Gravel Grinder Ride
Gravel grinders are gravel road races and rides that combine riding on surfaces such as asphalt, gravel, dirt, some singletrack trails and maintenance or B roads. The courses vary from hard-packed dirt to softball-sized rocks. The distance usually ranges between 80 and 250 kilometres, but can be longer.
As we’re always endeavouring to try new things and expand our community we will be giving ‘gravel’ riding a go. A few in the club have already been doing it but to the people who aren’t familiar with the concept it’s basically riding a modified road bike, called a gravel bike, on dirt roads and mild single track. You can also use a cyclocross bike and of course a mountain bike but with skinnier tyres and a less aggressive tread pattern to better suit the surface/distance.
There weren’t many of us on today’s ride which was surprising considering the forecast of cold temperatures, rain, mud and the slippery rocks and roots. I for one love the sweet sounds of grit in my chain and mud on my rotors, it’s like sweeping a blackboard with a rake made of fingernails. But that’s enough sarcasm and weird imagery, here are today’s highlights.
Firstly a big thanks to all the riders and volunteers who came today I’m glad you all had a good time and truly appreciate the feedback I got from everyone.