Never Lost, but Damn Cold

 Today was Johnny Dotson's first annual Never Get Lost Gravel Grinder out of Endora, KS  A great turnout with plenty of new faces despite the chilly starting temps in the 20's. True to Johnny's word, no one got lost and enjoyed nice paced 30 mile gravel grinders. 

Two main groups formed as expected but the tempo within the groups were very enjoyable and it showed with all the smiling faces I saw throughout the afternoon.

The return trip back to Endora was into the wind and it got a little chilly quick.Nice pace lines developed and made the trip back quick and near painless.

Thank you Johnny for a very fun ride.  We will have to hold more beginner friendly rides/routes because this one was very fun.

Complete Photo album: Never Get Lost Gravel Grinder Photos

Never Lost on YouTube:

Never Get Lost Gravel Grinder

What: Never Get Lost Gravel Grinder
When: Saturday, January12, 2013 - 10:00 AM Start time.
Where: Endora, KS (C&S Market)
Who: Any and all are welcome, especially beginners.

As we begin a new year we would like to offer a beginner friendly gravel grinder for everyone - both in distance and route.  Many of our routes can be confusing with all the back country roads and numerous turns.  Johnny Dotson came up with a great idea to hold a ride with an easy course to follow and at a reduced pace so everyone can enjoy the ride.  

There will be two rides: one for more experienced grinders and one for those looking to give gravel grinding a try and see what all the fun is about.

Meet at:the parking lot for C&S Market at 1402 Church St , Eudora Ks

**Remember, you are responsible for yourself and you ride at your own risk. Always follow all traffic laws and rules. Always choose safety first and be prepared.**

Gravel News Shorts 01/07/13

Welcome to the new year everyone!  I hope you are ready for another year of gravel grinding fun.

Our last gravel grinder was on 1/1/13.  While not officially a true gravel grinders we did have several gravel rigs out enjoying the day at the Lawrence River Trails.  Eric Struckhoff on his cross rig leads Gerard Arantowicz (the original gravel grinder) and Todd Fridley above.

A complete photo album of all the fun: LMBC New Years Day Ride Photos

 We are in the works planning several gravel grinders over the next two months.    Look for details about a ride on Saturday in a few days and you will not want to miss the original gravel ride - The Mullet Ride on 2/16/13.  Gerard says there are plenty of mullets and dead squirrels for everyone.  Just make sure yours is legal if you are growing one....

Our last news of the day is registration for the very popular DK200 is coming up this weekend. Complete details at http://www.dirtykanza200.com/ .   

New Years Day Ride

What: LMBC New Years Day Ride
When: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 - 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 2013. Trail conditions on Sunday will dictate our route.

Festivus on Ice

Festivus is all about "airing of grievances and "feats of strength".  Everyone who completed tonight's Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder sure did display some "feats of strength".  The conditions was a little treacherous at times with icy conditions that caused a few mishaps.  Those folks that did go down aired their grievances and continued on.

Complete photo album - Festivus of Nights Gravel (Ice) Grinder

Thanks to everyone who came out tonight.  As always, it was  fun ride and we look forward to next years.



Our winners from tonight's contest.  Best lighting display and Best blow out 

Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder

What: 3rd Annual Festivus of Nights Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday Night, 12/23/12 - Time 5:00pm
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

Pleasant Hill Thrill Recap

As advertised, the Pleasant Hill Thrill was a thrill.  A fun route that started off nice and flat to get the body warmed up.  What made it especially a thrill was the fact that we got to ride on part of the Rock Island Trail. The Rock will connect Pleasant Hill to Windsor and link us to the Katy Trail.  This will make what I believe is one of the best rails-to-trails projects a true state wide route.  I look forward to the day when I can clip into my pedals on my bike and pedal all the way across the state

Thanks to Don Daly for hosting the ride. Not only did he put together a nice route he marked the entire course for all of us.  Nice touch.

Yes we did encounter more black birds.  It must be this warm winter we are having. 

Some pictures from Sunday's ride

Kevin Nierman's Pleasant Hill Thrill Pics

Chris Locke's views of Pleasant Hill and its gravel goodness.

Video of start below.  It is a little long and loud due to the gravel noise. I would suggest turning down the  volume :-)