you’re not fighting through big packs like a traditional cross-country race. It’s competitive, but the atmosphere stays supportive and community-driven. Camping is typically available in the park, and many riders turn it into a full weekend on the trails.
If you enjoy technical descents and want a format that blends endurance with skill, this is one of the more distinctive Indiana mountain bike races to consider.
→ Visit the Brown County Enduro race website for more information.
DINO Mountain Bike Race Series
The DINO (Do Indiana Off-Road) Mountain Bike Race Series typically includes a late spring (May or June) stop at Brown County State Park. For many riders across the state, this series is their introduction to organized Indiana mountain bike races.
The Brown County course is known for steady climbing, scenic ridge lines, and fast singletrack. Compared to flatter venues elsewhere in Indiana, this stop consistently ranks higher in difficulty thanks to the elevation changes and sustained efforts required on the climbs. Divisions usually range from beginner and sport categories to expert and elite, making it accessible to a wide range of riders.
Because it’s held inside Indiana’s most visited state park, race weekends also come with easy access to camping, cabins, the lodge, and other park amenities. It’s common to see families make a weekend out of it: race in the morning, swim or hike later in the day.
If you’re looking for a structured, well-established cross-country style event with strong participation, the Brown County stop on the DINO series calendar is a solid option.
→ Visit the DINO Mountain Bike race website for more information.
Brown County EPIC
Held each September, the Brown County EPIC is technically not a race, but it absolutely belongs on this list. It’s a full weekend mountain bike festival in Brown County State Park and one of the most anticipated cycling events of the year.
The EPIC Ride itself usually offers multiple distance options, often ranging from around 25 miles up to 70+ miles, with SAG support along the way. Riders follow recommended GPS routes that wind through flowing singletrack in the state park and, on longer routes, into Hoosier National Forest.
It’s challenging, especially with the elevation, but the focus is on completing the ride and enjoying the experience rather than competing for podium spots.
What makes EPIC stand out is the atmosphere. There’s camping, food trucks, live music, vendor demos, and a strong sense that you’re supporting the local trail system. The event serves as a major fundraiser for trail maintenance, and you can feel that community investment throughout the weekend.
My husband and daughters ride this every year, and it’s one of those events people plan for. Riders come back again and again, not just for the miles, but for the combination of singletrack, fall scenery, and the shared experience of tackling Brown County’s hills together.
→ Visit the Brown County EPIC website for more information.
Road Bike Races in Brown County
Rollfast 8×8 Challenge
Typically held in April at Brown County State Park, the Rollfast 8×8 Challenge is a road cycling event built around repeated climbing. The format is simple: riders complete an approximately 11–12 mile loop eight times, with each lap gaining roughly 900 feet of elevation. By the end, you’ve stacked up a serious amount of vertical.
The hills inside the state park are steep and relentless. There’s a rest area at the start/finish each lap, but once you’re back out on course, it’s big climbs and fast descents. Awards are usually given to top male and female finishers, and there’s also a team category based on combined times.
In recent years, the event has faced cancellations due to storm and road damage inside the park, so check their site for updates before making plans. When it runs, though, it has a reputation as one of the toughest road cycling challenges in southern Indiana.
If you enjoy stacking elevation and testing your gearing choices against repeated climbs, this is a road event worth watching.
→ Visit the Rollfast 8×8 race website for more information.
Why Brown County Stands Out for Cyclists
A lot of Indiana bike races take place on flatter farmland roads or smoother, less technical trail systems. Brown County is different. The elevation here surprises people. Climbs are longer, steeper, and more sustained than what many riders expect from the Midwest.
The gravel network through Hoosier National Forest adds another layer. Instead of straight county roads, you get winding forest routes, mixed surfaces, and constant rollers. That variety is part of why gravel events here feel more dynamic and more demanding than typical Midwest gravel races.
On the mountain bike side, Brown County is designated as an IMBA Bronze Ride Center. That recognition reflects the quality, variety, and scale of the trail system. The trails are maintained by an active volunteer community, and events like the EPIC directly support ongoing trail work.
Then there’s the setting. Riders can camp in the state park, rent cabins, stay near Nashville, and make a full weekend of it. Restaurants are busy on race weekends. Families hike, shop, and explore while racers are out on course. It feels less like a quick in-and-out race venue and more like a destination.
If you’re choosing between Indiana races and want something that pushes you a little harder—but still gives you a place worth spending a few days—Brown County consistently delivers.
Planning a Race Weekend in Brown County
Where to Stay
Most of these bike races take place in or around Brown County State Park and Hoosier National Forest, so staying nearby makes logistics easier. Many riders camp inside the state park or at event-designated areas, especially for multi-day events like the EPIC. The park also offers cabins and lodge rooms if you prefer something with more amenities.
Outside the park, you’ll find cabins, vacation rentals, and small inns around Nashville and the surrounding hills. If you’re traveling with family or a team, renting a cabin is often the simplest option. You’ll have space to store bikes, prep gear, and relax after long days on course.
Race weekends can fill up quickly, especially in the fall, so booking early is smart.
What to Do Between Events
If you’re racing multiple days—or traveling with someone who isn’t riding—there’s plenty to do nearby. Brown County State Park offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks, horseback riding, and a seasonal swimming pool. Fall events line up with peak foliage, which makes even a casual drive through the park worth it.
Nashville has local restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, and small boutiques that stay busy during race weekends. It’s easy to spend an afternoon exploring while waiting for riders to finish.
Check out more ideas for:
- Things to Do in Nashville, Indiana: A Local’s Walkable Downtown Guide
- Things to Do in Brown County, Indiana: A Complete Guide to the Entire County
Traveling With Non-Racers
One of the reasons these events work well as destination races is that non-racers aren’t stuck sitting at a start/finish line all day. Between the park amenities, downtown Nashville, and nearby forest access, there are options for kids, spouses, and friends.
For families, especially, events like the EPIC feel more like a festival than a competition. Even the more competitive races still take place in settings where spectators can hike, explore, or relax instead of hovering around a barricaded course.
If you’re considering Indiana bike races and want something that balances challenge with a place people actually enjoy visiting, Brown County makes that easy.
Ready for a Different Kind of Indiana Bike Race?
If you’re comparing Indiana bike races and trying to decide where to commit your training miles, it comes down to what kind of experience you want. Brown County isn’t the flattest, fastest, or easiest option, but that’s kind of the point.
The climbs are real. The gravel is varied. The singletrack demands focus. Whether you’re navigating cemetery checkpoints at Death March, stacking elevation at the Rollfast 8×8, or settling into long stretches of trail at the EPIC, these events reward preparation and pacing.
At the same time, you’re not racing in a parking lot or along anonymous roads. You’re riding through state park ridgelines, forest corridors, and a trail system built and maintained by an active cycling community. You can camp, rent a cabin, explore Nashville, and turn race day into something bigger than a start and finish time.
If you’re looking for a challenge that feels different from the typical Midwest course, Brown County consistently delivers.
