Bean Lake Gravel Challenge

Updated 1/7/18:

Radar looks o.k. to me.  Ride is on.  Only change is I will be starting at the Weston Bluffs Trail head and lot City Hall as posted below.  Parking should not be a problem - only diehard gravel grinders will be out. If you are one join in today.  

Route sheet has been added below along with course maps (Garmin)

Parking update: Weston Bend State Park (16600 Missouri 45, Weston, MO 64098) is open and will remain open this week unless we have snows/freezing rain.  As mentioned below, there is parking for about 25 to 30 vehicles at the main South Weston Bluffs Trail head.  I am parking at the North end of the trail (Weston City Hall) and riding South to the Start of anyone wants to join - see below.

Weather: We are keeping an eye on the forecast.  Usually we ride regardless of the weather unless the road conditions are dangerous at which time we would postpone the event for another day. I will post an update on Saturday if anything changes.  As of now, we are a GO.   

What: Bean Lake Gravel Challenge
When: Sunday January 7, 2018, 10:00 am
Where: Weston, MO -
Why: Come enjoy a scenic and challenging ride to one of the few remaining marshes left in the Missouri River Floodplain.

Meet at the Weston Bluffs Trail head for our 10:00 am start time.

NOTE: the main trail head only has room for about 25 vehicles.  If that lot fills up, please park in  downtown Weston City Hall or the Weston Bend State Park - see map.  Ride South on Weston Bluffs Trail to the start (only a couple miles) or just wait for the main group heading North.

As of now I plan to park at the Weston City Hall and lead a group from the Weston City Hall back South along the route to the Weston Bluffs Trail head.  For those who want to add some miles or enjoy a scenic warmup along the trail please join me at 9:30 am to depart South to meet up for the planned 10:00 am start.  

Facilities are available in the City of Weston for those whom need To Go... No facilities are available at the Weston Bluffs Trail head

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.

Course Map(s)

Route Sheet - Bean Lake Gravel Challenge Route Sheet

Beside the loop around Bean Lake this is an out/back course which will make it perfect for anyone who does not want to ride the entire distance. 

Link to Garmin route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/16981438 

Do to several request we have made short course(s).  One that stays flat and one that includes some hills and is longer.

Link to Short Course route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17075609

Link to Short Course w/hills route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17075712

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 Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder

Updated 12/21/17:

Latest forecast call for cold weather (sadly no snow) with about 32 degrees at start time.  Winds out of the North which means a nice tail wind on our return trip.

Festivus of Nights Course Map (Garmin File)

Fireball handups out on course.

Update 2/19/17:

Let it snow, let it snow....

Maybe.  It has been a few years since the last Festivus was run in the snow.  Always a good time riding snow on the Little Blue Trace.  Either way it will be cold so dress in plenty of layers.




What: 8th Annual Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder
When: Saturday Night, 12/23/17, 6:00 pm
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.

Note: Start location is confirmed: Natural Grocers, 19019 E. 48th St S, Independence, MO 64055

Course options:  Festivus Standard course (~24 miles) riders will turn left and head North on the Little Blue Trace trail  For those wanting more miles we have the long course (~30 miles) which will turn right and head South on the trail head to the far end of the trail (Lees Summit Road) before turning  around and heading back North completing the entire length of the trail.  Note: There are several shelters along the way.  Feel free to turn around at any one to shorten your Festivus adventure.

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 their body/bikes, but this is not required.  Special prize for the best light display.

Will we encounter any traffic on the ride? 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.

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. 

2017 Danny's Delight Gravel Grinder

Post ride....

 Thanks to Danny and Tara Noble for hosting today's ride.  Danny even had a PA, but I still could not hear him.  Maybe I am getting old.

Apparently there are dogs that attack up in Oskaloosa.  One even bit Tara a couple of weeks ago.  Now along with plenty of food Danny carries dog repellent spray.

A strong group got away early.  Those early hills and wind where sure tough.

