Explore Martinsville, Illinois during its annual Block Party and participate in the Dirty Shoe Gravel Race. This unique cycling event weaves through moderately flat terrain with rolling hills and challenging sections of chunky gravel, offering an exhilarating experience for riders of all skill levels. The race is held alongside a vibrant community celebration featuring food vendors, games, live music, and other festivities in downtown Martinsville. Whether you're competing or cheering from the sidelines, there's plenty to enjoy. All proceeds support the maintenance and expansion of the Martinsville Ridgelawn Hiking and Biking Trails, ensuring outdoor enthusiasts have exceptional places to explore. On race day, day-of-event signup is available for all categories. The event offers various routes: a 12-mile scenic ride through countryside gravel roads; a 30-mile route also following picturesque paths; and the more demanding 65-mile course with technical sections including steep hills covered in chunky loose gravel and multiple creek crossings. Day-of-event perks include free onsite camping (with electric available) and post-race showers. The event concludes with the Martinsville Block Party, complete with delicious food, engaging games, and live entertainment. SAG support is provided on each route, but GPS units are recommended for all participants to navigate effectively, especially on longer routes. A self-supported race, it's crucial that riders prepare adequately. An alternate 65-mile route will be planned if high water conditions pose a risk before the event day. Register now and join us in celebrating both cycling and community spirit!
Races Offered
12-30 mile - 12 Mile
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
19.3K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
10 days remaining
sell
$20.00
12-30 mile - 30 Mile
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
48.3K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
10 days remaining
sell
$30.00
65 Mile - Open 65 Mile
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
104.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
10 days remaining
sell
$40.00
65 Mile - Women's 65 Mile
Aug 29, 2026
straighten
Distance —
104.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
10 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Martinsville.
thermostatTemperature
19.0° / 28.9°
wb_sunnyFeels like
19.5° / 29.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
11h 56m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.1 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
10.0 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
High (7.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
69.6%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:05
nightlight
Sunset
19:44
About Martinsville
Learn more about the host city, Martinsville.
Martinsville is a city in Clark County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,118 at the 2020 census.
