As Randy said, each loop is different. They also have changed over time.
The start/finish is in ‘downtown’ Elgin. You pass through at the end of loop 1 and 2 too. Good for resupply, and medical services when you break a collarbone.
Buckles usually go to the top 20 finishers in the 120km. They might be changing that? I dunno.
Its been a few years for me, but I hope to go back this fall.
There’s no cut-off for buckles. Its real simple, first 25 male finishers in the 120 get buckles. Seperate # of buckles for the women’s 120.
I believe there’s a time cut off for the 120 riders when they pass the 80k checkpoint but no biggie, if you havent made the time cut you’re looking for an excuse to get pulled anyway.
I’ll repeat myself- do NOT overthink this stuff. Ride your bike a bit farther and a bit faster regularly and then ride it farther and faster w faster people. Thats how you get better.
S’always the first Sat in Oct since forever.
Has it historically been the same 3 loops?
No, the loops change.
Hope to do this this year, but I say that every year ha ha.