2018 Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinde

What: 9th Annual Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder 

When: Sunday Night, 12/23/18, 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.

Start location is: 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. 

2018 Danny's Delight Gravel Grinder

UPDATED: 12/07/18

We have a Delightful Frozen gravel tomorrow.  Thankfully it will be sunny with a light wind - perfect winter gravel grinding weather.

What: 3rd Annual Danny's Delight Gravel Grinder
When: Saturday, December 8, 2018, 10:00 am
Where: Oskaloosa, KS (Start at the High School)
Why: Great gravel, breakfast, and lunch after the rides.

Sadly we missed the Holiday Open House and Craft Show below  due to adverse weather.

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting our gravel event along with the Oskaloosa Holiday open house! Come early have breakfast! Stay afterwards and have lunch and do some shopping! We plan to park on the west side of the High school parking lot! More information to follow!!

Course maps  Danny needs to modify the courses due to a bridge that is out.

UPDATE.  Garmin Connect Maps below:

Long Course 52 miles - https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/13911472

Short Course 25 miles - https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/13891024

Extra Short Course - 17 Miles - https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/16884977

2018 Spoke Pony Gravel Adventure

Thank your to everyone who came out today and rode with us on this Veterans day.  Thank you to all the men and women who have served our country. Men like Roger Harrison below.

Pictures from today : 2018 Spoke Pony Gravel Pictures

Tim Greene brings us our  next gravel grinder - Next Sunday SAVE the DATE 11/11/18.

What: 2018 Spoke Pony Gravel Adventure
Where: Eudora, KS
When: 11/11/18, 10:00 am start

Meet outside of  Gene's Heartland Foods , 1402 Church St, Eudora, KS 66025

Tim brings us a classic gravel grinder out of Endura.   The gravel fun begins within a few miles of leaving Gene's Heartland Food as we work our way South towards Baldwin City.   47 and 25 mile route options available.

Course route/maps:

Spoke Pony 47 Mile Route : https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/8440961

Spoke Pony 25 Mile Route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17090711
 

**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.**

2018 Margarita Ride

Thank you for everyone who came out today for Gerard's annual Margarita Ride.  Every year we grow a little. 

Here is the link to the pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LCDQP8qQNvqikKn67



Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2096427357037038/

What does it cost? The Margarita Ride is free, though Dead Squirrel Hill may make you pay rent on your missed training miles. Underestimate this climb at your own peril.

After the ride join us at  El Patron Baldwin 711 8th Streeet Baldwin City, Kansas City, Kansas 66006.

Garmin Connect GPS Long Course route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/21324429

Garmin Connect GPS Short Course route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/21324964

Down load the Margarita Cue Sheet

Margarita Ride

Long course 35
600 high street start
north on 6th street. Cross traffic light
R on Quayle
L on Eisenhower turns into Eagle Lake Dr.
R on 1814th rd.
R on N 500th Rd. K-9 Kuts Klimb
L on 2000th rd turns into 600 N
L on 2100 Rd. for a while
L on N 1300 In Eudora
L on 2000th rd. Turns into N 1275th
L on 1950th rd
L on 1250th rd
R on 2000th rd.
R on 700th rd. Paved
L on 1950 Rd. Nut-Cracker Climb
R on 600 Road. Dragon‘s Back Climbs
cross E 1700th rd. Paved
L on 1600 rd. Yes, this is Dead Squirrel Hill
L on N 400th rd
R on 1700th rd. Paved back to start
Margaritas are 2 blocks west on 8th street. El Patron

Short course 17

600 high street start
north on 6th street. Cross traffic light
R on Quayle
L on Eisenhower turns into Eagle Lake Dr.
R on 1814th rd.
R on N 500th Rd. K-9 Kuts Klimb
L on 2000th rd turns into 600 N
L on 2100 Rd.

L on N. 700 Rd. paved
L on 1950 Rd. Nut-Cracker Climb
R on 600 Road. Dragon‘s Back Climbs

L on E. 1750^th Rd up Signal Oak Climb

cross N. 400 paved road

R at T at bottom of hill stay on 1750^th

turns into Eisenhower

R on Quayle street

L on 1055, 6^th street south back to Antique Store on High Street.

Margaritas are 2 blocks west on 8th street. El Patron

Drink Responsibly!!!!

