2017 Bean Lake Gravel Challenge

Post Event:

Pictures from today's ride (added Dean Bushnell photos): 2017 Bean Lake Gravel Challenge Pictures

We had a good size group today which filled the parking lot.  Next year we will move the start location to allow for more parking.  Sorry for any inconvenience. 

Updated 02/02/07:  Course map added - Garmin file and route sheet.  

What: Bean Lake Gravel Challenge
When: Sunday February 5, 2017, 9:00 am
Where: Weston, MO - Meet at the Weston Bluffs Trail head
Why: Come enjoy a scenic and challenging ride to one of the few remaining marshes left in the Missouri River Floodplain.

 Last years ride was held on snow packed trails.

A little history on Bean Lake...Bean Lake  in a section of the Little Bean Marsh Conservation Area. The 400 acre oxbow is home to migrating waterfowl and shorebirds during spring and fall. Amazingly, more than 130 species of birds have been seen here though the number of birds depends on the water level. There is half a mile of disabled accessible trail that is perfect for hiking with families and friends. This leads to a viewing platform over the freshwater marsh. Another 200 yard trail leads to a viewing blind overlooking Cottonwood Slough. 

The main trail head only has room for about 25 vehicles.  If that lot fills up there is additional parking on Beverly Drive.  Note: no facilities are available at the trail head (plenty of woods however...).
 
The main route is just under 40 miles in length. Course is 95% gravel.  A combination of scenic trail along the Weston Bluffs Trail and the Missouri River.  Hills?  Yes there will be some hills and some of the finest gravel around.  You will complete a loop around Bean Lake.

 Course map: Route sheet above.  Garmin below file below.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/14357700

  

Disclaimer for the Bean Lake Gravel Challenge:
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. 

2017 Lake Dabinawa Grinder

 Post event:

Thank you Jeff for another fun and challenging ride.  This is one of my favorite routes and I am already looking forward to next years. 

Pictures are up - 2017 Lake Dabinawa Gravel Grinder Photos

Updated 01/28/17:  Weather is looking great for tomorrows ride. Ride temps in the high 30's to low 40's.  For those who are not ready for the full loop, we added a modified shorter route which is 32 miles.  Updated route also posted below. 

What: 6th Annual  Lake Dabinawa Grinder
When: Sunday January 29, 2017, 9:00 am
Where: Lawrence, KS (Lawrence visitor center)
Why: Come enjoy a beautiful 44 mile tour of North Lawrence.

Jeff Arnaud brings us the 6th 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 some post ride food, maybe a crowd favorite pizza, head over to Johnny's Tavern after the ride.

Join us on FB: Lake Dabinawa Grinder

Course map via Garmin Connect:  Lake Dabinawa Grinder 44 Mile Course. 

Short Course map via Garmin Connec: Lake Dabinawa Grinder 32 Mile Course

**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.**