Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New Years Day Ride

What: LMBC New Years Day Ride
When: Sunday, January 1, 2012 - Noon start time
Where: Lawrence Visitor Center - Intersection of 2nd Street & Locust Street
Who: Any and all are welcome

Description: This was the inaugural ride of the Lawrence Mountain Bike Club in 1996. Rain, snow, cold — it doesn't matter, we always start the year off by going for a ride at the River Trail then having refreshments at Johnny's Tavern. The New Year's Day Ride is appropriate for riders of all abilities. We begin the ride on the levy and ride to the River Trail where you may opt to ride as much or little of the 9 mile trail as you like before heading back to Johnny’s!

Bring your cross bike or mountain bike for this ride. We have the trails, levee & surrounding gravel roads that we can use to get in a fun ride to start off 2012. Trail conditions on Sunday will dictate our route.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

CIRREM IV: Hesitation is Devastation

Best act fast if you want to join in the fun. One of my favorite events of the year....

Straight from the CIRREM crew:

The big news from CIRREM HQ this year: CIRREM will be capped at 125 racers.

Yes, we know the race continues to grow in popularity so why limit the good fun? And we're sorry that we can't let all-comers experience the day that is starting to feel like a holiday. As in, "Happy CIRREM Day." Like Christmas, only without the bills and calorie-riddled guilt because you've ridden 62 miles.

Here's the deal: This may come as news to you, but CIRREM is supposed to be dirty & small. CIRREM is lowbrow & unpolished. As such, and because the CIRREM launch pad (the Cumming Tap) can only host a finite number of our fellow cyclists, we're throwing a limit on the number of riders. Besides, we want to ensure the experience is what you've come to expect from us, and nothing less. We promise more of the same uncompromising good times with your 2012 CIRREM experience: Food, beverage, kick-in-the-junk terrain, prizes, CIRREM schwag, the fellowship of cool people, a battle royale/wrestling match finish, and probably cookies. That's right, I said cookies.

In the past you've gotten super soft & cozy tshirts, fleece beanies & pint glasses from us for your registration dollars. This year: CIRREM Socks! Warm, high cuff, and as cool as the day is long. (fair warning to triathletes: these are not calf length compression socks). Rest assured, in true CIRREM fashion these are not your average socks.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's socks. Unless they're CIRREM socks, then it's completely understandable.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Festivus Recap

Another cold Festivus of Nights ride this year, but it could have been worse as it is officially winter now. Despite the cold we had a record turnout and everyone got to enjoy a clear night of riding and some even aired some grievances.

Brian Laswell and his daughter won the best lighting display contest. 2nd place went to Kevin Nierman and 3rd place went to ??? (do not know the name). We still have prizes for 2nd and 3rd place and will deliver on an upcoming ride.

I hope everyone has a very safe and Merry Christmas.

Some pictures below.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Gravel News Shorts - 12/20/11

Friday is our big holiday ride of the season - 2nd Annual Festivus of Nights. We will again be holding a contest for the best lighting display on your bike and/or person. Prizes will be announced Thursday so check back. Competition will take place during the first mile of the ride. Winners announced by the turn around so that all can celebrate with their favorite beverage.

We have received many questions about our Festivus ride. Such as...What type of bike is required? The Little Blue Trace trails can be ridden with any bike. A mtb/cross bike would be best, but any bike is o.k. Another question is will I be able to keep up on my full suspension mountain bike? Festivus is about showing "feats of strength" no mater the type of bike you have. Seriously, any bike is o.k. We will have two routes available and two levels of groups. A - faster group, B - Recreational level. Are lights required? It is suggested that a front light be used and at a minimum a rear reflector.

Route map is below. We have two options with both leaving at 6:00 pm. Option 1 (25 total miles) is the full out-back route to the Blue Mills Road trail head. Option 2 (16 total miles) is a ride out to the M-78 shelter and back. Both routes are out-back.



