Frozen Festivus of NIghts

Conditions for this years Festivus were very cold and the trail was covered with several inches of snow. Fat Bikes ruled the day at this years Festivus of Nights

Several small groups formed with most turning around early due to the conditions.

 

Studded tires were a good choice if you did not have a Fat Bike.

One of the few that completed the entire course was Jeff Arnaud.  Look Jeff's ride on January 26th, 2014.  A nice gravel tour North of Lawrence.

Chris Thomas testing out the course conditions and showing earning some style points.

Several different methods were used to try and stay warm.  MX goggles over your eye glasses worked until your body generated heat.  Then they just fogged up. 

Gerard and Tim crossing one of the slick bridges.  Gerard is a master at riding ice so he had no problems.

Christopher had a good time riding at night. On the return trip home he bonked and it took over 3 hours to make it back.  He as tired and cold by the end of the night. 

The view of the trials at night.  Just pick a track and follow it. 

The winner of for t he Best Lighting Display Make sure you see me about your award Rod

Gravel News Shorts - 12/20/13

 Updated 8:00 am...

Calling all Snow Bike riders.  Snow Bikes with your tires so fat and wide won't you guide our Festivus Ride tonight. 

Sunday is the 4th Annual Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder.  The weather folks are calling for a cold one so dress is your warmest gear.  Expect temperatures in the low 20's.  Snow fall is also expected (they weathermen were correct this time) with some accumulation (~ 1 to 2 inches) so this years Feats of Strength will be who can ride the best in snow/ice.  My money is on Gerard Arantowicz - that dude can ride ice like no other person I know. 

After the ride it looks like El Jinete has $1.00 Taco's on Sunday night.  They are located just East of Natures Pantry on E 40 Hwy.  Sounds like a plan to me.  Check them out at http://eljineterestaurant.com/new/

Notice: There is a short detour on the Little Blue Trace.  See below map.

The Little Blue Trace Trail Map is below and HERE

Any updates about Sunday Nights ride will be posted here. 

4th Annual Festivus of Nights

The holiday season is upon us.  Please join us as we prepare for another fun Festivus. 

What: 4th Annual Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder 
When: Sunday Night, 12/22/13 - Time 5:00pm
Where: Little Blue Trace 
Who: Any and all are welcome
Why: To celebrate Festivus , air any grievances you may have,  partake in Feats of Strength and last but not least ride your bike at night on the fun Little Blue Trace Trail.

Join us on Facebook - Festivus of Nights

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. 

What do I need to bring? Besides a working bicycle, you will need lights. Red flashing light on the back and an LED or HID light on the front required. Many decorate there body/bikes, but this is not required.  Special prize for the best light display. 

Will will encounter any traffic? 99 % of this ride is on the Little Blue Trace trail. The trail does cross several roads so please use extreme caution while crossing any roads. 

We will meet up after the ride for dinner.  At this time  feel free to lashing out at others and the world about how you have been disappointed in the past year.

Disclaimer for the Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder : 

You are 100% responsible for yourself! You are totally on your own.  There are no rider services.  There is no support. If you choose to participate, you agree to taking full responsibility for what happens to you out on the course.  Please have someone you can call to come get you in the case of emergency, fatigue, freezing weather or bike failure. 

Gravel News Shorts - 12/04/13

The Gravel Guru team has been out of commission for a few weeks.  We have another week to heal up and then we are back on dirty stuff.  Look for our next Gravel Grinder the weekend of 12/15/13.

Save the date!  12/22/13 is our biggest event of the year.  The Festivus of Nights will be held on Monday night on the Little Blue Trace trail in Independence, MO. The weather this time of year can bring all kinds of challenges.  Last year was the Festivus of Ice.  The 2011 Festivus was a bitter cold evening but one of the most fun events ever.   Start thinking of how to decorate your bike for this years event.  As always there will be Best Lights display contest.

We have been out trying to find new exciting routes.  The one above looks very promising.  This route will be a mix of urban, old fields and of course gravel.

Who got in?  CIRREM registration was on Friday.  It sold out in record time.  Did you make the registration list?  If you did not, do not worry, there will be plenty of winter gravel grinder here.

