2024 Skull race has been cancelled!
SKULL 120/60/30
GRAVEL GRIND RACE | BURNS, OREGON
This is a not-for-profit event supporting the Public Lands of Harney County.
(aka your public lands too)
WHEN & WHERE /
2024 Skull race will not take place,
stay tuned for 2025 | BURNS, OREGON
Roll out starts at 6 am for 120 riders, with 60 & 30 riders taking off at 7 & 8 am respectively. Arrive 30 min. early for registration, tribal blessing & welcome.
ABOUT THE EVENT /
Rugged | Remote | Adventure
Harney County is home to endless opportunity for the self-sufficient backcountry traveler. Visitors who seek challenge and solitude will find these in abundance.
The Skull 120/60/30 Gravel Grind route highlights the county's rugged character which sets rural #EasternOregon apart from the rest of the nation. From long mountainous ascents, to teeth-chattering and eye watering descents, breathtaking vistas, open rangeland, alpine forests, two stream crossings, and - of course - cattle guard after cattle guard, this gravel grind is a feat to finish and a testament to the rider's grit and determination.
Routes traverse miles of Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service public lands, official partners of the Skull 120/60/30.
This is a not-for-profit event. The vast majority of registration fees cover the cost of administering this race. Additional proceeds benefit the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. Please consider extending your stay in Harney County and enjoying the large swath of public lands to adventure in.
THE ROUTE/
Skinny Tires Less than 38c Need Not Apply...
We solemnly swear this will be one of the most challenging single day events you do this year. All Skull routes are strategically designed to showcase the immense diversity of Eastern Oregon's landscapes. This means riders will be pressed throughout the race with a variety of challenges to overcome.
Prepare yourself and your bike for rutted cattle paths, old logging roads, huge climbs and a massive variety of soil types. After years of letting riders torture themselves with too little tread, we have implemented a minimum tire width requirement of 38c. This being said, we HIGHLY recommend gravel tires over 42c; you won't regret it. Disk brakes are also encouraged.
Participants can compete in 120 mile, 60 mile or 30 mile venues.
SKULL 120
Overview:
Total Miles = 128
Elevation Gain/Loss = 9,636'
Min. Elevation = 4,150'
Max. Elevation = 7,164'
Avg. Grade = 2.8%
Cattle guards = 31
Water Crossing = 3
Surface Types:
Natural = 14 mi / 12%
Gravel = 86 mi / 68%
Pavement = 26 mi / 20%
Land Administration:
Forest Service = 79 miles / 63%
BLM = 22 miles/ 18%
Private = 23 miles / 18%
Burns Paiute Tribe = 1.5 / 1%
Landscape Features:
Forest = 60 miles / 48%
High Desert = 30 miles / 24%
Canyon = 33 miles / 26%
Urban = 3 miles / 2%
SKULL 60
Overview:
Total Miles = 65
Elevation Gain/Loss = 4,365'
Min. Elevation = 4,150'
Max. Elevation = 5,300'
Avg. Grade = 2.9%
Cattle guards = 13
Water Crossings = 2
Surface Types:
Natural = 25 miles / 39%
Gravel = 23 miles / 36%
Pavement = 17 miles / 25%
Land Administration:
Forest Service = 2 miles / 3%
BLM = 46 miles / 75%
Private = 15 miles / 19%
Burns Paiute Tribe = 2 miles / 3%
Landscape Features:
Forest = 9 miles / 14%
High Desert = 47 miles / 71%
Canyon Lands = 6 miles / 9%
Urban = 3 miles / 5%
SKULL 30
Overview:
Total Miles = 38
Elevation Gain/Loss = 2,159'
Min. Elevation = 4,150'
Max. Elevation = 5,250'
Avg. Grade = 2.1%
Cattle guards = 12
Surface Types:
Natural = 3 miles / 8%
Gravel = 17 miles / 46%
Pavement = 17 miles / 46%
Land Administration:
Forest Service = 1.6 miles / 4%
BLM = 16 miles / 46%
Private = 18 miles / 49%
Burns Paiute Tribe = 1.5 miles / 4%
Landscape Features:
Forest = 3 miles / 8%
High Desert = 31 miles / 84%
Urban = 3 miles / 8%
SKULL 120 ROUTE /
#GetOutHere #EasternOregon #AdventureHarney #Skull120
THE GOOD, BAD & UGLY GRAVEL GRIND SURFACE TYPES / PAST PARTICIPANT REACTIONS