Saturday, December 17, 2011

Halycon Grinder Report

Today was a special treat with Coffee and Donuts to start the ride. Special Thanks to Sun Flower Bike Shop for opening their shop and hearts to us Gravel Grinders.
Two routes were available with only 6 riders doing the entire 66 mile route. The majority opted for the 40 mile option. Due to some constrution old school bushwacking was in order.

Due to the recent rains some of the roads were impassable which many of the 40 mile riders found out first hand. A quick call alearted the lead group as many found some mud reminiscent of the Dirty Kanza on B road 1600. Total ride time for some was up to 5 hours. Luckily the weather was night for a days ride.

Tim Greene was our official photographer on the day - Halycon Gravel Grinder album

See everyone Friday night for our big holiday ride - Festivus of Nights.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder v2

What: Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder
When: Friday Night, 12/23/11 - Time 6:00pm
Where: Little Blue Trace
Who: Any and all are welcome
Why: To celebrate Festivus , ride our bike at night on gravel and partake in some beverage drinking (it is BYOB). No other reasons needed. I am there....

We meet in the parking lot outside of Nature's Pantry, 19019 E 48th St, Independence, Missouri 64055 . Access to the trail is just yards away.

You will need lights. Red flashing light on the back and an LED or HID light on the front required. Special prize for the best light display.

99 % of this ride is on the Little Blue Trace trail. The trail does cross several roads so please use caution. Informational Disclaimer.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Halcyon Holiday Gravel Grinder v2

Shoffner's annual Halcyon Holiday Gravel Grinder is this weekend.

Who: anyone/everyone
What: 65 or 100 km (40 or 63 miles) of gravel goodness. 90% gravel roads.
When: Saturday December 17, 9:00 am
Where: Sunflower Outdoor and Bike, 8th and Mass, Lawrence, ks
Why: fun stuff!

Complete details at http://mtbkc.blogspot.com/

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Jayhawk Grinder Report

The morning sun had burned the early fog off, but the temps were still a little cold as we rolled out of Johnny's shortly after 0900. Forecast called for a rise in temps, but I think most of us overdressed with one too many base layers.

The first part of the route was flat so we all stayed together and enjoyed a pleasant start to our ride. Two sections of levee brought us over to the trail head for the LRT. The early reports were that the trails were o.k. so he dived in. After a very fun little trip down the LRT we regrouped and headed out to the rolling gravel section of our ride.

A couple of groups formed as the lead riders set a steady tempo. This brought up a conversation in one group that we need to divide up into groups based on ability levels and current training desires. I agree that this is a good idea and plan to have A and B groups at the remaining rides. I volunteer to lead the B group :-)

Another fine gravel grinder in the books. Today's ride was a very nice route which featured I do believe the highest percentage of gravel to date - 85% grave, 10% single track & 5% pave'. Adding a section of the Lawrence River Trails in was very fun. The trails were in great shape and offered plenty of traction for our cross tires.

Pictures from the day:



Below is a quick video of our start.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

The Jayhawk Grinder

What: The Jayhawk Grinder
Where: Lawrence, Kansas
When: December 11, 2011 - 0900 start time
Why: Because with this gravel grinder you get the best of three worlds - Scenic levee's, rolling gravel and the sweet Lawrence River Trails

Meet in the back parking lot of Johnny's Tavern - Lawrence location.

Here is our route for Sunday. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5204450 Jeff rode the route and gave us a thumbs up. 1/2 flat, 1/2 rolling and all good times.

Here is the Map my ride link - it has a built in route sheet.



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

Monday, October 31, 2011

The Full Moon Monty

LinkWhat: The Full Moon Monty
When: Wednesday Night, November 9, 2011, 6:00 pm Start time
Where: Ride starts at the Natures Pantry - see below for address
Who: For those who love gravel grinding at night.
Special Requirements: Lights and no fear of the dark.

Join us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193682144040816

The times are changing, the full moon will be out and it is time to charge up those lights for some night gravel grinding at its finest. Going "The Full Monty" is up to you. That is not a requirement, but lights are.

We will be traveling the Little Blue Trace Trail, including the new section, on our first official night ride of the year. The course is out-back so if we drop anyone we will pickup on the way back to the start. The pace will be a reserved pace (I will be on a tandem) so I do not see that happening. First timers are welcomed on this ride. Ride time will be about 2 hours including stop at Blue Mills Road (end point).