Freeman Turkey Day Grinder

The Dirty Dog Race Pack presents:

What: Gobbler Grinder -  Freeman Turkey Day Grinder
When: Thursday, November 28, 2013, 8:30 am
Where: Freeman, 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.

Our Turkey day ride moves to Freemon, MO for 2013.   Great scenery and plenty of fresh gravel and country roads to explore.  Come enjoy 31 miles of gravel before your Thanksgiving feast.

Start location: Freeman City Hall, 106 E Main St, Freeman, MO 64746

Join us on FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/182942718572994/182944201906179/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity


Garmin Route: Freemon Turkey Day Grinder Route 

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.

The Lone Star Report

 Lone Star Lake.  The destination for today's little Gravel Grinder.  Nice views out by the lake today....

Lawrence is a hotbed for gravel grinding and it showed today with one of our largest ride ever.  Approximately 45 riders on today ride.

Jeff Arnaud hosted today's ride.  You know the ride is going to be fun and hard when Jeff's leading the way.  The wind on today's ride made it especially hard at times. 

It is always interesting who will show up on are rides.   We have had National Champions on our ride and now we can say we had SpaghettiOs on our little gravel grinders.

The bikes that show up on these gravel grinders are always interesting.  Craig shows off his vintage Fuji fixed gear with custom food bag. 

Pictures from today's ride: Lone Star Gravel Grinder III Pictures

Video from today's ride below:

Lone Star Gravel Grinder v3

What: 3rd Annual Lone Star Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday November 17, 2013 - 9:00 am start time
Where: Lawrence, Kansas to Lone Star Lake
Why: Because Jeff has a fat tire bike and loves to ride gravel with it.

We will have two courses options: 36 miles and 47 miles.  See links below for your Garmin device. We will meet at the trail head for the paved path, right by the southwind movie theaters and Holiday Inn Express.  It's at Iowa and 33rd street in Lawrence.

-Jeff

Join our event : https://www.facebook.com/events/536183119796539/

After a years hiatus, the Lone Star Gravel Grinder returns to Jayhawk country and the city of Lawrence, Kansas.  As we have found out, there are some mighty fine gravel roads to explore South of Lawrence.

Our first year we had a fun snowy gravel ride.

Two years ago the ride was held in early Spring and was much warmer and had some less than ideal conditions.

This year we are holding the ride in November so expect great riding conditions with cold morning temperatures that will quickly warm up.

Map links are below:

Short Course - http://connect.garmin.com/course/5114139
Long Course - http://connect.garmin.com/course/5114146

More info to follow...

Tour de Chicken Creek

The Lawrence Bicycle Club has resurrected the Tour de Chicken Creek gravel road ride.

What: Tour de Chicken Creek
Why: Come enjoy the hard packed gravel on
When Sunday, November 3rd, 2013 - 9:00 am Start time
Where: Lawrence River Front Park.

Notes: Registration opens @ 8:00 am.  Cost is $20.00.  Distances are 20 or 40 miles. This ride is fully supported with SAG stops 10 to 15 miles.

The Full Monty Report

A great night for the Full Moon Monty.  Gravel conditions were most excellent with only a few rough spots that caused some spilled beverages. The temps were a little cool for anyone to dare a full monty


A few pictures from the evening: Full Monty III Pictures

Some vids from the evening:
 

Full Moon Monty Kicks off Season

Join us for the kickoff to the 2013/14 Gravel Grinding season. 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.

The Full Moon Monty is a popular ride and for this year we are moving the event over to Spring Hill, KS.  Tim Greene has a nice course in Spring Hill for us with 30 miles of gravel goodness to begin our season. 

Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/588908304508532

Full Moon Monty v3

What: The 3rd Annual Full Moon Monty
When: Saturday Night, October 19, 2013 - 6:30 pm start time.
Where: Ride starts in Spring Hill, KS -  see map link below.
Who: For those who love gravel grinding at night.
Special Requirements: Lights and no fear of the dark.

