The Dirt Orcas Summer Classic 2023

THE 7TH ANNUAL DIRT ORCAS SUMMER CLASSIC

SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2023

In conjunction with Sun and Fun Motorsports, Jefferson County Ciderworks, Giant Loop Moto and Gerbing Heated Gear I am pleased to announce the 7th Annual Dirt Orcas Summer Classic.

The event will take place Friday evening September 15th through Sunday morning September 17th, 2023.

If you aren’t familiar with the event, it’s a wonderful adventure motorcycle ride on mostly dirt B-Roads and gravel through Eastern Iowa that offers a look at some of the best scenery and riding in the area. We also have a fantastic raffle, great food and drinks, and a showing of the latest Backcountry Discovery Route documentary feature on an outdoor movie screen.

There will be water crossings and ample dirt under our tires, but this track will be doable for all adventure bikes with at least 50/50 tread.

I am tweaking the event to make it better and more reflective of the event I have always wanted to put on. Multiple days riding and camping. Covering long distances. Passing through areas with historical significance. Crossing scenic and sometimes challenging terrain. True adventure riding. The route will be challenging but rewarding.

We will meet Friday evening for registration, dinner and a screening of the latest BDR documentary films.

Saturday will be a big day of riding. Working our way North from Bentonsport to Sun and Fun Motorsports in Iowa City for lunch. Continuing on to our camp site in the afternoon.

Sunday morning we will continue riding towards Dubuque, where the event will officially come to a close. However, this will also keenly position riders right near the start of the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail or NE Iowa’s Dirtifless area. This effectively links riders from the great riding in Missouri through to the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail start. Creating a super pathway for Midwest adv riders from Lake Superior to the Ozarks. Both of which offer excellent riding.

Adding more miles and more days is a big change, but the changes will make this event unique and much better than ever before. 2023 is not to be missed.

This is a rain or shine event so the alternative “road ride” that makes it a lot less difficult if we have poor conditions (Hello 2019!) will be the back up plan if the B-Roads are impassble.

*Preregistration is required. Event will be capped at 50 riders.
Email dirtorcas@gmail.com to secure your spot. Event cost is $100 per person.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday 6pm – Bentonsport, Iowa : Rider registration, welcome party, dinner, and the Oregon BDR Feature Documentary Film Screening. Camping fees are included with registration, but for those interested in upgrading to a more conventional experience, the historic Mason House Bed and Breakfast is across the street. Here is the link to make your own reservations for Friday night Sept 15th.

Saturday 7:30 am – Coffee and donuts will be served for breakfast.

8am – The group will begin our adventure ride from Bentsonsport to Iowa City. The GPS trax will be available to everyone, but there will be 2 assigned group leaders who have the GPS for the ride if you choose to just follow the group.

1PM – Arrive at Sun and Fun Motorsports in Iowa City. They will provide us with lunch, while we check out new models from BMW, Triumph, Honda and others.

3pm – We will start the ride towards Eden Valley Campground.

6pm – We will arrive at the campground just off the route. Dinner will be served. Beer and Jefferson County Ciderworks fantastic hard cider will be available. Again, camping fees are included with registration, but for those interested in upgrading to a cabin, there are cabins available on site. Here is the link to make your own cabin reservations for Saturday night Sept 16th.

7pm – Raffle drawing will commence and great prizes from our sponsors will be distributed to the winners.

8pm – A campfire will be built for riders to enjoy and recount the best moments of the ride.

Sunday 8am – A minimal camp breakfast and iced coffee will be served at the campground.

9am – The ride will continue on a scenic gravel and paved route north to the Iowa / Wisconsin Border near Dubuque. The event will officially come to and end here, but take note, the ride ends just a few miles from the beginning of the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail. I highly recommend continuing your journey North if you have never experienced the Trans Wisconsin.

Registration:

*Preregistration is required. Event will be capped at 50 riders. Email dirtorcas@gmail.com for instruction on how to secure your spot.

**Tent camping is included with registration, but for those interested in upgrading to a more conventional expereince, the historic Mason House Bed and Breakfast is available Friday night and cabins are available on site for Saturday. Here is the link to make your own reservations for Friday night Sept 15th. Please note B&B lodging and for the cabin rentals for Saturday night Sept 16th. Lodging will be paid by individuals and is not included with registration.

*** A support truck can be made available to haul one camp duffle for each rider if you prefer to not haul your own camping gear.

$100 event ticket includes Dirt Orcas rider pass and .GPX, event sponsors stickers pack, raffle entry, two nights of tent camping, two camp breakfasts and coffee, lunch at Sun and Fun Motorsports, two dinners, complimentary ciders from Jefferson County Cideworks, and a Backcountry Discovery Routes Movie premier ticket.