Hoosier Mountain Bike Association
The Den => Racing...from the novice to seasoned => Topic started by: tjuillerat on October 08, 2013, 09:21:08 AM
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Join us for the 5th Annual Sub-9 Gravel Grovel!
When: Saturday, November 30 (yep - that's the Saturday after Thanksgiving)
Where: Midwest Trail Ride Horseman's Camp ~ Norman, IN
Gravel Grovel Race ~ 62 miles (100 km)
~ Open Men
~ Open Men Masters (40+)
~ Open Women
~ Open Women Masters (40+)
~ Singlespeed/Fixed
~ Tandem
$65 General Registration - now thru Nov 27
$75 Onsite Registration
Gravel Grovel Fun Ride ~ 20 miles (approx)
~ A casual ride to help burn off that extra plate of Thanksgiving fixin's!
$20 Junior Registration
~ 17 and under, must be accompanied by an adult
$45 General Registration - now thru Nov 27
$55 On-site Registration
Registration closes at NOON on Wednesday, Nov 27.
Go go www.gravelgrovel.com (http://www.gravelgrovel.com) to register or join us at www.Facebook.com/GravelGrovel (http://www.Facebook.com/GravelGrovel) for the latest updates and information!
(http://indytriple.tripod.com/webonmediacontents/2013%20Gravel%20Grovel%20Tshirt%20Logo.JPG?1381237480847)
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Okay, so the holiday schedule has worked out for me to do this. The question now, is which option. The 62mi option would allow me to meet my goal of doing a 50+mi ride, but I'm not a racer. Looking at the finish times from last year, though, I should be fine finishing. When, I'm not sure.
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The first (and only, so far) time I did it (2011), I went with no intention of racing, just riding in the woods for 62 miles. I was close to dead last but had a great time! This year, I still don't really intend on racing, per se, but I do hope to have a much better time! (Didn't do it last year.) It's a great event! Yay Sub-9!!
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You will find people who are racing and others that are "racing". Lots of different kinds will find enjoyment in this event.
Do it! It will not disappoint.
First rest stop of the day.
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/149696_348617825237476_1562708619_n.jpg)
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Okay, so the holiday schedule has worked out for me to do this. The question now, is which option. The 62mi option would allow me to meet my goal of doing a 50+mi ride, but I'm not a racer. Looking at the finish times from last year, though, I should be fine finishing. When, I'm not sure.
I've had SEVERAL people ask me if it was ok to sign up for the 62 mile even though they weren't planning on "racing". I told them ABSOLUTELY - and we encourage it. Just because it's called a race doesn't mean you need to worry about competing against the others. Just compete against yourself and have fun! That's what Sub-9 is about anyway. ;-)
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Just in time!
We want to send a HUGE shout to the the HNF and say THANK YOU for distributing ample amounts of fresh gravel all over the course route... and just in time for the event!
We hope you are ready to grovel!!!
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Sent you guys an email about volunteering.
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How many/what percentage of the riders will be on mountan bikes in the race? Seems like most of the pics on the site have mostly cyclocross bikes... Just curious. Also, I'm thinking about doing this (25 mile ride) with my 13 yr old son (runs XC/Track and has ridden several trails with me, such as SWW and Ft Harrison with no problems). Are there many younger riders that do this ride? Thanks for any info.
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Don't know percentages but I did it on my 29er in 2011. Yes, most are on cross bikes. I'm planning on riding my cx bike this year.
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If I ever hear back from the HNF, the goal will be to even things out a little for the mtb'ers. ;-)
We have several younger riders participate in the fun ride. Some as young as 10 and 11 years old.
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I think, in the gravel grovel, cross bikes are a little faster, but definitely less comfortable. The fastest guys will likely be on cross bike (mainly because the fastest guys in this race are fast roadies). If conditions are really muddy or snowy/icy OR if there is a ton of new loose gravel, that could swing the advantage to more in favor of a fatter tire mountain bike.
The Death March is in the same area, but there is just enough singletrack and trails to make it a toss up cross bikes and mtb bikes
I am probably riding the Gravel Grovel on a cross bike and the Death March on a rigid 29er
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OR if there is a ton of new loose gravel
oh... there is!
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OR if there is a ton of new loose gravel
oh... there is!
I rode most of the route a couple of weeks ago and the only place that I saw new gravel was from Robertson Cemetery to the Maumee Bridge (which was welcome there). Has there been new gravel since then?
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yup... got several emails from folks who rode over the weekend... tons of fresh gravel - everywhere!
From Scott Bond - posted on Sunday 11/10: gravel recon report --- is it bad that the combs road section is now the EASIEST part of the course this year ? TONS OF FRESH GRAVEL - where the hell is Lawrence and Jackson county getting all the money to drop this much gravel??!
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I rode most of the route a couple of weeks ago and the only place that I saw new gravel was from Robertson Cemetery to the Maumee Bridge (which was welcome there). Has there been new gravel since then?
That is assuming you know the route right?
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The route is not a secret. It is posted on the Gravel Grovel website, titled "The Route". I rode all of the route except the out and back on Tower Ridge and the out and back to Story (I parked at the Nebo Ridge trailhead.
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The route is not a secret. It is posted on the Gravel Grovel website, titled "The Route". I rode all of the route except the out and back on Tower Ridge and the out and back to Story (I parked at the Nebo Ridge trailhead.
That's the 2012 route that is currently posted... you've missed the part (and posts) about us waiting on the HNF so we can do a brand NEW route! ;-)
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All the reports of fresh gravel I think are changing my plans a little. Don't think I'll even try to do it on my Vaya. Just have to decide which route I want to do.
