Kings of the Ville Ride Photos

Pictures are up from today's King of theVille Ride

2016 King of the Ville Ride Photos

Thanks to Kevin Nierman and the Dirty Dogs for hosting today's ride.

Kings of the Ville Ride

What: 2nd Annual Kings of the Ville Ride
Where: Downtown Pleasant Hill (at the Train Depot)
When: March 19th, 2016 - 9:00 am Start

Kevin Nierman and the Dirty Dogs bring us the 2nd Annual Kings of the Ville Ride.  A lovely 44 mile route starting in Pleasant Hill, MO and passes through some lovely small towns like  Kingsville,  Gunn City, and East Lynne before returning to Pleasant Hill.

Join us on Face Book for updates and a little history (also see below) :  https://www.facebook.com/events/348859961904311/353006941489613/

Route maps are below. 

Kevin is old school like me and uses good ole gmap-pedometer for his online map. Here is the link: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6815844

Cue sheet link (pdf) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B30D1tq16zzIN09DWGcySHY4YTA/view

Garmin map link:  -  https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/11830967

Strava map link: https://www.strava.com/routes/4374239

Kevin's History Lessons:

History Lesson 1:
Kingsville Missouri was founded by settler William King in 1851ish. He was born in Independence, Missouri, in 1831, but due to its growing meth problem, King fled Independence to rural areas to start his own meth operation. Later, conveniently situated on the newly-built rail line, he had access to easy distribution and soon businesses and Meth-odist churches popped up and made it the thriving town it is today. The Stahl Mining Co - originally formed during the Civil War to cast lightweight canons for the South, still mines aluminum to this day. It just looks like a normal building, but the pit inside goes deep down into the earth. Fact.

History Lesson 2:
On this ride, we will pass the grave site of Missouri's famousest dog, Old Drum. Long story short, Old Drum was sniffin' the wrong place at the wrong time. His name was given to him by his owner, Charles Burden, describing the sound it made when he'd beat his dog for dragging home one of his neighbor's dead sheep. Old Drum met his fate three days before Halloween in 1869. So much for that sheep costume he was sewing together in the beet cellar behind the barn. Fact.

History Lesson 3:
Originally, Pleasant Hill Missouri was named "Pleasant Situation on an Elevated Prairie", but the Union Army hated this so much that they imposed a general order (No. 11) commanding they shorten their name or else the towns population would be dispersed and all livestock slaughtered and crops set ablaze. Pleasant Hill complied, obviously. These were hard times. We have it easy. Fact.

The Strada Gridia Report III

A record turnout for this years Strada Gridia.  Each year this event has grown.  I still remember the first one when we had and from them on this event has been one of my favorites.

Phil and his family really did an awesome job of hosting this years event at their Sweet Love farm.  His passion of cycling really shows.

It was nice to see so many Women enjoying the grow of gravel riding. 

The Sweetlove  farm is a fully functioning farm.  Lately we have been eating farm fresh eggs.  I personally really enjoy them.

The Dirty Dogs were out in force today.  A great team that really has a passion for gravel racing/riding.  I just love their new kit. 

You never know who you will see at one of these grinder.  It is always nice to see an old friend.  I was very surprised to see Keith Walberg since they moved to Washington a couple of years ago.  Turns out they have moved back to Kansas.  I have always enjoyed viewing Keith's videos.

Phil's daughter lead the neutral start to the first road.   She did a great job especially riding down that rocky driveway on her road bike.  Phil you need to get that girl a real bike.

 We had a first time gravel grinder today.  Carolynn invited our friend  from the Northland Sarah to come out.  It was her first time riding on gravel, the first time using clip less pedals and she was on a borrowed bike.  Sarah did awesome and looks forward to more gravel grinding with us.

And we begin the The Sweet Love Gravel Grinder.  I know Phil officially calls his ride the Strada Grida which means "Gray Roads" in Italian but in my heart it will always be Sweet Love.

The Sweet Love Farm is right in the middle of gravel grinding paradise - gravel right at his door step.  It was nice to see such a large group show up to take part in today's ride. 

R.E. Hobbs leading the way and kicking up a little dust storm.  The roads were very fast and dusty today.

 Roger Williams taking care of some last minute business before he settles into his ride.  Roger is training hard along with everyone else for his upcoming Gravelleurs Raid. 

Jeff and Keith leading a nice size group during the first part of the ride.

Danny Noble looking good in his new kit.  The Nobles hosted their "after the Sweet Love" party.  Their son served up some tasty pulled pork.

 Mike Bland rolled the long course today.  Looking good Mike.

Speaking of old friends.  Look who showed up.  None other than Jud Milham.  It was good riding with you today Jud.  Hope to see again soon.

After the ride Phil served us up some very tasty pancakes.  Thanks for not burning mine Phil :-)

Phil, his family and friends all pitched in to make this a very fun event.  I can not wait until next year's ride.

Carolynn really enjoyed the post ride pancakes.  They hit the spot for sure.

Here is the link to all our photos from today's 3rd Annual Strada Gridia.