Festivus Recap

Another cold Festivus of Nights ride this year, but it could have been worse as it is officially winter now. Despite the cold we had a record turnout and everyone got to enjoy a clear night of riding and some even aired some grievances.

Brian Laswell and his daughter won the best lighting display contest. 2nd place went to Kevin Nierman and 3rd place went to ??? (do not know the name). We still have prizes for 2nd and 3rd place and will deliver on an upcoming ride.

I hope everyone has a very safe and Merry Christmas.

Some pictures below.

Gravel News Shorts - 12/20/11

Friday is our big holiday ride of the season - 2nd Annual Festivus of Nights. We will again be holding a contest for the best lighting display on your bike and/or person. Prizes will be announced Thursday so check back. Competition will take place during the first mile of the ride. Winners announced by the turn around so that all can celebrate with their favorite beverage.

We have received many questions about our Festivus ride. Such as...What type of bike is required? The Little Blue Trace trails can be ridden with any bike. A mtb/cross bike would be best, but any bike is o.k. Another question is will I be able to keep up on my full suspension mountain bike? Festivus is about showing "feats of strength" no mater the type of bike you have. Seriously, any bike is o.k. We will have two routes available and two levels of groups. A - faster group, B - Recreational level. Are lights required? It is suggested that a front light be used and at a minimum a rear reflector.

Route map is below. We have two options with both leaving at 6:00 pm. Option 1 (25 total miles) is the full out-back route to the Blue Mills Road trail head. Option 2 (16 total miles) is a ride out to the M-78 shelter and back. Both routes are out-back.

Halycon Grinder Report

Today was a special treat with Coffee and Donuts to start the ride. Special Thanks to Sun Flower Bike Shop for opening their shop and hearts to us Gravel Grinders.
Two routes were available with only 6 riders doing the entire 66 mile route. The majority opted for the 40 mile option. Due to some constrution old school bushwacking was in order.

Due to the recent rains some of the roads were impassable which many of the 40 mile riders found out first hand. A quick call alearted the lead group as many found some mud reminiscent of the Dirty Kanza on B road 1600. Total ride time for some was up to 5 hours. Luckily the weather was night for a days ride.

Tim Greene was our official photographer on the day - Halycon Gravel Grinder album

See everyone Friday night for our big holiday ride - Festivus of Nights.

Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder v2

What: Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder
When: Friday Night, 12/23/11 - Time 6:00pm
Where: Little Blue Trace
Who: Any and all are welcome
Why: To celebrate Festivus , ride our bike at night on gravel and partake in some beverage drinking (it is BYOB). No other reasons needed. I am there....

We meet in the parking lot outside of Nature's Pantry, 19019 E 48th St, Independence, Missouri 64055 . Access to the trail is just yards away.

You will need lights. Red flashing light on the back and an LED or HID light on the front required. Special prize for the best light display.

99 % of this ride is on the Little Blue Trace trail. The trail does cross several roads so please use caution. Informational Disclaimer.

Halcyon Holiday Gravel Grinder v2

Shoffner's annual Halcyon Holiday Gravel Grinder is this weekend.

Who: anyone/everyone
What: 65 or 100 km (40 or 63 miles) of gravel goodness. 90% gravel roads.
When: Saturday December 17, 9:00 am
Where: Sunflower Outdoor and Bike, 8th and Mass, Lawrence, ks
Why: fun stuff!

Complete details at http://mtbkc.blogspot.com/

Jayhawk Grinder Report

The morning sun had burned the early fog off, but the temps were still a little cold as we rolled out of Johnny's shortly after 0900. Forecast called for a rise in temps, but I think most of us overdressed with one too many base layers.

The first part of the route was flat so we all stayed together and enjoyed a pleasant start to our ride. Two sections of levee brought us over to the trail head for the LRT. The early reports were that the trails were o.k. so he dived in. After a very fun little trip down the LRT we regrouped and headed out to the rolling gravel section of our ride.

A couple of groups formed as the lead riders set a steady tempo. This brought up a conversation in one group that we need to divide up into groups based on ability levels and current training desires. I agree that this is a good idea and plan to have A and B groups at the remaining rides. I volunteer to lead the B group :-)

Another fine gravel grinder in the books. Today's ride was a very nice route which featured I do believe the highest percentage of gravel to date - 85% grave, 10% single track & 5% pave'. Adding a section of the Lawrence River Trails in was very fun. The trails were in great shape and offered plenty of traction for our cross tires.

Pictures from the day:



Below is a quick video of our start.

The Jayhawk Grinder

What: The Jayhawk Grinder
Where: Lawrence, Kansas
When: December 11, 2011 - 0900 start time
Why: Because with this gravel grinder you get the best of three worlds - Scenic levee's, rolling gravel and the sweet Lawrence River Trails

Meet in the back parking lot of Johnny's Tavern - Lawrence location.

Here is our route for Sunday. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5204450 Jeff rode the route and gave us a thumbs up. 1/2 flat, 1/2 rolling and all good times.

Here is the Map my ride link - it has a built in route sheet.