Roger was out on course today playing his music and having a great time as usual.  His good fortune turn shortly after this picture and he had some tire troubles and had to cut the ride short.

More tire troubles out on the route.  Big ole gravel will do that to you.

I really appreciated the water out on course. 

Tim's stomach was sour the first part of the ride but once we headed back South he put in some strong pulls.  Or maybe it was just the tailwind....

If you liked wind and hills then today's Danny's Delight Gravel Grinder was truly delightful.

We tripled the turnout from last year so evidently gravel grinders do link wind and hills.  Or maybe they came for the post ride chili feed?

Pictures can be found at 2017 Danny's Delight Gravel Grinder Photos



What: 2nd Annual Danny's Delight Gravel Grinder
When: Saturday, December 9, 2017, 9:00 am
Where: Oskaloosa, KS (Start at the City Hall)
Why: Great gravel and chili feed after ride.

Join us on FB: Danny's Delight Gravel Grinder 

City Hall address: 212 West Washington Street). Restrooms will be available @ 8:30 am when it opens. 

NEW THIS YEAR: There will be a chili feed starting at 11 am at the city hall (our start and finish line), this is a fund raiser for a family in Oskaloosa. The organizers of the fund raiser will also be raffling off a refinished dresser the same day. So bring a few bucks... 

 Course maps:

Long course 50 miles (Garmin Connect link)

Short course 26 miles (Garmin Connect link) 

Badger Run Gravel Grinder

Recap:  The weather gods did not bless us today.  None the less, we had some brave gravel grinding soles come out to ride with us today.  Yes is was windy, and we got rained on and some of us were cold and we even got a little muddy but we had a fun time  Thanks again Tim Greene for hosting.

 Complete Badger Run Gravel Grinder Photo Album 

Update 11/17/17:  Tim will have course maps for anyone who needs them.  Courses conditions are currently great.  Temps in the low 40's with some wind so it will feel a lot cooler. Perfect gravel grinding weather :-)  May encounter a small shower in the morning but remember we run rain or shine. See everyone in the morning. 

What: The 2017 Badger Run Gravel Grinder
When: Saturday,  November 18, 2017, 9:00 am
Where: Spring Hill, KS (Start at Hwy 7 and 223rd Street - shopping center)
Why: Looking for evidence of the rumored Avenger facility being built south of KC.

Tim Greene again brings us one of his classic rides on some of his favorite gravel roads down in Spring Hill.

We will meet at the Hy Vee shopping Center in Spring Hill at the Spring Hill/Bucyrus exit off of 169 Highway.  There is about 1700 feet of climbing on this ride with most of the big hills on Somerset that are part of the 40 mile loop.  The shorter routes are sparred the big climbs.

Routes (Garmin) below:

The Badger Run Long Route (40 miles)

The Badger Run Medium Route (29 miles)

The Badger Run Short Route (22 miles)

Routes (Mapmyride) below:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1358414983 (40 miles)

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1358399884 (29 miles) 

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1358403586 (22 miles) 

Tour de Chicken Creek

Join the Lawrence Bicycle Club on Sunday, November 5, for our annual Tour de Chicken Creek gravel grinder.
Start time:  8:30 a.m.  Please note that daylight savings ends on that day.
Start Location:  Lawrence Riverfront Park, west of the Tee Pee junction, which is the intersection of 59 and 24/40 highways (E1450 and N1800) in North Lawrence.  To get to the park, go west over the levee and down toward the river.  (Note:  Google maps for ‘Riverfront Park’ will NOT get you to the right place.)
Length:  21 and 40 mile options
Registration:  $5 cash or check day-of registration only
The route will be similar to the 2016 route.  The ride no longer follows the Chicken Creek south of town but we’ve kept the name in honor of some past epic rides.
There will be one SAG with snacks and water. The roads are hard-packed, with a rolling hills and limited motor traffic.

2017 Margarita Ride

Recap...

Here are a few photos from today: 2017 Margarita Ride Photos.