Baldwin City Gravel Grind

 Updated: 05/28/18

Thank you to Gerard and the City of Baldwin for a fun event.  Hopefully this event will grow in the coming years.  

Results:

15.5 Mile Race Results

1 Carolynn Locke 35 1.34.33
2 Laura Denneler 9 1.34.56
3 Terry Gilliand 38 1.35.44
4 Jason Boehle 2 1.54.51
5 Jessica Boehle 3 1.55.04
6 Teresa Watson 25 2.11.50

35 Mile Race Results:

1 Will Schultz 47 1.54.51
2 Josh Hicks 30 1.56.18
3 Marion Anderson 40 1.56.19
4 John Pahlmann 46 1.56.20
5 Rafael Santiago 37 1.56.21
6 Roger Williams 31 1.57.39
7 Ben Woodbury 36 1.59.50
8 Gene Wee 29 2.00.39
9 Charles Denneler 8 2.02.37
10 Danny Nobel 18 2.06.31
11 Doug Williams 27 2.15.29
12 Paul Engler 34 2.19.46
13 Pete Williams 50 2.23.03
14 Erik Elving 41 2.24.46
15 Reamer Argo 1 2.25.14
16 Damon Mar 42 2.27.31
17 Tye Bragg 5 2.31.14
18 Chris Locke 15 2.32.10
19 Ken Synder 24 2.32.51
20 Kevin Herdman 12 2.33.00
21 Alizon Adams 48 2.33.52
22 Steve Bendrick 49 2.33.55
23 Steve Seck 44 2.33.58
24 Brett Smith 23 2.34.46
25 Andrea Cherwinski 7 2.37.00
26 James Macek 16 2.38.04
27 Joe Panelman 45 2.44.15
28 Brian Dolan 33 2.46.36
29 Cameron Fulton 10 2.58.37
30 Randy Jost 32 3.06.59
31 Emily Johnson 13 3.18.14
32 Mark Johnson 14 3.18.15
33 Tim White 26 3.21.57
34 Heath Osborn 19 3.24.56
35 Kristina Fulton 11 3.37.05
36 Amy Meek 17 4.08.31
37 Susan Brian 96 4.08.33
38 Tom Treastel 28 4.19.15
39 Katie Aldis 43 4.37.34
Did Not Finish
Name Number
Val Bontrager 4
Scott Reynolds 20
Robert Simcoe 39
Glenn Rodden 21
Paul Sapenaro 22

70 Mile Race Results
Place Name Number 35 mile split Finish Time
1 Rafael Santiago 37 1.56.21 4.13.30
2 John Pahlmann 46 1.56.20 4.15.59
3 Marlon Anderson 40 1.56.19 4.16.25
4 Roger Williams 31 1.57.39 4.26.36
5 Danny Nobel 18 2.06.31 4.32.21
6 Ben Woodbury 36 1.59.50 4.38.59
7 Tye Bragg 5 2.31.14 5.50.26



The Baldwin City Gravel Grind aka the "Cappuccino Ride" ....Gerard brings us another gravel classic out of Baldwin City, KS.

What: Baldwin City Gravel Grinder - Race/Tour
When: May 26th, 2018 - 10:00 am start
Where: Baldwin City, KS

Registration is required: Baldwin City Gravel Grinder Registration Link  
Registration on event day is available. 

CAPPUCCINO RIDE

EMERGENCY CONTACT: 785.691.9836

INSTRUCTIONS
 
Participants are expected to obey all traffic laws during this event!
Participants should become familiar with the Directions prior to the event.
Yellow directional ARROWS will be placed at all turns.
Blue Ribbon will be attached to ARROWS to guide 12 mile participants
Red Ribbon will be attached to ARROWS to guide 35/70 mile participants
Port-a-potties located at top of hill at Signal Oak and the Baldwin State Bank parking lot downtown

PARKING: ​Collins Gym parking lot at 6th and Fremont
REGISTRATION:​Corner of 8th and High by the Fountain
START:​​8TH and High
STAGING:​8TH St, South of High St on either side of the street
ESCORT:​Police lead car to start race at 10 am through town to 3rd and Orange
CROSSING HIGHWAY 56:​Volunteers will be present to assist with traffic at the initial crossing of 56 at 2000 Rd. Bikers will have a short ride on 56 West to 1950 Rd. Volunteers will NOT be present for any other crossings.
FINISH LINE FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS: 8TH & High – turn south on 8th St between Baldwin State Bank and City Hall.

