Monday, January 24, 2011

Belton Gravel Grinder

Ride update and pictures:

This ride was advertised as a tune-up for bigger events to come. Longer distance and a faster pace. Cooler temps greeted us all, which was good because it kept the muddy sections down to a minimum. The wind was the biggest factor today. A strong tailwind made the trip to Drexel quick work, but made the 30+ miles back much harder. Not to mention that crazy squirrel that tried to take Dan out and all those dogs. What's up with all the dogs down in that area? It has been a long time since many of us have ridden nearly 4 hours (except for Tim Greene on his marathon trainer sessions at the gym) and it showed those last 5 miles.

Michel Ruder send us his video from our little gravel adventure.



Here are photos from today's ride.

Belton Gravel Grinder


We take a break locally from our rides with many of us heading up to Chucky's Challenge in Trenton. We resume with Tim's very popular Spring Hill Gravel Grinder on 2/13/11.


What: Belton Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday January 30, 2011, 9:00 am
Where: Hyvee (58 Hwy/S. Mullen Rd)
Why: It is time to start training for Trans Iowa. Get off that trainer and start grinding.
Who: Anyone who has signed up for an endurance challenge in 2011 and needs to get some base miles in.

John Williams is hosting our next GG on his ever popular Belton- Drexel gravel route. This 67 mile route will take us to Drexel, MO for our first (and only) stop of the day at only store in town - Casey's.

The course feature rolling hills and the pace will be moderate. The first 5 miles are road, but then it's all gravel baby!

Course map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26714980

Mr. Williams has reported the route to be in great shape for tomorrows big event. Bring your legs and some cash (for our stop at Casey's) for your last chance to ride before the big storm that is coming first part of week.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Smithville Gravel Grinder

Ride report:

8 die hard gravel grinders showed up for today's ride. Conditions were not as bad as they looked (at least I felt that way :-)). Overnight the Smithville area got a few inches of new snow and turned some of the roads into a true test of bike handling skills.

Some pictures from the day adventure



We visit the Northland next week for another version of the Smithville Gravel Grinder. The 44 mile route will visit some new gravel and will feature rolling hills and the scenic Northland.

Curt Shelman is again hosting this ride and promises that the weather will be a lot cooler (and slower pace) than our last one back in September.

Who: Those Groovy Northland Riders and fellow Gravel Grinders.
What: Smithville Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday January 23, 2011, 9:00 am
Where: Smoke-N-Davey Trail head
Why: Because Curt says "it is a pretty cool course".

It looks like we will be enjoying some snow packed roads for Sundays ride. Those are my favorite so I am looking forward to it. See everyone Sunday morning.

Here is the link to the map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26660086

Cue sheets is below:

Course map is below.

Gravel Between the Lakes

Photos from today's ride from Mr. Guru....



The Gravel Between the Lakes ride is tomorrow. Brett did us all a huge favor and shorted the route to 42 miles. The weather forecast is a balmy 22 degrees at start time. Complete details with course map is on MTB-KC.

Who: Gravel Grinders unite!
What: Gravel Between the Lakes
When: Saturday January 15, 2011, 9:00 am
Where: Sunflower Outdoor and Bike
Why: why not?

42 miles...flat, climb to ridge, flat, come off ridge, flat. Hopefully the weather (wind) will cooperate with us.

Park in the FREE parking garage at 10th and New Hampshire in downtown Lawrence. Ride begins and ends at Sunflower Outdoor and Bike...Lunch/post-ride beverages at Free State Brewery.

Cue Sheet and Map will be provided.
Make sure you have AT LEAST 2 extra tubes, pump, multi-tool, etc.
Extra jacket/gloves recommended, especially if it's really cold.

We're gonna be out climbing some serious gravel stuff with nice stretches of flat along some water. Very pretty scenery along some ridges north of Lawrence.

come join the fun!