Dead Swede Gravel Race 2026
The Premier Gravel Event of the West · Sheridan, Wyoming · Since 2015
Saturday, June 6, 2026 · Sheridan, Wyoming
4 Courses: 20 / 40 / 60 / 100 Miles · Gravel + Single Track · All Finish in Sheridan
Register at thedeadswede.com Book Your Race Weekend Stay
Race at a Glance
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026. Race starts in the morning at Kendrick Park. Packet pickup Friday, June 5, from 3 to 9 PM at Kendrick Park.
Where: Start and finish at Kendrick Park, Sheridan WY. The 20-mile course starts in Dayton with a shuttle provided from Kendrick Park.
Registration: In-person opens Black Friday (November 28) from 10 AM to 4 PM at Sheridan Bicycle Company on Main Street. Online opens December 1 at 7 AM MST at thedeadswede.com. Popular distances sell out fast.
After-Party: Street dance and awards at Blacktooth Brewing Company on Main Street. Food, drinks, live music, and the whole gravel community in one place.
Choose Your Distance
Four courses for every level. All finish in Sheridan.
Little Rippers: 20 Miles
Beginner / Family · Starts in Dayton · Shuttle Provided
A one-way ride from Dayton to Sheridan. Designed for first-timers and families. You finish at the same celebration as the 100-milers. Shuttle runs from Kendrick Park to the Dayton start.
The Cruiser: 40 Miles
Intermediate · Foothills Route · Starts at Kendrick Park
A full morning in the Bighorn foothills. Rolling gravel roads with enough climbing to feel earned. The right distance if you want a real ride without committing to a full day in the saddle.
The Creeper: 60 Miles
Advanced · Bekton Hill Climb · Starts at Kendrick Park
Includes the Bekton Hill Climb. Significant elevation gain on gravel and single track. A proper challenge for experienced riders who want more than the foothills.
The Crusher: 100 Miles
Expert · Red Grade Climb · Starts at Kendrick Park
The full Dead Swede experience. The Red Grade climb: 3,000 feet of elevation gain in 7 miles. Gravel, single track, and pavement through the Bighorn Mountains. This is the one people train all year for.
Where to Stay for the Dead Swede
The race starts and finishes at Kendrick Park in Sheridan. The after-party is at Blacktooth Brewing on Main Street. Stay downtown and you are walking distance from everything.
Why a vacation rental beats a hotel for race weekend:
- Walk to Kendrick Park for the race start
- Walk to Blacktooth Brewing for the after-party
- Full kitchen to prep race-day nutrition
- Washer and dryer for post-ride recovery
- Garage or secure bike storage at select properties
- Book direct and skip the Airbnb fees
Browse by what your crew needs:
- Downtown Sheridan: walk to start and after-party
- Sleeps 6+: space for the whole crew
- Pet-friendly: bring everyone
- Book direct and save 16 to 20% vs Airbnb
The After-Party
Every distance finishes at the same celebration. Awards ceremony and street dance at Blacktooth Brewing Company on Main Street in Sheridan. Food, cold beer, live music, and the entire gravel community in one place. The 20-miler and the 100-miler cross the same finish line and end up at the same party.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Dead Swede 2026?
Saturday, June 6, 2026. The race starts in the morning at Kendrick Park in Sheridan, Wyoming. Packet pickup is the day before (Friday, June 5) from 3 to 9 PM at Kendrick Park.
How Do I Register for the Dead Swede?
In-person registration opens Black Friday (November 28) from 10 AM to 4 PM at Sheridan Bicycle Company on Main Street. Online registration opens December 1 at 7 AM MST at thedeadswede.com. Popular distances sell out early.
What Are the Dead Swede Course Distances?
Four options: 20 miles (beginner/family, starts in Dayton), 40 miles (intermediate, foothills), 60 miles (advanced, Bekton Hill Climb), and 100 miles (expert, Red Grade: 3,000 ft climb in 7 miles). All courses finish in Sheridan.
Where Should I Stay for the Dead Swede?
The race starts and finishes in Sheridan, and the after-party is at Blacktooth Brewing downtown. Wyo Stays has 40+ vacation rentals. Downtown properties put you walking distance from the start line, finish, and celebrations. Book direct and save 16 to 20%.
Is the Dead Swede Beginner-Friendly?
Yes. The 20-mile course is designed for beginners and families. It is a one-way ride from Dayton to Sheridan with a shuttle provided. You finish at the same celebration as the 100-milers.
What Kind of Bike Do I Need for the Dead Swede?
A gravel bike is ideal, but any bike capable of handling unpaved roads works. The courses are primarily gravel roads with some single track on the longer distances. Road bikes are not recommended.
What Happens After the Dead Swede Race?
Awards ceremony and a street dance at Blacktooth Brewing Company on Main Street in Sheridan. Food, drinks, live music, and the entire gravel community celebrating together.
Where Is the Dead Swede Start Line?
The 40, 60, and 100-mile courses start at Kendrick Park in Sheridan. The 20-mile course starts in Dayton with a shuttle from Kendrick Park. All courses finish in Sheridan.
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- Complete Race Guide: Dead Swede 2026
