MAAH DAAH HEY 75 MTB
The Maah Daah Hey 75 is the option most “above average” endurance racers should choose if they have never ridden in the Badlands before. It is still a serious undertaking, but definitely more doable for the mere mortals who, for whatever reason, do not commit to the intensive training regiments and disciplined diets of the pros. It feels better to finish 75 and wish you had done 100 than to DNF the 100 and wish you had finished the 75.
total distance
81 miles
race start
August 5th, 2023
6AM MDT
Aid Station #1 on Scairt Women Rd.
elevation gain
8,862 feet
gallery
race logistics
terrain
The ND Badlands are extremely rugged and incredibly beautiful. The Maah Daah Hey trail offers as many descents as it does climbs, and they are never not far apart. The earth is a unique blend of dirt, clay, sandstone, scoria, and whatever else the good Lord mixed into this epic mountain bikers’ playground. On the tops of the badlands buttes you will find flat prairie grasslands. There are also some sparsely wooded sections scattered on the trail but overall there is minimal cover from the elements. Hence the name BADLANDS.
River crossing
You will cross the Little “Muddy” Missouri River about a mile before Aid Station #2, which is actually your FIRST Aid Station. The river bottom is mostly rocky and solid but the water level varies greatly, in August it is usually ankle to knee deep, which is why we do the race when we do. The color of the water in the river resembles the color of chocolate milk. It is cool to the touch and refreshing on the feet and legs, but don’t drink it! Some racers take there shoes off to cross and others put a new pair of shoes and socks in their Aid 2 Drop Bag. You may check the current river level depths at this link.
aid stations
You will have two major aid station stops, approximately every 25-30 miles there will be an Oasis with peppy volunteers ready to help you with food, liquids and anything else you might need. Water and Tailwind sports drink will be available.
You will have an option to send self-packed drop bags that we will deliver to each of the Aid Stations before the race. Shaded tents, chairs, porta potties and cold water are just some of the things you will see. Some of the Aid Stations even have volunteer bike mechanics that may be able to help you with and your bike make it to the finish.
LODGING
If you want to camp, CCC Campground is about 30 minutes away. There are about 32 sites there, they are $10 per night, primitive, most site are first come first serve, 5 site are now “reservable” HERE. If CCC fills up There are other similar campgrounds near by; Summit is 5 minutes away from CCC, Bennett is 20 minutes away from CCC, or Juniper in the TRNP North Unit is 25 minutes away from CCC. If you’re into showering and sleeping in a bed check out the Roosevelt Inn & Suites in Watford City, ND, BOOK HERE, our official “north end” lodging partner, with all the amenities you need. On the “south end” of the trail, book your Medora lodging accommodations through our official race partner, the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. Accommodations can be booked here.
checkpoints
In addition to the 2 Aid Stations there are 8 checkpoints where the Maah Daah Hey Trail intersects the “major” back roads of the Western North Dakota Oil Patch. These are really your only “bailout” options on the whole trail, volunteers will be standing by at these points to assist you. There are fewer of these Checkpoints on the first, northern, half of the course. The Checkpoints can be found more frequently on the bottom half of the course, which is a big reason we race the trail from north to south. Checkpoints will be well stocked with water, and in some cases MAYBE even ice. There will also be a portable bathroom at each Checkpoint.
support vehicles
SAG drivers can visit our page with more information about driving the course and for directions by clicking here. This page will have directions, details about the road, and other information specifically for drivers.
no more shuttles!
We are NO longer providing shuttles. EVERY participant must have their own transportation to the starting line of the race. EVERY participant must have someone available to get them off the race course if they are unable to make it to the finish. Every participant must have a way to communicate with their personal transportation. This is for the safety of our participants, thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
finish line
At the finish line in Medora there will be plenty of food, drinks, and stories to tell. The award ceremony will be held at 5:00pm.