Our little starting spot below. If you can not meet us there feel free to park at one of the other trail heads along the Little Blue and hooking up with us. Don't worry, you will see us all coming with Full Monty's or maybe not....

Natures Pantry Market
19019 E. 48th Street S
Independence, MO 64055

Please check back for updates.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Olathe Cleveland Grinder

**UPDATED**

Michael Ruder is hosting Saturday's gravel grinder out of Olathe. The leaves are changing and Saturday's forecast looks great (Sunny and in the 50's) for his 62 miler out to Cleveland and back - Updated OCG Route. Today's light rain is a welcomed site and will keep the dust down making course conditions ideal.

What: The OCG
When: Saturday, Oct 29, 2011, 8:00 am start.
Where: Ride starts at the Price Chopper (15970 South Mur-Len Road, Olathe, KS)
Who: Any gravel grinding addicts.

The ride crosses state lines for our only water stop in the small little town of Cleveland, MO. This will be at mile 38 and will offer a nice chance to refuel/regroup.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Gunn City Recap

We kicked the season off in style with a record turnout for the Gunn City Gravelrie. A great day for gravel grinding on a course that included parts of the Katy Trail, some double track/single track and of course plenty of gravel. Thanks again to Kevin Nierman for hosting a great event.

Lots of pictures coming..

Kevin's flicker album - Gunn City Gravelrie on film

Guru's photos below

Gunn City GG

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Gravel News Shorts - 10/19/11

Sunday is the official start to Gravel Grinding season. YES!!!

We kick off the season with a big one. The Gunn City Gravelrie hosted by Kevin Nierman. We roll at 0900 out of James A Reed Park (address 2405 S.E. Ranson Road, Lee's Summit, MO) . Two routes to chose from: 60 Miler and 40 Miler. Some Gunn City history. The Lantern Rouge will be there and so should you! Join us on Facebook.

Cue Sheet for Sunday's Gunn City Gravelrie - HERE

Next week is the OCG hosted by Coach/Official/VP Michael Ruder. A nice 60 mile route of of Olathe, KS. More info coming first of next week.

The calendar for this season is coming together. We will have some longer distance events for those of you who want to keep that mileage up and have their eyes on a ultra distance event in 2012. Also look for some night rides around the area including the much anticipated Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder. This years date is Friday 12/23/11.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Tour De Florence


WHAT: 40 Mile Mountain/Cross Bike Ride
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2nd
WHERE: Florence, KS
TIME: 8:30 AM [late registration at 8 am]
COST: $40 [late fee]

More info: City of Florence - Tour De Florence Bike Ride

Event Flyer

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Gunn City Gravelrie

We have an exciting new gravel grinder that will start off our fall series. Kevin Nierman will host our first gravel grinder out of Lee's Summit. Look for a very fun ride. Poster, map and cue sheets will be up shortly. Save the date!

What: Gunn City Gravelrie
When: 10/23/11, 9:00 am
Where: James A Reed Wildlife Center
What: 50 to 60 miles of gravel grinding fun

The Route is up

Cue Sheet us now available

Please join us on a southeast-side Autumn gravel ride departing from Lee's Summit at 9:00am Sunday, Oct 23rd.

60 miles (4:1 gravel ratio) planned (route map & cue sheet to come); fast-ish pace but not blistering. Will stop a couple times at designated regroup/refuel spots along route. Enjoy a couple mile segments of what will eventually be the Katy Trail KC connection, some cows and a few friendly dogs.

Rain or shine. 9:00am departure from Missouri Dept of Conservation regional HQ at James A Reed park (Lee's Summit, MO), 1/2mi south of 50hwy on Ranson Road - entry drive on east side.

2405 S.E. Ranson Road
Lees Summit MO

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Awesome Lone Star Gravel Ride

Curtis Martell is starting the gravel grinding season a little early, but we like the way he is thinking.

