New Years Day Ride

What: LMBC New Years Day Ride
When: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 - 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 2013. Trail conditions on Sunday will dictate our route.

Festivus on Ice

Festivus is all about "airing of grievances and "feats of strength".  Everyone who completed tonight's Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder sure did display some "feats of strength".  The conditions was a little treacherous at times with icy conditions that caused a few mishaps.  Those folks that did go down aired their grievances and continued on.

Complete photo album - Festivus of Nights Gravel (Ice) Grinder

Thanks to everyone who came out tonight.  As always, it was  fun ride and we look forward to next years.



Our winners from tonight's contest.  Best lighting display and Best blow out 

Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder

What: 3rd Annual Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday Night, 12/23/12 - Time 5:00pm
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

Pleasant Hill Thrill Recap

As advertised, the Pleasant Hill Thrill was a thrill.  A fun route that started off nice and flat to get the body warmed up.  What made it especially a thrill was the fact that we got to ride on part of the Rock Island Trail. The Rock will connect Pleasant Hill to Windsor and link us to the Katy Trail.  This will make what I believe is one of the best rails-to-trails projects a true state wide route.  I look forward to the day when I can clip into my pedals on my bike and pedal all the way across the state

Thanks to Don Daly for hosting the ride. Not only did he put together a nice route he marked the entire course for all of us.  Nice touch.

Yes we did encounter more black birds.  It must be this warm winter we are having. 

Some pictures from Sunday's ride

Kevin Nierman's Pleasant Hill Thrill Pics

Chris Locke's views of Pleasant Hill and its gravel goodness.

Video of start below.  It is a little long and loud due to the gravel noise. I would suggest turning down the  volume :-)

The Pleasant Hill Thrill

What: The Pleasant Hill Thrill
When: Sunday, December 2, 2012, 10:00 am Start time

Where: Pleasant Hill, MO

Why: Because there is gravel in those darn hills....

Midwest Gravel Grinders presents the Pleasant Hill Thrill.  A 41 mile journey which includes the new Katy Trail spur.  This ride is not supper hilly by design so all beginner gravel grinders are encouraged to attend.  A rest stop is included on this ride - East Lynn (24 miles in).  There is also a 30 mile options for anyone who wants a shorter route.

Directions to start: Go through (SOUTH)  Pleasant Hill on HWY 7.  Go EAST on 58 HWY about a mile or so to Purvis road.  Take a RIGHT on Purvis (SOUTH) about 1.5 miles on the LEFT side of the road where the new Katy expansion Trail-head is at.

Note the 10:00 am start time.  


Check back for updates.

**Remember, you are responsible for yourself and you ride at your own risk. Always follow all traffic laws and rules. Always choose safety first and be prepared.**

Ride map:


Find more Bike Ride in Pleasant Hill, MO

The Black Sunday Recap

Tim Green Rocks!  Thank you for hosting another Black Sunday Gravel Grinder

What a great course today.  Spring Hill sure does have some fast rolling gravel and some great scenery.  Including this cool fence with bicycles.

 
The weather could not have been better, well except for that head wind coming back.  None the less, we had another great turnout today.

Complete album of photos: https://plus.google.com/photos/116713196318315798246/albums/5814841880294791777

A little video of the start: Black Sunday Gravel Grinder

Full Moon Monty v2

What: The 2nd Annual Full Moon Monty
When: Wednesday Night, November 28, 2012
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/events/101132886716988/

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.

6:00 pm we depart to ride the new section.  We will return and pass by the Natures Pantry ~ 6:15 pm to pickup up any late comers or anyone who would like a shorter route.  The ride will then progress North to the endpoint - Blue Mills Shelter parking.  

There usually forms two groups - one fast and one slow.  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.


**Remember, you are responsible for yourself and you ride at your own risk. Always follow all traffic laws and rules. Always choose safety first and be prepared.**
Natures Pantry Market
19019 E. 48th Street S
Independence, MO 64055

Please check back for updates.

