Iron Cross in South Williamsport, PA is my absolute favorite event on the calendar. While it’s hard to capture it’s awesomeness in a blog post, I went ahead and gave it a whirl. Below are the top reasons why Iron Cross is the Best Event Ever:

It’s got a great vibe: Iron Cross has been around for at least 18 years, which is well before gravel became Gravel. Its longstanding status as an awesome event attracts every kind of cyclist: roadies, washed up ex-roadies, hipsters, frankenbike types, hardcore gravelers, mountain bikers, and everything in between. Because everyone fits in, it’s a lot more welcoming, unintimidating, and laid back than other gravel events I’ve done.

The details are perfect: From the number pick-up at New Trail Brewing Company the night before the event to the awards ceremony at the Stonehouse, the organizers have thought of everything. Some amazing details: 1) Included with your registration is a free pint glass, a spiffy pair of socks, and a token for a free beer and a free dinner item at the Stonehouse which you’ll definitely want to cash in on after the event. 2) The organizers give you a gallon-sized ziploc bag that they carry to the rest stations in case you want to pack dry socks or snacks for yourself and not be bothered with schlepping. 3) The rest stops have great snacks and awesome volunteers. Think: Swedish Fish, coke, pb&j, and volunteers coaxing you into doing a wheelie. 4) You get a gift! In 2021, the organizers gifted us Iron Cross branded dry-bags.

It’s hard: Calling Iron Cross a gravel grinder is actually a little unfair; they call themselves the “original North American ultra cross,” which is much more accurate. It's got a mix of gravel, dirt, paved roads, and even some singletrack. The variety of roads/paths isn’t what makes it so hard, it’s the terrain, elevation gain, and weather all together that make it a grueling, yet rewarding day on the bike. The most memorable hard part for me is the switch-back section over an old granite road at around mile 35 that has pitches of up to 9%. Oh wait, I forgot about the hand-over-foot run-up! And, even when you feel like you’ve just about had enough, the course ends on a kick-in-the-chamois single-track section that goes STRAIGHT UP. Did I mention that in 2021, it was 56 miles with over 7,000 feet of climbing? Don’t worry, the person working the Stan’s NoTubes finishing arch and finishline times is very nice!

It’s beautiful: I know that late October in Central PA might not sound glamorous, but it’s stunningly beautiful. Being in the deep woods with the last breath of fall color on the trees is absolutely magical. Every section of the course feels special for one reason or another - whether it’s the mystical fairy land of the single track, the views of the early gravel section, or the glowing leaves of the late gravel section when you’re about to bonk, it’s really a sight to see.

Larry’s Tavern: Any story about Iron Cross would not be complete with a mention of Larry’s Tavern, an “unofficial” pit stop just after the run-up. Larry and his crew, also named Larry (I asked who was named Larry and they said they are all named Larry), bring BBQ and other questionable bike ride snacks, including Fireball, to brighten the mood just as things are starting to feel grim. Larry and all the other Larrys hand out official Larry’s Tavern stickers for your bike and are by far the most enthusiastic cheer squad I’ve ever encountered.

A Final Note on the Name: Despite the awesomeness of the event itself, I do have some serious misgivings with the name of the event. I went down quite the rabbit hole reading about the significance of the Iron Cross symbol. The symbol’s roots go back to the Kingdom of Prussia, when it was used as a military symbol. Later, the symbol was adopted by Nazi Germany. The Anti-Defamation League notes that the symbol has more recently been used in the United States by fans of extreme sports. They assert that, without the swastika super-imposed on the middle of the cross, an ircon cross should not be interpreted as a hate symbol. But, I don’t buy it. Any symbol that is even vaguely associated with any hate group should not be used. Iron Cross is a fantastic experience and even under a different name, it would be just as fantastic.

Event organizers haven’t yet announced the 2022 date yet, but keep your calendar open in mid-October and an eye on their Facebook page for updates. Hope you see you at Larry’s Tavern next year!!