Chucky's Challenge

**UPDATED - Chucky's Challenge POSTPONED**

From Doug:

As much as it pains me, it could pain me even more if we try to ride on the slick conditions that the national forecast is predicting for our area.  I also don't want to see anyone traveling under the conditions forecasted.

The 57 mile course actually traverses a variety of forecasts with mostly snow on the west side and possible sleet and freezing rain mixed with snow on the east.  I'm also concerned about the aggie gravel roads not being cleared by tomorrow should we get more precipitation tonight.

Time for the 7th Annual Chucky's Challenge is upon us.  Join our friends from Jamesport Missouri for a true classic gravel grinder. This year course will feature 57 miles of buff gravel. The route will utilize the fine ground gravel via Amish buggies, some paved sections, and the rolling hills of the "Green Hills" region.

What: Chuck's Challenge
When: Saturday, February 1st, 2014 - 10:00 am Start
Where: Jamesport, MO
Why: Anyone can ride a trainer on a cold February day, but it takes some courage to brave the weather. Will you come join the fun? Or are YOU Afraid of your shadow?????

If you plan on coming please contact Doug Long - dlong at windjammercable dot net.  CUE sheets will be available and SAG stops will be provided so bring a food bad if you need items SAGed. 

The start is at the 4 way stop downtown Jamesport, MO There is plenty of parking in the lot next to the Jamesport Tavern.

 Chucky's Challenge Map Link

Map below:

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The Dabinawa Report

Something must be in the water over in Lawrence.  Every time we host a ride there we get great turnouts. Today's Lake Dabinawa Gravel Grinder was no exception.  The final count today was 71 riders. That might just be a new record.  Check out the photos from today's ride - Lake Dabinawa Gravel Grinder Photos.

Thanks again to Jeff Arnaud for hosting this very fun ride.  

 Today's ride brought out some first timers and some who have not ridden with us in awhile. 

Our favorite two riders showed up again for more gravel grinding fun.  No matter the conditions they come out and that is why they are true gravel grinders at heart.

Today's ride hit gravel right away.  Well sort of - we heading to the levee from the parking lot.  A short little tricky downhill and we were off riding the levee

Some good views can be had while out gravel grinding.  I like this one in particular - The KAW river to your right and a huge pack of gravel grinders heading out for a days adventure.

The view towards the rear.  With so many riders it is hard to work your way towards the front. 

The cool morning temperatures always makes it hard to dress.  You know you will have to peel off clothing layers soon enough and who wants carry clothing for 3 hours.  This rider  has a great ideal to keep your head warm and be able to store once the temps heat up.

For some reason a handful of riders had bike troubles within the first 5 miles.

Phil will be hosting the SweetLove Gravel Grinder over the upcoming valentines day weekend.  I just love Phil's wool jersey.  I myself wore a wool jersey today - see bottom picture. 

The large early group broke into many small groups based on ability and current fitness level.  I myself enjoyed a fun ride on an awesome winters day. 

Lake Dabinawa Grinder v3

What: Lake Dabinawa Grinder
When: Sunday January 26, 2014, 9:00 am
Where: Lawrence, KS (Lawrence visitor center)
Why: Come enjoy a nice 36 mile tour of North Lawrence.

Join us on FB - Lake Dabinawa Grinder Event

Jeff Arnaud brings us the 3rd Annual Lake Dabinawa Grinder. A very popular ride with a route that all ability levels will enjoy.  This ride will tour North of Lawrence and visit Lake Dabinawa . Meet in the Lawrence visitor center parking lot across from Johnny's Tavern. Cross bike or MTB needed.  For those who want additional miles we can ride a lap or two on the Lawrence River Trails once we get back. 

Course map (via Garmin Connect) below:

http://connect.garmin.com/course/2699081

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

The 2014 Mullet Ride Report

The Mullet Ride is the longest running gravel ride in Kansas.  That tradition brought out a record number of gravel grinders for today's ride.

Sadly, not many mullets were actually seen today.  This rider had the only thing that resembled a mullet.  Where are all the mullets when you need them?

Gerard offered a custom made award and free entry into the Bone Bender Mountain Bike race for the rider to reach the top of the first major climb of the day.  None other that Travis Donn took home that honor.