Black Sunday Gravel Grinder

What: The 1st Annual post Thanksgiving and Black Friday stress reliever Grinder

When: Sunday, November 25, 2012, 9:00 am
Where: Spring Hill, KS

Why: Because we all know you will over eat on Turkey day, spend way too much on Black Friday and need to blow of some steam before heading back to work on Monday.  While not has hilly as up North, we offer JOCO finest buffed gravel to ride on...

This is the tried and true Spring Hill Gravel grinder.  3 route options of 22, 34 and 46 miles.

Join us on FB: http://www.facebook.com/events/348319385264941/

Spring Hill 22 Mile  Course: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/62742340

Spring Hill 34 Course: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/62743076

Spring Hill Badger Run Course: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/62606206

Gobbler Grinder Recap

A splendid day greeting us on today's Gobbler Grinder.  Not many times you see 60+ degree weather here in Weston, MO.  While the weather was pleasant and surprising, the hills and gravel on today's route was relentless and big.  We would not have it any other way....

Special thanks to Heather Jordan for leading the short course.   

A few pictures from today - Gobbler Grinder album.

Some videos from today:

2012 Gobbler Grinder

I Want my Turkey!!

Updated: 11/16/12

What: The 2nd Annual Gobbler Grinder
When: Sunday, November 18, 2012, 9:00 am
Where: Platte City, MO - Weston, MO
Why: Because we all know you will over eat on Turkey day. Time to get on your bike and burn off all those excess calories that will be consumed so no need to pass on that extra piece of Pie.

Remember, you are responsible for yourself and you ride at your own risk. Always follow all traffic laws and rules. Always choose safety first and be prepared.

Cue sheets have been added below:

Start location is the Weston Bluffs Trail - South trailhead.  See below pictures

Join us on FB: http://www.facebook.com/events/184970634960874

Below we have two current ride options.

 Short Course map below:

Find more Bike Ride in Platte City, MO
Long Course map below:

Find more Bike Ride in Platte City, MO

Goblins are Coming to Wyco.

Final Updates for Saturday’s Wyco’s Revenge Mountain Bike Race.....

First, thank you to all our sponsors and supporters:

·         The Wheel Cyclery

·         Lanterne Rouge Kansas

·         Bike Source

·         Trail Masons Association

·         Midwest Mountain Bike Patrol

·         Santa Fe Trails Bikes

·         Epic Bike and Sport

·         Earth Riders

·         United Federation of Dirt

-Course maps and event updates are posted at http://wycosrevenge.blogspot.com

-Shelter #3 at Wyandotte County Lake Park is the Start/Finish/Registration area.  Limited parking is available at shelter #3 with overflow parking along the road leading to shelter #5 & #7. 

-Online registration is open through 11:59pm, Thursday, October 18, 2012.  Register at www.usacycling.org.  Help us and yourself – register by tonight.

-Raceday registration is available and opens at 3:00 pm.   Registration closes at 4:30 pm. 

-The Wyco’s Sprint event has been reduced to 1 lap (8 miles).  No lights are required for the Wyco’s Sprint distance event.

-Complete the full Wyco’s Revenge and earn your finishing shirt.  Awards will be presented to the top 3 in the Wyco’s Revenge and Wyco’s Sprint in the following classes: Male, Female, Male Junior, & Female Junior.

-Piping hot chili, hot dogs, soft drinks and coffee will be available.  Please feel free to bring your favorite dessert or side dish to share.

-Charge those lights!   The full distance Wyco’s Revenge will require lights.  Two light sources are required – primary and secondary.   It is advised to begin the event with both light sources.  No rider will be allowed to begin the second lap without a light source.

-Weather forecast, 68 degree highs with temps reducing to low 50’s quickly once the sun sets.  It gets cold at night so be prepared and dress with the proper gear.

Wyco’s Revenge Mountain Bike Race

October 20, 2012 – 5:00 pm Start Time

Wyandotte Country Lake Park

Kansas City, Kansas

See you Saturday Night and beware of the Goblins of Wyco!

