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:

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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

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Long course:

Using a Garmin device: Lake_Dabinawa_Long_Course

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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/ .