The Full Moon Monty Route

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide

Fall Gravel Grinders

It is officially Fall which means it is time for some gravel grinding.

This season we are planning about 2 to 3 riders per month.  We will have the old classics like the Gobbler Grinder and Mullet Ride.  The Gun City Gravelrie is retuning along with the Pleasant Hill Thrill.  Look for new exciting rides like the Sweetlove Gravel Grinder on some new terrain that will surely bring out your love for gravel.

Check back over the next two weeks for a full calendar below

2013/14 Rides:

• Sweetlove Gravel Grinder
• Full Moon Monty Grinder
• Gunn City Gravelrie
• Lonestar Gravel Grinder
• Gobbler Grinder
• Festivus of Nights
• New Years Day Ride
• Spoke Pony Gravel Express
• Lake Dabinawan Grinder
• The Mullet Ride

LeRoy Gravel Grind

Looks like a great weekend to get out an ride some gravel. This weekend is the LeRoy Gravel Grind for Honor Flight.  Held in LeRoy, Kansas (South East of Emporia).

This 12 & 28 mile gravel ride is a fundraiser for the Honor Flight program where Southern Coffey County High School takes war veterans to Washington D. C. to visit the war memorials.
All the details are on the registration form that is uploaded as a picture that you can print off. If you have any questions, just ask. This will be held during the Leroy Homecoming Celebration.

What: LeRoy Gravel Grind for Honor Flight
Where: LeRoy, Kansas
When: September7, 2013 - 7:00 a.m.
Why: "We Ride, So They Can Fly"

Entry form below

Dusk to Dark 60

It is August and after a little break we are getting hungry for some gravel grinding.  Luckily for us our friends at High Gear are having a little ride in Emporia, KS in a couple of weeks.   Check out High Gear Cyclery's Face Book page to RSVP.  

The Hairy Hundred

Gravel racing continues next weekend with the Hairy Hundred.   I personally like my beavers shaved, but some like em hairy....

Date: June 15, 2013
Starting Location: Rocheport, MO
Starting Time: 8 a.m.
Distance: 100 miles
Categories and Fees:

• Team ($45)
• Women Open ($30)
• 30 and under ($30)
• 31–45 ($30)
• 46 and over ($30)

Registration is open, so be sure to sign up early.

The Hairy Hundred is a 100 mile challenge through the rolling hills of Howard County.  Riders will challenge themselves on the scenic backroads of Central Missouri, taking in the expansive views of the mighty MO, historic homesteads, grave yards, and the rustic beauty of gold old Missouri. 

Register today: The Hairy 100 Registration.

Memorial Day Gravel Grinder

In final preps for the upcoming Dirty Kanza Race, A few of us will be
riding a 40-mile gravel ride North of town on Monday.

Meet at Johnny's Tavern in North Lawrence at 9am.

The route will head out on the levee, cross hwy 24 onto Rice road. Then
at 13th street, we will head over to Republic and follow that on up to
78th street. The return route will be along Buck Creek Road, back down
to 13th street. From there it's reverse from the way out.

There will be a few options to turn back early if you want a shorter
ride. The pace will be easy, maybe around 10-12 average. Let's fine
tune those bikes before the big day! See you there.

-Jeff

Gravel Ride for Maisie's Pride

Looking for fun and rewarding event?  Need training for your next gravel adventure?   Check out Ryan Dudley's little gravel adventure down in Eskridge, KS.  Details below.


What: Gravel Ride For Maisie's Pride 
Where:  103 N. Main, Eskridge, Kansas

When: Saturday, May 11, 2013

Why:  We are excited to bring you our 3rd annual Gravel Ride For Maisie's Pride.  This is a fundraising event, to help keep out local pool running. Maisie Devore collected and recycled aluminum cans for 30 years, to realize her dream of a community swimming pool.  Maisie turns 94 soon!

 

Register today:  Gravel Ride for Maisie's Pride Registration

 

Info and updates at  http://www.maisieride.blogspot.com

Baldwin City Historic Gravel Grinder

What: Mullet Ride
When: Saturday, February 16, 2013 @ 10:00 a.m.
Where: Baldwin City, Kansas
Why: The Mullet is the reason why gravel grinding is so popular.