Cow Town Cycling Team

The OGRE

WHAT: 150 grueling miles of Ozark gravel.

WHERE: Lake of the Ozarks, MO

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2013

FORMAT: Solo, tandem, and teams of 2


This first annual OGRE - presented by Oz Cycles and Kayaks - promises to test your BIKING abilities and push you through the ups and downs of Ozark topography.
Think you can handle it? Are you up to the challenge ? FINISH the OGRE and you WILL have something to brag about!

Spread the word. Be a part of history - Bonk Hard Racing's first annual OGRE event!

Complete info - www.bonkhardracing.com  

Gravel di Lombardia

"The Gravel Race of the Galling Leaves"

What: A fall gravel century in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

When: Saturday, October 6, 2012 - 9:00 am start

Where: Start at Tallgrass Brewing Company - Map to location

Who: Anyone who wants this - This is a 100 (just over) gravel road race in the northern Flint Hills of Kansas. The roads will be mostly limestone, dirt/rock mix, and a little flint....less than 5 miles of pavement!

Notes: Entry fee is $25 day of. This will cover some food for after the race, numbers, and of course your brewery tour! Please be at Tallgrass Brewery before 8:45 to register and pick up your map if you need one. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers....again 3-5 will get cash based on turnout. I'm not doing this for profit, so most of the money will go back to the riders. The overall winner is guaranteed over $100 in cash.

Course Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/142697197

Tour de Florence this Sunday.

This Sunday brings us another Tour de Florence Bike Ride.   Come enjoy a beautiful route into the peaceful and scenic Flint Hills.  A fabulous sit-down meal will be served after the ride to help replenish those tired muscles.

WHAT: 40 Mile Mountain/Cross Bike Ride
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012
WHERE: American Legion, 401 S. Main Street.  Florence, KS
TIME: Check-in @ 8:00 AM; ride @ 8:30 AM

Notes: Complete info at Tour de Florence .  T-shirts are available with registration.  Email: tourdeflorence@gmail.com  or call 620.382.7722

Ride to Paradise

What: Ride to Paradise
When: Saturday, October 6, 2012
Where: Russell, Kansas
Why: All proceeds from the ride go directly to Options (formerly Northwest Kansas Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Inc.) information @ www.help4abuse.org

More info:Ride to Paradise is an off-road ride on hilly limestone gravel roads in Russell County, KS through the scenic Saline River valley. You won't believe you're in western Kansas! Enjoy a 40, 60 or challenging 100 mile route. SAGs, biker breakfast, poker run and great Swag. Plus you get to visit Paradise......Kansas!

SoJoCo Gravel Night Rides

What: Wednesday SoJoCo Gravel Night Ride

When: Every Wednesday evening in Oct and Nov 2012 @ 6:00pm

Where: Price Chopper at 159th & Mur-Len in south Olathe. 

Why: Good mid-week training for CX racers.  Good off season workouts for roadies & MTB'ers.  Good fun for everyone else. 

Notes:

*We'll only ride if the weather is forecast to be dry and 40 degrees or higher at the start

*Lights are required in front (white) and back (red).  Very bright light recommended in front.

*Cyclocross bike recommended.  Big tires are good!

*Speed: 15-17 mph at the front (roughly equivalent to 18-20 mph on pavement)

*Typical route --> http://goo.gl/20uwp  (subject to change on the whim of whoever shows up!)

*Distance: 30-40 miles although

*Folks can turn around at any point to reduce mileage as needed

*Updates on our brand new Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SoJoCoGravelRide).  Be sure to "Like" it and post any questions there.

*Helmets required

*As always, be prepared to support yourself (water, food, tubes, pump, phone, etc.)

2012 Fall Gravel Grinders

A couple of cool mornings have got me thinking it is time to start planning some Gravel Grinders.  Looking forward to this years rides but need some help.  If you have a Gravel Grinder ride that you are planning and would like added to our calendar please send us a note to gravelgrinders@gmail.com

Please include as much info as possible.  The below format works will. 