From Curtis....Please join me for the third Awesome Lone Star Gravel Ride this Labor Day. We depart at 9:00 AM from the Martell house for about 50 miles of gravel heading southwest to Lone Star Lake and beyond. There are a couple of hills. You might even ride on a "road" you've never been on. Sag stop with Yellow Sub sandwiches and Popsicles delivered for lunch at about 35 miles. When we finish, the beer fridge will be open. 'Cross bike is the weapon of choice but it's been done on an MTB. Maps provided, no cost other than a few bucks if you want a sandwich.

What: Awesome Lone Star Gravel Ride
When: September 5th, 2011 - 9:00 am
Where: 2017 Melholland Rd, Lawrence, KS

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Tim's Excellent DK 200 Adventure

Here is a brief recap of Tim Green's experience from the 2011 DK 200. His pictures can be found his teams site - Cow Town Cycling

Wake up time was 3:45 a.m. to get some food down and everything ready for the race. Bikes loaded, camelbacks filled and bottles mixed with electrolytes. We get to the start at roughly 5:15 and lounge about. I am sag for first leg with Edd riding first. Cliff and I will be taking two support vehicles to the first checkpoint. Promoter is expecting the record to fall today due to better than expected conditions and milder temperatures than previous years. At 6:00 the race get going. Last rider out is Clay. He and Brett overslept and got to the start just as riders were leaving.

Cliff and I leave for the first checkpoint around 7:15. Beautiful country with rolling green hills and very little tree cover. At the toll gate I get a pleasant surprise and score 5 dollars in quarters because the machine was full and people were leaving the rejected quarters in the return slot. We get to the first checkpoint at roughly 8:00 and get setup. First rider in to the checkpoint around 9:15 and is riding a single speed. Mark Cole is one the next riders in and we get him fueled up and going again. Our team comes in about 9:45 and Cliff and I take off together. Roads were in good conditions and the Specialized Borough Armadillo Elite tires are rolling well. We get about 12 or so miles out and run into a group consulting the maps. A small group splinters off to the south and we use them to pull us for the next 2 miles. Big mistake, they went the wrong way. We ran into a bigger group (about 10 to 15 riders looking at maps). I turn on the GPS and figure out we were off course. We turn around and head back. On the way back we run into Brett and Ben Bolin also making the same mistake. Back on course on some B road with about 4 creek crossing and then some nasty hills that break me out of my heart rate zone. We see a dead mustang and at one point one of the biggest vultures I have ever seen (over a 6 foot wingspan) cross our path. I was glad he was not hungry. Rest of route pretty uneventful until Cliff and I run into Clay on the course. He was going to pick up Brett who was out of water and suffering heat exhaustion.

At Checkpoint two, Cliff stops and lets Mike go. I was feeling okay and wanted to stick to plan and do 2 legs in a row. Rick looked exhausted and word was Mark looked bad when he left on this leg. I went out with Mike and after 12 miles had a bout with heat exhaustion and found a section of trees with a cool breeze and called Edd to come and get me. I drank 70 ounces of water and the remaining 2 mixed bottles and by the time Edd got there felt good again. We switched anyways and he went out for the remaining of the leg.

I get up to Check point 3 and find Mark there. He had passed out at 133 miles and a farmer found him on the side of road throwing up and brought him in. He was in first place at the time but had gone out way to fast. I get more water and ice at the store and just finished putting it away when John came in. John looked fresh and was on a roll. I get some pictures and he rolls out. As he does a sheriff's car rolls in and informs the promoters that a dangerous storm is heading this way and to get the riders off the course. He was saying 60 mile an hour straight line winds, wall cloud, golf ball sized hail and ground strike lightning. After talking to promoters I got 2 maps, one for John's Wife, and another for a team also in the lead group so they could follow the riders into Emporia and provide shelter if things got rough. We had 3 riders back in the storm. Two should have been coming in around that time and Edd further back because he started later after replacing me. We find out Mike is off course and North of 56 and figure Rick is with him. Cliff was to figure out how to get Mike and I set out on course to get Edd and bring him to the checkpoint. They were letting us do that without penalty to get riders to safety. There was poor phone coverage on the third leg, so we could not find out where our riders were and I basically had to backtrack the course.