Despite the cold weather, our lady riders came ready for some gravel fun and adventure.  Not to mention a few margarita's after the ride.

Did I mention it was cold?  Gerard gives his preride instructions as we all bundle up in from of our main sponsor Antiques on the Prairie.

We had plenty of couples riding with us today. Always good to see them having fun together.

Gerard leads out the fast rider group.  It was hard to keep all contained until the city limit sign especially Rod.

Halloween through the holiday season is always a fun time to ride. Love seeing everyones creations.

Music man put away his camera and came out to ride with us today.   Loved the tunes Roger!

We caught this young lady riding off course.   I yelled notifying her that she was off course but she said she had places to go as do I.  See everyone in two weeks.


Our first event (planning on 6 to 8 this year btw) is this weekend.  Gerard always hosts fun rides out of Baldwin City.  Details below.

Gerard will have 50 route maps.  Each of these maps will have coupons from Daylight Espresso

Join the event on FB: The Margarita Ride

If you are into the digital world, Sam Coleman created the following for you:

Margarita Ride - 17 mile: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26388415

Margarita Ride - 35 mile: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26388379

Gravel Grinder National Championships

You know Gravel Grinding has hit the big time when you have an official National Championship.

It's time for some Gravel Grinding and Lawrence, Kansas is the place! There is a category for everyone from high school to those who are a little longer in the tooth and all who register for the USECF Gravel Grinder National Championship will race for a coveted USECF National Champion Jersey! See what you are made of as you race across a 112 mile challenging & scenic course as part of the 2017 USECF National Championship Weekend. The USECF Gravel Grinder National Championship will be part of the weekend festivities which include an epic course, great food and a fun & festive award ceremony. The awesome course and time in the saddle with the gravel tribe will make this an epic event to remember.

Register today: https://www.bikereg.com/grindernationals

Complete info: http://grindernationals.com/

Cool Hand Luke Gravel Grinder

What: Cool Hand Luke Gravel Grinder
Where: Fort Leavenworth, KS
When: This Sunday - April 23, 2017

Registration: https://www.bikereg.com/cool-hand-luke-gravel-grinder 

Facebook page: Cool Hand Luke Gravel Grinder

Cool Hand Luke Gravel Grinder (Sunday April 23). This is a friendly reminder (nudge) for those of you who have not signed up, or are on the fence. It is relatively safe to assume that if you are reading this, you will likely ride your bike this weekend.  Come out and do it with 200 friends, in a supported environment that has bailout options if required.  There are three different distances (25, 55, and 107 mi) and multiple SAGs.  There are three SAGs on the 107 mi course (19, 35, 72 mi) and two SAGs on the 55 mi course (19, 35 mi).  The 107 and 55 mi course follow the same route until past the SAG at mile 35. All three routes are posted to Garmin Connect, Strava, and Map my Ride and cue sheets are built and available online as well.  

The name “Cool Hand Luke” is obviously derived from the movie, but all routes will pass by three of the five prisons in Leavenworth County.  The first prison, at mile 2, is the “Big House” or Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary where Michael Vick served his time. The route passes just outside the western boundary of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the oldest continuously serving Army installation west of the Mississippi. The post has been used since 1827. The second and third prisons are on Fort Leavenworth and the routes pass by them between mile 3 and 5. The lesser known JRCF (Joint Regional Correctional Facility) houses inmates serving less than 10 years. The better known USDB (United Stated Disciplinary Barracks) houses inmates serving over 10 years and is the current residence for Bradley / Chelsea Manning and Nadil Hassan among others. 

The remainder of the route will take west away from the Missouri River thru Kansas farmlands and the rolling hills of north east Kansas.  This event has excellent support from the local community that includes Santa Fe Trails Bike Shop, Grinders High Noon Saloon, Denney Electric, the Lanterne Rouge, and Anderson Rentals.  Lanterne Rouge will provide the comedic relief and sweep the course after the KOM at mile 8.  Anderson Rentals is providing the port-o-johns. Denney Electric is providing his yard and barn to start from and crash in afterwards. 

