On gravel you have to sprint just to make the start line.

If any evidence was needed as to the popularity of getting dirty riding bikes on unsealed roads, last week saw two events open registration and sell out almost instantly.

Grinding gravel. Credit: Castell Grind
The 150 places for the 100K version of the Castell Grind were snapped up on the first day while all 750 slots for the LandRun 100 went in just over 24 hours.

If you missed out both events are running wait lists (details below).

"OK so wow the 100K race sold out in 15 hours. We have never had that happen before!!!" was the reaction of the Grind's organizer.

"SOLD OUT! AMAZING! 25 hours on the nose!" The Land Run announced on Facebook.

For those quick enough on the draw, both events are unsupported and promise to test the mettle of rider and bike.

The Land Run 100 tackles the gravel and dirt roads around Stillwater, Oklahoma, the location of the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. Tires meet gravel on March 12 next year.

According to the website of The Land Run it is "a training mile stone race for those who dare attempt the DK200. Complete the LR100 and you are on the right track for the DK200. DNF the LR100, you still have time to fix what went wrong before the DK200. Flint Hills we are not, but gravel, hills, and red dirt we got. Careful on those rickety bridges by the way, we are taking you on the far back roads."

The 2015 running saw Bryce Hylton home first in just under eight hours seven seconds ahead of Rick Moseley and eight ahead of Greg Gleason. The official results show just 107 of the 308 listed riders recording a finishing time and avoiding the dreaded DNF.

What was that about cyclists being gluttons for punishment?

The Castell Grind is slightly later on April 2 and is set in Texas Hill Country on the Llano River, about 90 minutes west of Austin. "90% of the course will be rolling hills on remote gravel roads in the middle of nowhere.  The rest of the course will be on lightly traveled rolling farm roads in the middle of nowhere."

Read Dan Pedroza's reports on the 2015 Grind here and here.

The Castell Grind still has places available for the 72k 3/4 Grind and the 50k Half Grind and managed to accommodate everyone on the 100k wait list last time around.

The Land Run waitlist requires you to input payment details, but no charge will be made until you have a spot in the field due to a cancellation (and you will be emailed when you are next in line).

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