Here is a short piece from today's ride - http://youtu.be/JXnitwgY6u4 . We only got footage from the first 10 miles.  Darn camera bracket broke on our bike :-(

Today's ride quickly broke into three groups.  You quickly find your place your place once the gravel and hills arrive.

The wind really picked up about an hour into the ride.   Finding a good wheel to shelter you from the wind was a good practice today.  Where is Tall Brian when you need him????

The gravel out in Baldwin City was mostly fast and smooth.  I talked to many people today that said they were training for an upcoming gravel endurance event.  While the gravel was easy going that wind sure as heck was a good training stimulus.

There are many great endurance athletes here in the Kansas City area.  One of them was Don Daily. He came out today to spin his legs before next weeks big Arrowhead 135.  Check out Don's food bag on his frame.  He will need it for his challenge next week.

Tony reached his goal of cycling 5000 miles last year.  He celebrated by coming out adding 50 miles to his 2014 total which is growing fast.

We had one tandem today.  It handled the gravel really well.  The speed it achieved on the downhills were a little scarey at times especially when there is a sheet of ice on the descent.  Looking forward to more gravel grinders on the tandem for sure.

A huge Thank you needs to go out to Gerard Arantowicz for hosting today's ride.  Gerard has been a fixture in our local cycling community for the past 15 years.  This pic was from the original God's Country Off-road Duathlon.  Anyone guess where the first one was held?

The Mullet Ride

The Baldwin City Bike Club Presents:

The Mullet Ride !

Historic Gravel Road

Bike Ride

25 and 50 mile options

Saturday, January 18th, 2014

At 10 am In Baldwin city, Kansas

A Mullet Ride is business at the front and a party in the back!

________________________________________________________________________

Contact Gerard at 785-691-7099 if you get lost

Directions:

Take 56 Hwy to Baldwin City. go south at 6th street (the only stoplight in town) and go about 5 blocks to

High Street and 6th.

Antiques on the Prairie is on the left. park there.

Presents:

There will be a king of the mountain preme sprint on Dead Squirrel Hill.

Old School Mullet Map:

High Tech Mullet Map:

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide

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

Spoke Pony Recap

First I would like to thank Tim Greene for hosting the Spoke Pony Gravel Express.  I know I had a great time and got to enjoy an afternoon grinding with my friends. 

Photos from the day: Spoke Pony Gravel Grinder Photos.

The Spoke Pony video is at http://youtu.be/4cHw9mvF91w  or click below...

Today's ride started out of Gardner.  After Tim gave us an inspired ride instructions we headed out in hope that the gravel was not has bad as we expected. 

Brett won the award for the best fender.  Those that had fenders got to use them on this day.

It is always fun to see the different setups that show up on ride morning.  I really like this drinking system especially in muddy conditions.  Drinking out of a muddy bottle sucks

The first few miles of gravel were very nice.  Only slight damp, but temps were still kind of cold so the ground was still firm.

A wide variety of colors out on the ride today.  Which rider chose wisely?

I really like today's ride because the main group stayed together for the first hour.  It was nice to ride with a large group.  As Joe Parker said.  This time of year is all about Miles and Smiles.

One good thing about gravel grinding is limited cars. Still, it is nice to wear highly visible clothing with proper signage.

Time was kind enough to bring extra treats in case anyone bonked.  Last year I hit the wall in a bad way and times nut bar saved me.  This year I had a nice cookie waiting for me.

Things got a little sketchy when we hit the first ice rink of the day.  David Mathews hits the ground along with several others. 

Guess who never went down during the day? 

Only one dead rider at the end.  Just kidding.  Michael was just taking a nap after working all night..

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Spoke Pony Gravel Express

Tim Greene is kicking the 2014 Gravel Grinding season off with his popular Spoke Pony Gravel Express.  The weather Saturday is looking great - Temps in the 40's. 

What: Spoke Pony Gravel Express
When: Saturday January 11, 2014, 10:00 am
Where: Gardner, KS
Why: Because it is time to start putting in some more training mileage for the upcoming season. God's Country, Quachita Challenge, Bone Bender, DK 200/100 and ORGE are right around the corner.

Join us on FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1391970251056808/

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. 

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

Course Map: Spoke Pony Gravel Express

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

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