I pass a bunch of riders still riding in the rain and they wave me on when I ask if they need anything like water. Gravel is still okay at this point and another Jeep is not following me to get his riders off course. I pass a farmhouse and things turned ugly. I had to creep down a steep rutted hill only to find a section of B road that was muddy and deeply rutted for as far as the eye could see. I continue and almost get stuck once. The mud was axle deep and in the process of negotiating the ruts managed to knock my bike off the roof rack bending my front fork. Now I have to stop and put the bike on back. Both vehicles stopped in deep mud was not a good thing. Luckily I was able to get going again after putting the bike on a another rack on the back of the jeep. Riders along this section of road were walking in the grass and carrying their bikes. I run into Rick and he flags me down. He is exhausted and freezing from the 25 degree drop in temperature. I get him in and load his bike on the jeep and continue. The jeep that was following us went around and continued, so now if we got stuck we would be in trouble. I wish I would have taken some pictures of this section of road and the riders walking. I was so focused on getting out that I forgot about my camera.

We continued on. After a little bit I passed the Lawrence Cow Town rider walking along the grass. Asked if he needed anything and continued. During this time I find out Rick had been blown off the rode once and hailed on. We finally get off the B road and on to solid gravel. We also got enough cell phone coverage to find Edd. I plot a course on the GPS to get Edd and off we go.

Edd was with a group of riders including Ben Bolin that had encounted an 8 mile section of really bad mud and were walking when a farmer offered them a lift to little town. Three vehicles got to the town about the same time and we loaded up the bikes and people. I had room for bikes but no room for people due all the coolers supporting the 2 teams and solo riders. Luckily Ben has space and Edd heads back with Ben. On the drive out we find out they are re-routing the course around the B roads and putting them on the pavement to get them to Council Grove.

As we drove to Council Grove we found out that Mike was in and Cliff decided not to go out on the last leg due to conditions. My bike was toast, so after checking in at Council Grove we continue back to Emporia. Since Cliff, Mark, and Mike had left already we had to find a way for Edd to get back. Luckily Ben was able to get him back to the hotel.

We still had 3 riders out. Two that were held up at Checkpoint 2 due to the storm and Scott in the mess. Scott got caught in the storm and dropped from the race. Frank and Dan plugged on and made the 10:30 cut at Council Grove by 3 minutes and continued on to Emporia. They made it in to finish 59 and 60 at 2:30 in the morning.

Once we got back to the Hotel we showered and headed to Applebees. What a day....

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Gravel

Gerard brings us another version of his classic gravel ride out of Baldwin City, Kansas.

Come celebrate the annual Planes, Trains & Automobiles Father's Day Festival - A full day of fun including a 5K run, Chris Cakes Pancakes, Farmer's Market, Crafts and of course Gravel Grinding at its finest.

What: Baldwin City Historic Gravel Road Bike Ride
When: June 18, 2011 - 10:00 a.m. start
Where: Baldwin City, Kansas

Flyer below...

Friday, April 29, 2011

Dirty Kanza Primer

John Williams is hosting this "must do" gravel grinder. Take it from someone with experience, if you want to finish you got to train on what you are going to be racing on. This is a great opportunity to test your rig, experiment on the food that you will be consuming and lastly test your body.

The ride will start at the Council Grove middle school, 706 East Main Street Council Grove, KS 66846-1126. There are 3 places to fill up on supplies, Alma mile 40ish, Eskridge mile 65, and Americus mile around 90ish

Who: Name says it all, plus any Gravel Grinding addicts
What: A pre-ride of part of last year's course including the infamous little Egypt rd.
When: Sunday, May 15, 2011, 8:00 am start.
Where: Council Grove, KS
Why: Come train with a top 10 Trans Iowa finisher

Map is below. Cue sheets will be available.