Start location is at the Antiques on the Prairie, 520 High Street, Baldwin City, KS. Maps and Popcorn provided for the 25 mile ride (50 if you do it twice)

This is old school gravel grinding at its finest.  The one and only Mullet Ride (aka the Baldwin City Historic Gravel Road Bike Ride) is this Saturday.  Gerard's Mullet Ride is great for both the experienced gravel grinder and any newbies out there - 25 and 50 mile routes are available.

Speaking of old school. Check out our Gerard back in the day.  One hell of a track racer when he lived in Pennsylvania. 

Old School Map:

The Spoke Pony Report

You know Tim is hosting a gravel grinder when you wake up and turn on the news and the weather man is reporting high wind advisory.....

 I do not know what it is about Gardner.  That place has to be one of the windiest places on earth.  Or maybe it is just Tim Greene's calling to host the rides that have 40+ mph winds in them. I give Tim credit for trying to break the curse however.  He changed the name of his ride from the Wind Howler to the Spoke Pony Gravel Express.  But as the saying goes, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig.   You can not change the fact that it will be damn windy on any ride out of Gardner, Kansas.

We had several first time Gravel Grinders out today including Joe Parker.  Just so you know Joe, we only have 40+ mph winds when Tim hosts a ride.  Next week is Gerard's Mullet ride and he guarantees no wind

Echelon was the word of the day. Not always an easy task on gravel. Jason, Tim and Jeff show perfect form.

 Strong man of the day was Edd Pineda.  Edd rolled away from the leading group numerous time only to have wait for us at every turn.  Next ride we will do a better job of keeping up. 

Thank you Tim for another fun yet painful ride.  Maybe next time we have a point-to-point gravel grinder.  We will transport everyone out into the wind and then we can enjoy a brisk tail wind all the way home. 

A few pics from the day. Not that many because every time I went to take a picture I about got blown off my bike.... Spoke Pony Gravel Express Photos

Spoke Pony Gravel Express

Updated 02/08/13 - New map w/cue sheets

Tim Greene brings us another fine gravel grinder

What: Spoke Pony Gravel Express
When: Sunday February 10, 2013, 10:00 am
Where: Gardner, KS
Why: Because it is time to start putting in some more training mileage for the upcoming season. The Quachita Challenge, DK 200/100 and ORGE are right around the corner.

A quick course review of by the ride leader Tim: Spoke Pony route has around 12 miles of pavement and 41 of gravel. No killer climbs, but some long gradual grades where you know you are going uphill. Lots of options to make shorter for those that don't want to do 57 miles. The last time I did parts of this route (1 week ago) it was reminiscent of the Wind Howler ride with a 10 mph (mostly downhill) average out with 20 mph (mostly uphill) average back. So expect the wind show up like it did for the Can't get lost ride. We can pull into Eudora for a break at 22 miles and pull into Baldwin City if necessary for water.

Starting point is 600 New Century Parkway, New Century(Gardner), KS in the Century Link Parking Lot. Right off I 35 and 175th street.

**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.**
 

Course maps below:

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide

The Dabinawa Report

A near perfect day for gravel grinding.  Over night rains packed down the gravel making for a fun dust free ride.  Things got started on the Lawrence Levee trail with our ride leader Jeff Arnaud leading the way.

Several new riders showed up today to test their legs on with some gravel grinding fun.

The start of the ride on You Tube: http://youtu.be/T6Z1ZtZuVmI

The Wheel Cyclery's Tom Hall earned the Ironman award of the day. Rode the entire 53 miles (hilly ass miles mind you) with a pair of running shoes.

The Flat tire: http://youtu.be/XfBpSCfSSZA

Thank you Jeff  for hosting one fun ride. Very scenic view and some very testing gravel.  Next year lets leave out some of those darn hills :-)

Photos from the day

Lake Dabinawa Grinder Photos

Videos:

The Start: http://youtu.be/T6Z1ZtZuVmI 

The Flat tire on the downhill (about crashed): http://youtu.be/XfBpSCfSSZA

Gravel News Shorts - 01/25/13

Update Sunday 6:15 AM:  The Lake Dabinawa Grinder is a GO.  Jeff reports only a small amount of rain - just enough to keep the dust down.  See everyone at 9:00 am. 