What: Ride name
When: Day, date & time
Where: Start location, City, State
Why:
Course map:
Contact info:

May you find a wealth of gravel in your future!

Moo-Let Gravel Ride

Gravel News Shorts - 03/30/12

Racing season has begun and with it brings less organized gravel rides due to you guess it - Racing. We will begin a monthly gravel ride after the April 15 Bone Bender event. Look for more info next month.

Looking for an event to ride your gravel/cross rig in? Check no further than next weeks God's Country Mountain Bike Classic. The venue, Lawrence River Trails, are very "cross bike" friendly.

Download a flyer - God's Country Flyer

CIRREM on Film

Too Much Fun/Pain Ride

The too much fun/pain ride
When: Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Gardner, Kansas
Details: This is a 50.5 mile route going to Baldwin City and back. The pain comes from going up Signal Oak and 1550 hills. The fun is when we get to go down 1600 hill and Signal Oak hill on the way back. I will have cue sheets.

Here is the mapmyride course map. For some reason it wants to do the 1600 hill twice, ignore that, the route is 50.5 miles. Once we hit 450 we are going back, unless you have a strong desire for more pain....




Find more Bike Ride in Gardner, KS

The Mullet Report

Another fun Mullet ride in the books. The gravel roads around Baldwin City always are an adventure and painful in a good way. Just ask Tim and the guys who rode two laps on the day. Still unsure which direction is harder, but either way those climbs are fun to descend and a challenge to ride up.

Thank you Gerard for organizing.

Pictures from the day's ride:



A couple of video's (sorry for the shaky hands. One too many cups of of coffee I guess or it could be that darn gravel):

The Return of the Mullet Ride

What: Mullet Ride
When: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Where: Baldwin City, Kansas
Why: The Mullet is the reason why gravel grinding is so popular. Just check out past Mullets (Mullet's N Mud, Mullets in pictures, Mullets on film)

The one and only Mullet Ride (aka the Baldwin City Historic Gravel Road Bike Ride) is next weekend. This is our original gravel grinder dating back before anyone knew what gravel was or coined the term - Gravel Grinder. Gerard's Mullet ride is great for both the experienced gravel grinder and any newbies out there - 25 and 50 mile routes are available.

Meet up at the Antiques on the Prairie shop (High St & 6th). We will have a 10:00 am departure time for the 25 mile route.

The original map is below. Do not worry, Tim is working on converting this to a current "map my ride" version for all you tech savvy riders out there.


Tim's high tech savvy version:

Gravel News Shorts - 02/02/12

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today and there'll be six more weeks of winter. Sorry, spring fever will have to wait, as well as our planned tour of the Amish land up in Jamesport, MO. Doug Long sends the word that Chucky's Challenge will be postponed until next Saturday - 2/11/12.

Chucky's Challenge

What: Chucky's Challenge
When: Saturday, February 11, 2012, 10:00 am
Where: Jamesport, MO
Why: Come enjoy a 56 mile tour of the Amish land to our North including a pass through Poosey.

Doug sends us a little teaser - Chucky Recon Ride



Proposed route below. The course will be marked and there are will be bail out options for those who do not have full Chucky's legs yet.

Gravel News Shorts - 01/27/12

Mother nature is not cooperating with our planned Colder than a Well Digger Ass ride on Sunday. The course we intend to use needs to be frozen over and is currently very muddy. We will reschedule the ride once the weather turns really cold. You can not really have a Colder than a Well Digger Ass ride when it is 40 degrees out can you. That would just be wrong.

In replacement for our ride the crew will be out at the SFT Annual Bicycle CancerThon held at Abele's Field in Leavenworth, KS. This is Santa Fe Trails Bicycle & Coffee Shop's annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Lake Dabinawa Grinder

What: Lake Dabinawa Grinder
When: Sunday January 22, 2012, 9:00 am
Where: Lawrence, KS (Meet behind Johnny's)
Why: Come enjoy a nice tour of North Lawrence. Two routes available - 51 mile long course and a less hilly 36 mile short course.

