Sunday, November 27, 2011

Gobbler Grinder Report

A wonderful turnout for today's gravel grinder. I always say that its the people who attend events that make them good and today we had a great bunch of guys. Thanks to everyone who came out and rode our little ride. Special thanks to the Lantern Rouge for coming out and supporting us. He took some pictures and sagged our event.

The conditions were a bit cold, windy and hilly, but that is good old fashion gravel grinder conditions if you as me. We ended up splitting up into two main groups. This was good and both groups were able to enjoy the 42 mile course. Most agreed that the route was a good one with plenty of gravel and scenic views. Next time we will start/finish in Weston so we can enjoy a nice lunch after the ride.

Some pictures from the day below.

Roger's photos : Gravel Grinder by Roger

Guru's photos below:



Lead group:



Second group on the road:

Monday, November 14, 2011

Gobbler Grinder

Updated 11/25/11

What: The Gobbler Grinder
When: Sunday, November 27, 2011, 9:00 am
Where: Platte City, MO - Weston, MO
Why: Because we all know you overate on Turkey day. Time to get on your bike and burn off all those excess calories that you consumed.

Come join us for a three-hour tour over some very fine Northland gravel roads. We depart from Platte City, home of the Platte City Fair (oldest fair West of the Mississippi by the way) and quickly hit some gravel classics like Sexton Road, Hackberry Ln and Grass Pad Road (2 shorter route options are available along N. Farley Road for those who wish to shorten the route). We leave the hills behind for a scenic flat route through some farm lands via Kisker Road. Stillings Rd brings us back toward the bluffs and some more climbing. Rolling hills along the country side follows with plenty of gravel goodness. A short downhill run along Hwy 92 and we hit Weston Bend State Park. Here we will jump on the historic Weston Bluffs Trail which follows the Missouri River and the Lewis and Clark Trail. After a pleasant 3.5 mile trip down the Weston Bluff Trail we reach the city of Weston for a water/nature break. After a short stop we proceed North for a scenic 7 mile loop (this may be skipped for those who wish to head back) before heading back to town and then roll East and work our way back alone some more rolling country side to complete our little Gobbler Grinder.

Ride begins at Platte Ridge Park off of 371 Hwy. Only 20 min North of downtown KC via I-29. Address is 17130 Mo-371, Platte City, MO 64079

Find us on FB: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137968262974707

Below is an updated map . We wanted to add a cool section outside of Weston Bend State Park. All road are open and ready for us. The route will allow several shorter versions for those who do not wish to complete the entire route. Route maps will be available at the ride start.







Please check back for updates.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Wind Howler Report

I do not know how he does it, but somehow Tim can pick the windiest days of the year for his Gardner Wind Howler. Although not as windy as last year, this years ride sure lived up to its name.

Another great turnout for our little gravel grinders. The wind caused a few splits, but we ended up getting back together after a little miss direction by the lead pack and a flat tire or two. Tim promised plenty of nice views and gravel. We got both. When ever the voting comes out for the windiest places in Kansas I for one will vote for Gardner, KS.

Our start:



Some photos:

Gardner Wind Howler

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Full Moon Monty Recap

A terrific turnout for the Full Moon Monty with 23 total riders. The Moon was shining bright, trial conditions were very good, the temps were pleasant and most importantly we had a great group of riders.

Skip Tooth has some pictures up from our little Full Moon Monty

Seeing that many riders in front of you on the trail with all their lights on is very cool. I tried to take some photos, but they did not come out so well. Looks like I need different camera with night vision. Here they none the less.

Full Moon Monty

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Gravel News Shorts - 11/09/11

Weather for tonight's Full Moon Monty ride looks splendid. Temps in the 40's so dress warm. Clear sky's so we should see good moonlight. Speaking of moons, those of you who were planning on going Full Monty might want to reconsider. We would not want anything to freeze and fall off. Then again if you use plenty of embrovation you might be o.k....

Saturday Tim Greene hosts his popular Gardner Wind Howler. The forecast is for 15 mph winds and not the 30+ like we had last time and that might be a good thing. A fun route is planned with a refueling stop at mile 40.

Expect an update next week on some more fun gravel grinders in November and December including one legged Brett's Halcyon Holiday Gravel Grinder.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Gardner Wind Howler

What: The Gardner Wind Howler
When: Saturday, November 12, 2011, 9:00 am Start time
Where: Gardner KS
Who: For those who love gravel grinding in the wind.

We will be starting at New Century Office at 600 New Century Parkway, New Century KS 66031. We will be riding the Kansas plains and there is no hiding from the wind out here. I am still tweaking the route because JOCO has not found a road yet it does not want to pave so roads that are gravel this week may not be gravel next week. Expect around a 62 mile route that essential circles Gardner so you are never too far from your car if you bonk or need to bail early. We will have refueling point around 40 miles.

Here is the updated map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/56627500

Please check back to updated maps, cue sheets and updates.

Tim Greene