The Prowl Report

A great ride today as another mild day greeted our gravel grinders. A little chilly at first as most riders opted for a light layer of clothing with the afternoon highs around 60. A strong South wind combined with temps in the 30's and some rather steep climbs made for a real challenge as we headed toward Drexel. We may have to rename this ride the Wind Howler II. All that hard work riding into the wind paid off with a nice ride back.

A very nice route with a couple of "C" roads and abandoned bridges were navigated. Most agreed that this was good preparation for the upcoming DK200.

Thanks to John Williams for hosting the ride and to everyone who came out and made today's ride very fun.

Some photos from the day:



Video in route to Drexel.

Gravel News Shorts - 01/12/12

A busy weekend for rides this weekend.

Friday the 13th we have a night ride planned. Check out the Paraskevidekatriaphobia Night Ride if you enjoy riding at night. Current plan is to ride the Smithville MTB Trails. Bring your mountain bike, some lights and get ready to cure that Paraskevidekatriaphobia you might have.

Sunday John Williams host the Peculiar Prowl. John has a nice 58 mile route (shorter option also available). Expect a brisk pace for the A group with a B group option for those putting in more relaxed base miles.

UPDATE on Jeff's Lawrence ride. Jeff is under the weather and will not be able to lead Lawrence ride.... The Gravel Ride will be postponed by one week.... I have a head cold and will not be able to lead the ride.

New date and time for the Lawrence ride is 1/22 at 9am. See you there.

Jeff

We have another gravel grinder option on Sunday over in Lawrence, Kansas. This ride will tour North of Lawrence and visit Lake Dabinawa and offer a food stop at Casey's in Tonganoxie. Jeff is hosting this ride and promises a relaxed pace. Meet in the parking lot across from Johnny's, 9am Sunday. Cross bike or MTB needed.

Peculiar Prowl

What: Peculiar Prowl
When: Sunday January 15, 2012, 9:00 am
Where: Peculiar, MO (Country Mart)
Why: Why would you want to be stuck on a trainer when you could be gravel grinding :-) Forecast is for temps in the 30's/40's which is really nice for this time of year.
Who: Anyone who has a long endurance challenge on the calendar in 2012 and would like to train with like minded folk.

John Williams host this week ride with a nice route down to Drexel. For those who do not wish to do the entire 58 mile route there will be a shorter option as well as A and B groups.

Route below:

Badger Run Recap

While no one was attacked by mad Badger this time, several small Badger like dogs made up for it....

Another fun gravel grinder in the books. Weather was just about perfect for a ride for this time of year. All in all a beautiful day to be on the bike. Two flat tires in the A group kept the B group close enough that they finished within 5 minutes of each other. Ride leader Tim Greene learned a valuable lesson "that sprinting ahead to take pictures, putting the camera away and then sprinting to catch the group is harder than it looks" I would have to agree with your sir. It is harder than it looks. Adds a few interval sessions to the ride for sure....

Tim sends us a link to his pictures: Spring Hill Gravel Grinder Photos

A short video of the start:




Guru's Photos:

Spring Hill Badger Run

Updated 01/04/12....

What: The Spring Hill Badger Run
When: Sunday, January 8, 2012, 9:00 am
Where: Spring Hill, KS
Why: Because we all know you want to ride a section of gravel where Rob Pennel saw a Badger and thus became Badger bikes. This route also features the coldest spot in JOCO. Time to get on your bike and start training for all those races and long epic spring rides. That and it is too early to start breaking your New Years resolution to ride more....

Cue sheets will be provided. We have three route options for you. All are tried and true routes that we can all enjoy. The weather looks great for Sunday. Come enjoy

Ride Starts at the Price Chopper parking lot at 223rd street and route 7/169

Map below:





Option #2:





Option #3:

New Years Day Ride

What: LMBC New Years Day Ride
When: Sunday, January 1, 2012 - Noon start time
Where: Lawrence Visitor Center - Intersection of 2nd Street & Locust Street
Who: Any and all are welcome

Description: This was the inaugural ride of the Lawrence Mountain Bike Club in 1996. Rain, snow, cold — it doesn't matter, we always start the year off by going for a ride at the River Trail then having refreshments at Johnny's Tavern. The New Year's Day Ride is appropriate for riders of all abilities. We begin the ride on the levy and ride to the River Trail where you may opt to ride as much or little of the 9 mile trail as you like before heading back to Johnny’s!

Bring your cross bike or mountain bike for this ride. We have the trails, levee & surrounding gravel roads that we can use to get in a fun ride to start off 2012. Trail conditions on Sunday will dictate our route.

CIRREM IV: Hesitation is Devastation

Best act fast if you want to join in the fun. One of my favorite events of the year....

Straight from the CIRREM crew:

The big news from CIRREM HQ this year: CIRREM will be capped at 125 racers.

Yes, we know the race continues to grow in popularity so why limit the good fun? And we're sorry that we can't let all-comers experience the day that is starting to feel like a holiday. As in, "Happy CIRREM Day." Like Christmas, only without the bills and calorie-riddled guilt because you've ridden 62 miles.

Here's the deal: This may come as news to you, but CIRREM is supposed to be dirty & small. CIRREM is lowbrow & unpolished. As such, and because the CIRREM launch pad (the Cumming Tap) can only host a finite number of our fellow cyclists, we're throwing a limit on the number of riders. Besides, we want to ensure the experience is what you've come to expect from us, and nothing less. We promise more of the same uncompromising good times with your 2012 CIRREM experience: Food, beverage, kick-in-the-junk terrain, prizes, CIRREM schwag, the fellowship of cool people, a battle royale/wrestling match finish, and probably cookies. That's right, I said cookies.

In the past you've gotten super soft & cozy tshirts, fleece beanies & pint glasses from us for your registration dollars. This year: CIRREM Socks! Warm, high cuff, and as cool as the day is long. (fair warning to triathletes: these are not calf length compression socks). Rest assured, in true CIRREM fashion these are not your average socks.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's socks. Unless they're CIRREM socks, then it's completely understandable.