This ride will tour North of Lawrence and visit Lake Dabinawa and the long course will offer a food stop at Casey's in Tonganoxie. Jeff is hosting this ride and promises a relaxed pace. Meet in the parking lot across from Johnny's, 9am Sunday. Cross bike or MTB needed.

Courses below:

Long





Short

The Prowl Report

A great ride today as another mild day greeted our gravel grinders. A little chilly at first as most riders opted for a light layer of clothing with the afternoon highs around 60. A strong South wind combined with temps in the 30's and some rather steep climbs made for a real challenge as we headed toward Drexel. We may have to rename this ride the Wind Howler II. All that hard work riding into the wind paid off with a nice ride back.

A very nice route with a couple of "C" roads and abandoned bridges were navigated. Most agreed that this was good preparation for the upcoming DK200.

Thanks to John Williams for hosting the ride and to everyone who came out and made today's ride very fun.

Some photos from the day:



Video in route to Drexel.

Gravel News Shorts - 01/12/12

A busy weekend for rides this weekend.

Friday the 13th we have a night ride planned. Check out the Paraskevidekatriaphobia Night Ride if you enjoy riding at night. Current plan is to ride the Smithville MTB Trails. Bring your mountain bike, some lights and get ready to cure that Paraskevidekatriaphobia you might have.

Sunday John Williams host the Peculiar Prowl. John has a nice 58 mile route (shorter option also available). Expect a brisk pace for the A group with a B group option for those putting in more relaxed base miles.

UPDATE on Jeff's Lawrence ride. Jeff is under the weather and will not be able to lead Lawrence ride.... The Gravel Ride will be postponed by one week.... I have a head cold and will not be able to lead the ride.

New date and time for the Lawrence ride is 1/22 at 9am. See you there.

Jeff

We have another gravel grinder option on Sunday over in Lawrence, Kansas. This ride will tour North of Lawrence and visit Lake Dabinawa and offer a food stop at Casey's in Tonganoxie. Jeff is hosting this ride and promises a relaxed pace. Meet in the parking lot across from Johnny's, 9am Sunday. Cross bike or MTB needed.

Peculiar Prowl

What: Peculiar Prowl
When: Sunday January 15, 2012, 9:00 am
Where: Peculiar, MO (Country Mart)
Why: Why would you want to be stuck on a trainer when you could be gravel grinding :-) Forecast is for temps in the 30's/40's which is really nice for this time of year.
Who: Anyone who has a long endurance challenge on the calendar in 2012 and would like to train with like minded folk.

John Williams host this week ride with a nice route down to Drexel. For those who do not wish to do the entire 58 mile route there will be a shorter option as well as A and B groups.

Route below:

Badger Run Recap

While no one was attacked by mad Badger this time, several small Badger like dogs made up for it....

Another fun gravel grinder in the books. Weather was just about perfect for a ride for this time of year. All in all a beautiful day to be on the bike. Two flat tires in the A group kept the B group close enough that they finished within 5 minutes of each other. Ride leader Tim Greene learned a valuable lesson "that sprinting ahead to take pictures, putting the camera away and then sprinting to catch the group is harder than it looks" I would have to agree with your sir. It is harder than it looks. Adds a few interval sessions to the ride for sure....

Tim sends us a link to his pictures: Spring Hill Gravel Grinder Photos

A short video of the start:




Guru's Photos:

Spring Hill Badger Run

Updated 01/04/12....

What: The Spring Hill Badger Run
When: Sunday, January 8, 2012, 9:00 am
Where: Spring Hill, KS
Why: Because we all know you want to ride a section of gravel where Rob Pennel saw a Badger and thus became Badger bikes. This route also features the coldest spot in JOCO. Time to get on your bike and start training for all those races and long epic spring rides. That and it is too early to start breaking your New Years resolution to ride more....

Cue sheets will be provided. We have three route options for you. All are tried and true routes that we can all enjoy. The weather looks great for Sunday. Come enjoy

Ride Starts at the Price Chopper parking lot at 223rd street and route 7/169

Map below:





Option #2:





Option #3: