The 2022 Mullet Ride - A Gravel Classic

 

What: The Annual Mullet Ride

When: Saturday March 5, 2022, 10:00 am

Where: Baldwin City, KS

Why: Business in the Front, Party in the back.

Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/events/3239264292963062

Jewel Cartoons Art Promotions founder Gerard Arantowics brings us another year of the famous Mullet Ride. 

Ride starts at 602 High Street, Baldwin City, Kansas.  We will start just west of the previous location from the past.  NOTE: new ownership of that lot may not allow us to congregate there as is the pass like our friend Stan Vickers allowed. 

The routes available on Saturday:

The Mullet Traditional Route https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17182524

The Mullet Revenge Route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17182731

 If you are old school see below

2019 Power Gravel Grinder

UPDATE:  Michael has moved this weekends ride to 2/24/19.

What: Power Gravel and 3 Feet Cycling Gravel Ride
Where: Ball's Price Chopper, 15970 S Murlen Road, Olathe, Kansas 66062
When: Sunday, February 24th, 2019 @ 9:30 am. 
Why: What other Gravel Grinder offers 4 routes :-)

Power Team Coaching, Michael Ruder and 3 Feet Cycling  p/b Aristocrat Motors host this classic gravel ride out of Olathe, KS. 26, 47, 64 and 72 gravel route options. 

A paper map will be in limited supply at the start. You are solely on your own so bring what you need and a friend to help you if you need help. We ask that you stop and help your fellow cyclist if the opportunity arises. 


Power Team Coaching or 3 Feet Cycling p/b Aristocrat Motors are not responsible for any injuries you may sustain while on this ride. 

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2012994958966918/

Gravel Routes From Map my ride
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/964574879 = 26 mile
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/976090853 = 47 mile

https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/964586079 = 64 mile
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/964596371 = 72 mile

Strava Gravel Routes
https://www.strava.com/routes/16935607 = 26
https://www.strava.com/routes/16935432 = 47

https://www.strava.com/routes/16935500 = 64
https://www.strava.com/routes/16935552 = 72

2019 Lake Dabinawa Gravel Grinder

What: 8th Annual  Lake Dabinawa Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday February  3, 2019, 10:00 am
Where: Lawrence, KS (Lawrence visitor center)
Why: Come enjoy a tour of North Lawrence - 2 route options (see below)

Jeff Arnaud brings us the 8th 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.

Come out and build up an appetite for the big super bowl game later in the day, or if you don't know what football is, you can just come out and enjoy some of the nicest gravel the area has to offer.  The current forecast is quite favorable with 45 for a high and only 32 for a low.   It may be the most comfortable Dabinawa ride in a while.  Let's hope the forecast holds.

Routes:

Long - https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/8701754

Short - https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/2699081

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 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.**

Power Gravel Grinder

UPDATE:  Ride postponed until 2/25/18!

What: Power Gravel and 3 Feet Cycling Gravel Ride
Where: 18595 W 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062
When: Sunday, February 11th, 2018 @ 9:30 am.

Power Team Coaching, Michael Ruder and 3 Feet Cycling host this classic gravel ride out of Olathe, KS. 26, 34, 52, 68 and 74 gravel route options. We will also have a paved ride for our Road guys and gals. Moved the start to Accommodate our title sponsor but the same fun.
Enjoy 15% off food after the Ride at Foody's

Please park in the WalMart Grocery store parking lot just to the East of Foody's.
A paper map will be in limited supply at the start. You are solely on your own so being what you need and a friend to help you if you need help. We ask that you stop and help your fellow cyclist if the opportunity arises.

For route maps visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/463536007375672/ 

Gravel Routes From Map my ride
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1858422521 26 mile loop
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1858425938 34 mile loop
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1858420331 52 mile loop
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1858416305 68 mile loop
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1858407674 74 mile loop

Disclaimer for the Power 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 Lake Dabinawa Grinder

Post ride update:

Thanks for Jeff for hosting another Lake Dabinawa Gravel Grinder.  We have had a few memorable ones over the years and this years will be remember as "one cold ass gravel ride"

Ride started cold with gusty North winds.  Feel like temps were single digits.  Soon the snow started falling and conditions worsened. 

Despite the conditions., a brave few venture onward to reach Lake Dabinawa. 

Some only got a few miles into the event due to bike failures.  A broken rear derailleur cut this gravel grinder's ride short.

If you are into ice slushy then Sunday was your type of ride.

What: 7th Annual  Lake Dabinawa Grinder
When: Sunday February  4, 2018, 10:00 am
Where: Lawrence, KS (Lawrence visitor center)
Why: Come enjoy a tour of North Lawrence - 3 route options

Join us on FB - https://www.facebook.com/events/102875170507459/

Jeff Arnaud brings us the 7th 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.

I have 3 routes, Short, Medium and Long.   I considered cutting the medium out completely, but it is good for those who want to try the long, but realize 1/2 way through they are getting too tired to finish.    The short course is good for beginners as it has much less climbing, just one big hill. 

Route options:

Short - https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17226139

Medium - https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/2699081

Long - https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/8701754

**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 Mullet Ride

 Post Ride :  Summary - A Muddy Mullet

Our friends from Dog Drool stopped by to support us during this especially muddy Mullet ride.

I personally tested it after the ride.  I am a believer - works great. 
Dave took some cool video: 2018 Mullet Gravel Grinder

Pictures from today ride - 2018 Muddy Mullet Pictures

Route sheets and Garmin files are posted below.

We are asking people to use the library restrooms this year located one block west from the start because the antique store bathroom is still recovering from last year‘s Mullet Ride. We are putting out a tip jar to support the library’s waste water bill. Please donate in case you need to make a deposit.

What: The one and only Mullet Ride
When: Saturday, January 20, 2018 - 10:00 am start
Where: Baldwin City, Kansas
Why: The Mullet Ride is business in the front and a party in the back!

Our most popular ride of the year.  Check out some coverage at the Baldwin City Signal

Last years Mullet Ride on YouTube - Thanks Marty
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.  Start location is at Antiques on the Prairie which is at the corner of High Street and 6th.  Ample parking is along High Street.

28 and 35 mile options

Cue sheets for all courses will be handed out prior to the course.  Garmin files and course maps are posted below

Mullet Traditional route (29 miles).

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17182524

Mullets Revenge Long route (34.5 miles).

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17182731

 Our FB event page - The Mullet Ride on via Facebook

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 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)