Sunday is the Lake Dabinawa Grinder.  The forecast is calling for some nice cold rain.  We need the rain, but as the ride leader Jeff says "Riding in cold rain does not sound like fun".  As you can see below, those back country roads can become a real challenge when it rains.  As of now we are still a GO, but please check back Saturday evening/Sunday morning  for updates. As you know the weather can change very quickly around here.

Next Saturday is the annual Chucky's Challenge.  Check out http://chuckyschallenge.blogspot.com/ for updates.

Look for a course maps and complete info on Tim Greene's Spoke Pony Gravel Express on 2/10/13.  You will not want to miss it nor Gerard's Mullet Ride on 2/16/13. 

Lake Dabinawa Grinder v2

What: Lake Dabinawa Grinder
When: Sunday January 27, 2013, 9:00 am
Where: Lawrence, KS (Lawrence visitor center)
Why: Come enjoy a nice tour of North Lawrence. Two routes available - 51 mile long course and a less hilly 36 mile short course.

Jeff Arnaud brings us the 2nd Annual Lake Dabinawa Grinder. A very popular ride with two course options so all ability levels are welcome. 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. Meet in the Lawrence visitor center parking lot across from Johnny's Tavern. Cross bike or MTB needed.

 Short course:

Using a Garmin device:  Lake_Dabinawa_Short

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide

Long course:

Using a Garmin device: Lake_Dabinawa_Long_Course

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide

Never Lost, but Damn Cold

 Today was Johnny Dotson's first annual Never Get Lost Gravel Grinder out of Endora, KS  A great turnout with plenty of new faces despite the chilly starting temps in the 20's. True to Johnny's word, no one got lost and enjoyed nice paced 30 mile gravel grinders. 

Two main groups formed as expected but the tempo within the groups were very enjoyable and it showed with all the smiling faces I saw throughout the afternoon.

The return trip back to Endora was into the wind and it got a little chilly quick.Nice pace lines developed and made the trip back quick and near painless.

Thank you Johnny for a very fun ride.  We will have to hold more beginner friendly rides/routes because this one was very fun.

Complete Photo album: Never Get Lost Gravel Grinder Photos

Never Lost on YouTube:

Never Get Lost Gravel Grinder

What: Never Get Lost Gravel Grinder
When: Saturday, January12, 2013 - 10:00 AM Start time.
Where: Endora, KS (C&S Market)
Who: Any and all are welcome, especially beginners.

As we begin a new year we would like to offer a beginner friendly gravel grinder for everyone - both in distance and route.  Many of our routes can be confusing with all the back country roads and numerous turns.  Johnny Dotson came up with a great idea to hold a ride with an easy course to follow and at a reduced pace so everyone can enjoy the ride.  

There will be two rides: one for more experienced grinders and one for those looking to give gravel grinding a try and see what all the fun is about.

Meet at:the parking lot for C&S Market at 1402 Church St , Eudora Ks

**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.**

Gravel News Shorts 01/07/13

Welcome to the new year everyone!  I hope you are ready for another year of gravel grinding fun.

Our last gravel grinder was on 1/1/13.  While not officially a true gravel grinders we did have several gravel rigs out enjoying the day at the Lawrence River Trails.  Eric Struckhoff on his cross rig leads Gerard Arantowicz (the original gravel grinder) and Todd Fridley above.

A complete photo album of all the fun: LMBC New Years Day Ride Photos

 We are in the works planning several gravel grinders over the next two months.    Look for details about a ride on Saturday in a few days and you will not want to miss the original gravel ride - The Mullet Ride on 2/16/13.  Gerard says there are plenty of mullets and dead squirrels for everyone.  Just make sure yours is legal if you are growing one....

Our last news of the day is registration for the very popular DK200 is coming up this weekend. Complete details at http://www.dirtykanza200.com/ .