Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Why gravel? Why steeples?

As I've gotten more comfortable with the whole aging thing, I've realized that going fast on asphalt just isn't as important to me as it once was and 35 mph on a gravel downhill is more thrilling than 45 on asphalt.  Also, we have gravel roads aplenty in these parts so it's really just a matter of using the resources at hand.  Last, this area isn't home to a big biking community and internal combustion drivers around here are not what I would call 'hip' to the whole cyclists' rights thing.  Ducking out on the gravel side roads is just a whole lot less stressful.

Regarding the steeples:  this ride is not a religious activity, and although I think all of the churches on the route are of the Catholic persuasion I am not endorsing any denomination over another.  However,  feel free to invoke whichever saint you think can help you along should the need arise.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Steeples!

Sunday is my usual ride day, preferably early in the morning while the kids are still happy to lounge around in the pj's.  However, the day broke dark and thundery and ultimately we ended up with a good amount of rain.  I got out on the road during naptime (theirs, not mine) about 4 hours post-rain.  For the most part the roads held up pretty well if a bit on the soft side.  However, the MMR's were quite soft and I was able to demonstrate my hands-free track stand.  (yes, I ride with fenders)  I probably only had to walk about 200 yards during the course of the ride.  I'm planning to have about 5 miles of this type of road for the big day.

Rural Nebraska can be very rural - I would guess the population peaked in this particular corner of the state in the 1920's.  There are still functioning churches in these parts though the schools have continued to consolidate.  In some cases the church and a few houses are all that's left of what once upon a time was a modestly prosperous community.  I have no delusions about reversing that trend by having a little bike ride with the hopes of attracting would-be pioneers.  I just think this is a scenic area not seen very much by outsiders.  If y'all want to stay and put down roots that's your business.

Friday, August 26, 2011

I've got mail!

Congratulations to Chris for being the first rider to send in a postcard - granted, he's my cousin-in-law, but now I know I won't be riding alone.  I also have confirmation that I haven't imagined this whole steeplechase thing.  I look forward to finding more postcards in the mailbox.

Welcome Grinders!

Since Guitar Ted was kind enough to list the steeplechase over Gravel Grinder News there's been an uptick (surge?) of traffic here at gravelicious.  Welcome to all y'all.
I'm becoming more comfortable with the idea of playing host for this event and as long as everyone keeps their expectations in the realm of reality things should be OK.  I've only ever ridden two gravel events (Almanzo 100 and the related Gentlemen's Ride) and I've certainly never organized one.  I'm doing my best to emulate Chris Skogen, but I'm a little short on community and support network.  It's really just me.  That means there will some sort of ride packet, but no swag or snacks or provisions for your lodging should you be coming from out of town.  You are on your own.
If you're still interested please take the time to send in a postcard (see the registration page).  I look forward to seeing you on October 8th!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The joys of commitment

Today Sarah (my wife who has a birthday today!) asked me if I was going to post the steeplechase ride with the folks over at GravelGrinder news, or anyone else for that matter. I'm on the fence about that since this will be a first-time thing for me and while I want there to be more than just myself out on the road I also don't want to have too many folks getting their hopes up for the best gravel event ever.
One way to work through this would be to take another page out of Chris Skogen's book and have interested riders register via postcard. I like to get things in the real mail besides Pottery Barn catalogs and it makes participating a little more of a commitment than just tossing off an email. I'll be making my address available soon on the main page.
There's also the question of promoting this through other avenues besides this modest little blog and a flyer at the bike shop...ideas anyone?

My boilerplate disclaimer: This is my first time doing this. I'm not responsible for the weather. It was like that when I got here.


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

A Bridge to Somewhere?

We have a bridge here in Yankton which was the main route across the Missouri from about 1928 to 2009. Known as the Meridian Bridge, it is currently undergoing a pretty costly conversion from an automotive to a pedestrian/cycling/boarding bridge. Where you're supposed to go once you get into Nebraska is up to you. There is talk of developing a bike trail from the bridge westward to Gavins Point Dam, but for the foreseeable future you're better off getting to know the gravel byways.

While I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will have the work complete by Steeplechase day I'm pretty sure the route will have to cross the river on the new 'Discovery Bridge'. It's a modern concrete viaduct with adequate shoulders - and really, traffic is seldom too bothersome in these parts. Unfortunately the shoulders never get swept so there's all manner of road detritus that builds up right where you want to ride. Hug the white line and keep your eyes open for sharp bits that could ruin your biking day.

Monday, August 22, 2011

August is rapidly slipping away, the days are getting shorter and if I let my imagination wander I can convince myself Fall is just around the corner. That's not to say there aren't several days of 90°+ days ahead.
Planning, such as it is, for the Steeplechase is proceeding. The weekend of October 8th looks like a lock. Even though no major sponsors have stepped forward this will be a free event. There's still plenty of time to get on some gravel and 'B' roads and enjoy the late summer greenery. As for myself I'm trying to get my office chair butt in shape for the Almanzo Gentlemen's ride on 9/24. Chris Skogen puts on an amazing event and although he's largely the inspiration for my wanting to spread the Gospel of Gravel, I am in no way able to come close to matching the time & effort he puts into this kind of endeavor.


Thursday, August 11, 2011

I'm looking for interested individuals who want to get their bikes dirty on the gravel roads of the Yankton, SD area, including across the Missouri in Nebraska. At this time I'm exploring the feasibility of hosting a group ride in early October with the working title 'Steeplechase Harvest Ride'. I'm envisioning a ride (not a race!) of about 45 miles that would start and finish in Yankton, but the bulk of the mileage will be Nebraska gravel with a smattering of MMR (minimum maintenance roads).


Hopefully I'll have more to follow.



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