I'm sorry to everyone who isn't already signed up, but we have reached capacity for this year's Gravel Grinder. For those of you who didn't get in, I encourage you to sign up early for next year's event. We'll announce the date and open registration in February.
Just a few more days until the Grinder. The weather is expected to be phenomenal now through Saturday - drying out the roads and helping the snow move along. At the moment they're predicting cooler temps for Sunday and possibly a rain shower - but not until later in the afternoon.
I would expect that the dirt roads will be riding dry, maybe a little loose as I expect there may be some grading going on this week. No ice or snow on the roads at this point.
Ride Start and Finish:Pilgrim Park 5 in Waterbury, VT. Exit 10 off of Interstate 89. South on 100. Turn left onto Rt 2 or Main St. At second light, turn left on to Park Row. Cross the railroad tracks, event is ahead on the left.
A couple things to keep in mind:1. The big hills are all paved, and there are only a couple of spots where poor unpaved road conditions may put the big hurt on you.
2. This is not a race, it is a social event. Be supportive of your fellow rider.
3. The ride is on rural roads, expect to see cars, trucks, and possibly hostile rednecks who are mad that they can't ride their 4-wheelers or snow machines. Obey all traffic laws, and ride single file when encountering any vehicles. Portions of the ride are on Rt 100, which is a busy road. Be aware and cautious on this road.
4. This is not a race! TAKE YOUR TIME. Enjoy the scenery.
5. There will be at the half way point. There will be water, HEED, salty snacks, some sort of energy bars, and PB&Js.
6. We'll have a couple of trucks patrolling the route, making sure that no one gets left along the way.
7. The last hill (Blush) will be optional to those who are not feeling it. It is a steep bugger.
8. There are a few options for riders to bail off of the course and ride back to the starting point. These will be detailed on the cue sheet that you'll pick up at check-in.
There will be a pre-ride meeting at 8:45am. Participants are asked to be at the start point at 8 for registration, and the following pre-ride meeting. We'll be going over the finer points of the event, so you'll want to be there.
We're excited to have Pop Soda come on board as a sponsor with some of their yummy natural sodas. Josh Bard of the soon to open Frida's Taqueria in Stowe will be providing our post-ride feast. Thanks to Factotum for the t-shirt help. And a big thank you to everyone who will be volunteering on Sunday.
See you on Sunday!