Registration still available online at Bikereg.com - see above link.  Come join us.

Flyer

Brendan Sheehan

Santa Fe Trails Bicycle Shop

419 Delaware Street

Leavenworth, KS  66048

913 682-2444

2017 Kings of the Ville

What: 3rd Annual Kings of the Ville Ride
Where: 138 S Boardman St, Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 (at the Train Depot)
When: March 19th, 2017 - 9:00 am Start

Join the Dirty Dog Race Pack Sunday March 19th for a casual-moderate gravel ride. Two distance options: 36mi/48mi.

- 36 miler great for those getting into gravel rides - rolling Missouri's newest rail trail gem, The Rock Island line.
route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7030233

- 48 miler - casual start and end on the Rock Island trail, with a bit of Cass County farm tour added in. Llamas and mules and goats. And the Junk Man's Bull, of course.
route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7030229

*routes subject to change (notice will be given)

2017 Power Gravel and Velo+ Grinder

What: Power Gravel and Velo+ Grinder
When: Sunday February 26, 2017, 9:30 am
Where: Price Chopper 15970 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062
Why: Classic gravel out of Olathe to Cleveland, MO with 4 routes to pick from.

Photo by TLB Photography

 Power Team Coaching's Michael Ruder has teamed up with Velo+ to host this years classic gravel ride out of Olathe, KS. All ability levels are encouraged to attend.  Coach Ruder has 4 options:  26, 52, 64 and 72 routes are available. 

Expect fast gravel with some rolling hills heading out to Cleveland, MO.  Water is available at stores in Cleveland. 

Routes below.  Plenty of options based on current fitness level. 

26 Mile Short Route: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/964574879
48 Mile Traditional Route to Cleveland: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/976090853
64 Mile Route: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/964586079
72 Mile Route: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/964596371
 

 

2017 Flint HIlls Express

Post event:

 A huge Thank you to Rod Hernandez for another fun Flint Hills Express.  Not only did he give us a great route but he brought us 70 degree weather in February, a water stop (much appreciated by me on this day as I was out of water due to the warm temps) and lastly a port-a-potty.  I guess these are new standards for our gravel rides.  Way to go Rod for raising the bar.

Pictures from today's ride are up: 2017 Flint Hills Express Photos.

Lastly please consider donating to Danny's medical fund below.

Update:

First the good news.  Rod is bringing us a great course and wonderful weather for this Sunday's Flint Hills Express ride. In addition, he will have a port-a-potty at the start.

Now the bad news.  Our good friend Danny Noble crashed hard while out riding the course.  He was out making sure the course was clear and had no dangers.  During the recon ride Danny had to avoid a large truck and crashed.  Danny needs our help so we started a fund - https://www.gofundme.com/danny-nobles-bicycle-accident-fund

We hope to see everyone on Sunday. 

What: 2nd Annual Flint Hills Express
When: Sunday, February 19, 2017 - 9:00 am start
Where: 223 E. 10th Street, Wellsville, KS 66092
Why: 48.5 miles with only 1000 feet of climbing. If you are looking for a fun scenic ride with only a little climbing this is for you.

Come join us for one of our most popular rides last year.  Great course, aid stop and hosted by one of the nicest gentlemen I know - Rod Hernandez.

We start out of Wellsville, KS work our way to Ottawa via the Flint Hills Trail.  Nice views along this trail

Parking, restrooms and start location above.   

Just got this news, Rod will have a port-a-potty for us at the start location as well as the police will stop traffic again for us out of Wellsville.  Rod also sent the route for this years - same as last years if you are wondering.  Great course.

Course Maps: Flint Hills Express Gravel Route - via Garmin

After the ride you can enjoy one of two local restaurants.  Smokey's BBQ at 410 Main Street or Boppers Cafe' at 520 Main Steet.

**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.**