Saturday, April 16, 2011

The DK Test Ride

Who: Anyone who is training for the DK200
What: A long, long, long gravel grinder to prepare for DK200
When: Saturday, May 7, 2011, 9:00 am start.
Where: Leaving from Volker Bicycle Shop (18th Street, KCMO)
Why: Because Brett puts on some of the best gravel grinders.

Map and updates first of the week.

We're leaving at 9:00 am sharp (yoga at 8:00am for those wishing to limber up before the big ride) , this is going to be a long ride. If you can't make it then (or want to do a shorter route), I suggest meeting us at EH Young park at 10:30-11:00 am.

Brett sends us his course map and promises a day full of gravel fun on Saturday. Cue sheets will be available on Saturday morning, but it would not hurt to bring you own - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/33139396/

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Gravel it with RMR

KCBC's own Michael Ruder heads our next gravel adventure out of Olathe, Kansas.

What: Gravel it with RMR
When: Saturday, April 16, 2011, 11:00 am
Where: Olathe, Kansas
Who: Anyone who would like enjoy 75 miles and roll with Mr RMR.
Why: "Our Gravel Grinders are now lead by USA Cycling Coaches"

Ride will start from the Price Chopper @ 15970 South Mur-Len Road, Olathe, KS 66062.

Here is the course map for Saturday GG....


Sunday, March 27, 2011

Dr. Dover's Gravel Adventure

We head North this weekend for another fine Northland Gravel Grinder out of Smithville. Ben "Dr. Dover" Bolin is hosting the spring edition of our popular Smithville Gravel Grinder. He promises much warmer weather than the last edition and a delightful adventure.

Who: Fat Tire Riders and Gravel Grinders
What: Dr. Dover's Gravel Adventure
When: Saturday, April 2, 2011, 0900
Where: Smoke-N-Davey Trail head
Why: Because Ben is attempting the insane DK 200 this year.

Map and cue sheet below.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Gardner Gravel Grinder v2

**Update**

Looking at radar and watching a line of heavy rain taking aim to hit Gardner. Think it is in our best interests to cancel today's ride. - TG

What: Gardner Gravel Grinder v2
When: Saturday, 3/26/11 - 9:00 am
Where: CenturyLink Office building in Gardner (Queen Mary on the Pairie)
Who: Any and all are welcome
Why: It is always Gravel Grinder season.

Tim Greene again host this fun GG.....We will start in the parking lot Hopefully this time there will not be a 35 mph wind to deal with. Some of us will do the route again to get ready for Ouachita, TransIowa, and DK 200.

Address is 600 New Century Parkway. The CenturyLink Office is the large office building with the lake in front.

Here is the course map:



Friday, March 11, 2011

Lone Star Gravel Grinder

John send us some photos from the LSGG. A great route with plenty of fun gravel roads and as usual some did not survive the ride....

Lone Star Gravel Grinder



It is time for some more Gravel Grinders. Jeff Arnaud brings us a classic ride out to Lone Star Lake. Last year (see Groovy Gravel...) we had a great ride on some packed snow and enjoyed some tasty Lawrence brew. This year we expect much warmer temps, but the same great gravel ride and of course more brew.

What: Lawrence - Lone Star Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday March 20, 2011, 0900
Where: Lawrence, Kansas
Why: Because Jeff has a cross bike and now loves gravel grinding.

Ride starts in the Southwind movie theater parking lot on Iowa street, across from Walmart

Updated Route:



Monday, February 7, 2011

Spring Hill Gravel Grinder

Tim Greene brings us....

What
: The Epic Spring Hill Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday February 13, 2011, 9:00 am
Where: Spring Hill, KS (Start at Hwy 7 and 223rd Street - shopping center)
Why: It is time to start training for Trans Iowa, Bone Bender 3/6 Hour and more. Get off that trainer and start grinding or you will be wishing you did.
Who: Anyone who has signed up for an endurance challenge in 2011 and needs to get some base miles in.

Distance will be between 50 to 60 miles. Come out and enjoy some of the best gravel routes in the Midwest. A very fun route is being put together that will have all the classics that this area has to offer. Pace will be moderate - 14 to 15 mph average. There will be one designated stop in at the Stillwell station.

Course map



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!