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Discover the Hill Country of Northeast Iowa!
Race Date: May 29, 2010
Ride Report in the Results selection

Cycle over winding rural roads that overlook the Mississippi River Valley between Iowa and Wisconsin, riding with some of the best endurance cyclists around!
In the year 2001, after years of riding in this area, a group of Iowa 's Big Dogs decided to develop a double century route to showcase the awesome vistas that this part of the state provides.
The Balltown Classic was the result of that effort. Balltown is a hamlet located at one of the highest points in the state of Iowa , and features one of the oldest continuously operated restaurants in the state - Breitbachs Restaurant. Unfortunately, Brietbachs Country Dining burned to the ground in December of 2007 - and agan in 2009. At this time we don't know if the business is up and runnung for 2010. Balltown is a small town, even by Iowa standards (population 140), but it is rich in history and community pride. The Classic begins in the eastern Iowa community of Dewitt on US 61, just north of Interstate 80 and the Quad Cities. From there the route runs north - through a number of small Iowa towns, over rolling hills west of the Mississippi and finally climbing a series of towering bluffs that skirt the Big River.

This is a competitive, timed event. The Balltown Classic is certified by the UMCA as an UltraCycling Cup event.
In May, 2002 - the first year that the Balltown Classic was accepted as a JMC event (now UMCA UltraCycling Cup) - 10 riders started the ride. Two finished.
Wet weather and temperatures that barely made it into the 40's took a toll on nearly all entrants, and almost everyone found rides home at the Balltown turnaround.

In 2003, however, we had only a short sprinkle of rain the morning of the ride, and the day ended with a sunny sky and mild June temps.
Because of the death of a rider at Calvin's Challenge the Balltown ride was not held in 2004, but in 2005 it was back - organized and promoted by UltraMidwest - an LLC whose mission is to provide some of the best endurance rides in the Midwest!
'05 saw the first recumbents take to the route, but the hills and a bit of morning rain caused all the 'bents to drop out. But in 2007, Dennis Grelk in his HPVA streamliner rode again and finished first - on a course that is not considered ideal for lowriders.
2008 was the first year for a totally dry Classic. It was also the best year ever for participants in the 100 mile version of the race, and among those riders we saw the first tandem attempting this tough century.

   To complete the Balltown experience, we urge you to stop at Breitbach's restaurant. Breitbach's is the oldest continuously operating eatery in Iowa. However, as was noted in the previous paragraph, Brietbach's burned again in '08 and future plans are as yet unknown. The restaurant was opened in 1852 by federal permit issued from President Millard Fillmore.
   Legend has it that Jesse James was once a visitor there! The Breitbach family has owned the business since 1891. The original structure was been nominated to the Register of Historic Buildings.
   It was the beauty of the view and the ambiance of the restaurant that influenced us to add a century option to this event. These riders start with the double century riders, but conclude their ride in Balltown, enjoy lunch and then they return to DeWitt. Many have family join them to take them back, but century riders needing transportation back to DeWitt may request the organizers to shuttle them - for a fee.
It is not our policy to sag riders who can not finish. If for any reason a rider cannot continue, we charge those riders the same shuttle fee we charge century riders. To hold costs down for participants, and to make it fair to those who came prepared to finish, we feel this is an equitable policy.

Breitbach's, the magnificent Balltown view and Iowa in June combine to make this a ride that you will long remember, whether you are racing or simply enjoying the tour.
   However, bring your climbing attitude. This route is not for the faint of heart. The course offers over 11,000 feet of climbing, (depending on whose altimeter one chooses to use) and more than one rider has found themselves walking the steep series of rollers that are encountered on the far side of Balltown.
   The ride begins and ends at the Super 8 motel which is race headquarters. Dewitt is located at the crossroads of two historic American roads US 30 ( the Lincoln Highway ) and the famous north south roadway US Highway 61. (As in Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisted). This place is easy to find!
   Visit the rest of the site for information about this years route, the ride, and the UCC! AND make sure you visit this years sponsors - see the links at the bottom of the page!

Hope to see you there!