Get ready to ride! The Fairfield Harvest Rush, part of the Iowa Gravel Series, will return to Fairfield on Saturday, October 3, 2026, bringing gravel cyclists from near and far to Jefferson County for a day of adventure, competition and community.
Hosted by the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Iowa Gravel Series, the Harvest Rush offers riders the opportunity to experience the beautiful gravel roads surrounding Fairfield while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere that makes this event a favorite for both experienced cyclists and those new to gravel riding.
The event will begin and end at Maasdam Barns, 2224 IA-1, Fairfield. Riders can choose between a 50KM ride and a 100KM race, with the 100KM course starting at 7:30 a.m. and the 50KM ride beginning at 8 a.m. Check-in and packet pickup will open at 6:30 a.m.
Make a Weekend of It!
Riders are encouraged to come to Fairfield the night before the Harvest Rush and make a weekend out of their visit!
Get settled in, pick up your rider packet, and then head uptown to enjoy Fairfield’s First Friday festivities. October’s First Friday will offer plenty to see and do throughout downtown, giving riders and their families a chance to explore local businesses, restaurants, shops and
community activities.
Be sure to also check out Main Street Fairfield’s Upstairs Downtown event, featuring stops throughout downtown and unique opportunities to experience some of Fairfield’s historic upstairs spaces.
“Why just come for the ride when you can make a weekend of it?” said Ryan Swanson, Board President of the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “We want riders to experience Fairfield — not just our beautiful gravel roads, but our downtown, our businesses, our
restaurants and our community. Coming in Friday night gives riders a chance to enjoy First Friday and Upstairs Downtown before they hit the gravel on Saturday.”
“The Harvest Rush is about so much more than riding a bike,” said Mendy McAdams, Executive Director of the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “It is about bringing people to Fairfield, showcasing our incredible rural landscape and gravel roads, and giving riders and
their families an opportunity to experience our community. We are grateful for all of the businesses and volunteers who help make this event possible.”
The Iowa Gravel Series mission is using gravel roads to connect people with communities through fitness and adventure. The Fairfield Harvest Rush is one of the series’ 2026 events and serves as an opportunity to introduce riders from throughout the region to Fairfield and the surrounding area.
But you don’t have to be a cyclist to be part of the Harvest Rush!
Volunteers are needed to help with everything from aid stations and rider support to event-day logistics. Community members are encouraged to sign up and be part of creating a great experience for riders.
There are also a few sponsorship opportunities still available for businesses interested in getting their name in front of riders and visitors while supporting an event that brings people into the Fairfield area.
Whether you are ready to tackle 50KM, take on the 100KM course, cheer on the riders or volunteer behind the scenes, there is a place for you at the Fairfield Harvest Rush.
Get registered to ride, sign up to volunteer or learn about remaining sponsorship opportunities at: https://www.movemint.cc/events/fairfield
Come experience Fairfield from the seat of a bike and Rush into Fall!
Event Details
Fairfield Harvest Rush
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Maasdam Barns
2224 IA-1, Fairfield, Iowa
100KM Race: 7:30 a.m.
50KM Ride: 8:00 a.m.
Check-in/Packet Pickup: Opens at 6:30 a.m.
The Fairfield Harvest Rush is part of the Iowa Gravel Series, a statewide gravel cycling series designed to bring riders together to explore Iowa communities and roads.
About the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce:
Located at 204 W. Broadway Avenue, Fairfield, IA, the Chamber champions community growth through signature events like Harvest Rush that boost tourism, local business, and regional pride.
About the Iowa Gravel Series:
Iowa’s premier gravel racing circuit encourages participants of all skill levels to explore fitness- based adventures on gravel roads across the state. Harvest Rush serves as the high-stakes championship race—complete with a cash purse for podium finishers and rich community
support.