ROUTE:
8TH and High – Start – East on High - follow escort car out of town at a controlled speed
Right on 3rd
Left on Orange/200 Rd
Right on 1800 Rd
Left on Stafford
Left on 2000 Rd
12 MILE RIDERS WILL TURN
LEFT AT 100 RD,
RIGHT ON 1800 RD,
LEFT ON 200 RD / ORANGE STREET,
RIGHT ON 3RD
LEFT ON HIGH
FINISH AT 8TH AND HIGH
Left on 56 Highway
Right on 1950 Rd
Left on 500 Rd
Left on 1750 Rd (climb hill)
AID STATION (at top of hill at Signal Oak) – restroom, snacks, water
Right on 400 Rd
Left on 1700 Rd (6th St)
Right on 400 Rd
Right on 1600 Rd
(will cross 600 Rd – CAUTION)
Left on 800 Rd
Left on 1485 Rd
Left on 1450 Rd
Left on 600 Rd / 1400 Rd – CAUTION (on pavement)
Right 1400 Rd (off pavement)
Left on 400 Rd
Right on 1600 Rd
(will cross 56 highway – CAUTION)
Left on High St
END OF 35 MILE LOOP AT 8TH AND HIGH
70 mile participants repeat previous directions
AID STATION (8TH and High) – Behind Baldwin State Bank – restroom, snacks, water

Conquer the ride and earn a sweet award. 

Reschelduled Power Grinder

Sunday the rescheduled Power Gravel Grinder rides is taking place.

What: Power Gravel and 3 Feet Cycling Gravel Ride
Where: 18595 W 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062
When: Sunday, February 25th, 2018 @ 9:30 am. 

Previous post w/maps: https://gravelgrinders.blogspot.com/2018/02/power-gravel-grinder.html

USECF Gravel Nationals Returns to Lawrence

It's time for some Gravel riding 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 Grinder Nationals will race for a coveted USECF National Champion Jersey! See what you are made of as you race across a 100+ mile challenging & scenic course as part of the USECF National Championship Weekend. There will also be a 50 mile noncompetitive Gravelleurs Raid that will race at the same time as Grinder Nationals. 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. 

The Gravelleurs Raid is a 50 mile non championship ride that will happen at the same time along part of the same course as Grinder Nationals. This is the perfect first gravel ride or ride for those who do not want to ride a 100 mile course. There will not be any awards for the Gravelleurs Raid but the riders will enjoy a fun course, great food and a fun & festive award ceremony. Riders from Gravelleurs Raid will also be entered into the awesome raffle at the Grinder Nationals award ceremony.

Registration: https://www.bikereg.com/grindernationals

2018 Flint Hills Express

 Post ride:

Thank you Rod for the suffering in the wind.   The bus was much appreciated by many.  I especially liked the rest stop with water because I was out by then due to blowing my legs out while taking pictures and fighting those early hills and wind.

Link to photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hVQOuYmCfBNUFv1K2

Updated 2/16/18:   Weather is looking great for Sunday.  A little windy by we will take that especially since we can enjoy a tail wind during the second 1/2 of the ride.

Bus is a go.  We have room for about 25-30 people and their bikes.  Art will drive a trailer hauling bikes to Osawatomie.  Short course riders will then jump on the Flint Hills Nature Trail and continue on the course.  First come, first serve.

After the ride please stop by and get your Girl Scout Cookies.  They will be on sale at the park after the ride. 

Danny created a new update Garmin file - see below.

What: 3rd Annual Flint Hills Express
When: Sunday, February 18, 2018 - 10:00 am start
Who: Cow Town Cycling's Rod Hernandez
Where: 223 E. 10th Street, Wellsville, KS 66092
Why: The first gravel grinder this season above 32 degrees.

The route: 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.

Garmin route: Flint Hills Express Route

New this year:

For those who are looking for a shorter ride and do not like climbing (cough...Carolynn....) we have answered your prayers.  We plan to have a bus onsite to take you to the start of the Flint Hills

The second change is we lost a local business and restrooms will not be available at the Wellsville Market .  Not to worry, we still have the port-a-Jon that Ron provides for us.  Plan accordingly and allow for ample time.

After the ride you can enjoy a delicious local restaurant.  Smokey's BBQ at 410 Main Street will stay open for your convenience.

**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.**