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oh the fresh gravel is just part of the fun!
(says the girl who stays all warm and cozy at the horse camp while ya'll are out suffering on the course.. hehehe)
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That's the 2012 route that is currently posted... you've missed the part (and posts) about us waiting on the HNF so we can do a brand NEW route! ;-)
Apparently I did miss that. I think you know that I would be all for a little more singletrack. I will have both the rigid Superfly and XO2 cross bike ready for the event.
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That's the 2012 route that is currently posted... you've missed the part (and posts) about us waiting on the HNF so we can do a brand NEW route! ;-)
Apparently I did miss that. I think you know that I would be all for a little more singletrack. I will have both the rigid Superfly and XO2 cross bike ready for the event.
careful what you ask for Fett ;-)
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Bring on the singletrack! ;D
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Since I don't own a cross bike I agree with Mike!
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If I were a betting man, I would guess that any new singletrack route would include the Nebo Ridge singletrack in the out and back to Story.
It would be interesting to see if would be just halfway and jump back onto Combs Rd, or jump up onto Berry Ridge Rd (which I think would include too much pavement) or if we would take it all the way to end for a short pavement section to the Maumee Bridge (which would be awesome)
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I will be calling the National Forest a little later today (if I don't hear anything by lunch-time). Fingers crossed we have an answer!
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If I were a betting man, I would guess that any new singletrack route would include the Nebo Ridge singletrack in the out and back to Story.
It would be interesting to see if would be just halfway and jump back onto Combs Rd, or jump up onto Berry Ridge Rd (which I think would include too much pavement) or if we would take it all the way to end for a short pavement section to the Maumee Bridge (which would be awesome)
Nebo would be cool. Maybe climb up Combs, cut across on the access trail to Nebo and then down to the Nebo parking lot? Neato.
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Any elimination of 2 way traffic especially in the narrowest part of the race course is a good thing.
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Amen to that, Fett!!!!
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Any elimination of 2 way traffic especially in the narrowest part of the race course is a good thing.
That is the goal... called the forest, they haven't even started processing my event permit yet. GOOD TIMES! Hopefully my call will push things along so we will get an answer in the next few days.
Just a heads up - if we DO go with this new route everyone will need to purchase a one-day HNF pass ($5 - not included in registration fee). Since I added the chip timing and had not initially planned to use the national forest the one-day passes were not included in my budget for this year.
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I rode in the 2011 race on my super fly with a rigid fork. For me it was good with mtb gears on Elkins ville Rd coming and going also combs rd. Although I have never ridden a x bike, I sure did like having that 2.4 up front on those fast gravel decents. And with gun season opening this weekend ,all those trucks will surely help smooth things out.
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Any elimination of 2 way traffic especially in the narrowest part of the race course is a good thing.
That is the goal... called the forest, they haven't even started processing my event permit yet. GOOD TIMES! Hopefully my call will push things along so we will get an answer in the next few days.
Just a heads up - if we DO go with this new route everyone will need to purchase a one-day HNF pass ($5 - not included in registration fee). Since I added the chip timing and had not initially planned to use the national forest the one-day passes were not included in my budget for this year.
Not that I know anything, but if I was in the know, I would prefer option 2 or 3. ;D
but, I am down for anything as long as there is beer to be found.
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Just a reminder to those out pre-riding over the next two weeks... Firearm season starts tomorrow (Nov 16 - Dec 1) and the Hoosier National is a popular hunting location. Watch for more vehicles to be on the roads (hopefully to pack in the fresh gravel) and be sure to wear your bright colors. Riders are more than welcome to park at the Midwest Horseman's Camp between now and the event.
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I'm wearing my bright Orange rain jacket on Sunday ----
This route would be a killer ----- http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3672107 (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3672107) -- shows the MTBers some love and hate at the same time...... mt Baldy climb at mm 42 is by far the biggest gravel climb in the state ---- and it's fresh gravel ---- followed by Buffalo (we call it 'the bitch') from the steep side..... would really break things up a bit....
Scott
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I'm wearing my bright Orange rain jacket on Sunday ----
This route would be a killer ----- http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3672107 (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3672107) -- shows the MTBers some love and hate at the same time...... mt Baldy climb at mm 42 is by far the biggest gravel climb in the state ---- and it's fresh gravel ---- followed by Buffalo (we call it 'the bitch') from the steep side..... would really break things up a bit....
Scott
I climbed those hills on some recon rides for the Death March. I agree, much pain. Have fun out there on Sunday. 90% chance of rain with strong storms and 25mph winds.
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Just two weeks left! Don't forget you must register by THIS WEDNESDAY (Nov 20) in order to guarantee receiving your FREE event t-shirt. Since we have to guess the final total, those who sign up after the 20th will receive a t-shirt on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.
www.GravelGrovel.com
We've also added some fantastic new sponsors to this year's event. Don't miss out!
(http://indytriple.tripod.com/webonmediacontents/2013%20GG%20Back%20Logos.JPG?1384799296753)
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We appreciate everyone's patience as we wait on the final word from the Hoosier National Forest regarding a course change. So far things are looking good and we will hopefully have an answer today. Here's a little teaser in the mean time... This new route goes from 1900 feet of elevation change to over 2300. We also go from only two Category-5 climbs to SEVEN! Happy scouting everyone!
(http://indytriple.tripod.com/webonmediacontents/2013 GG Course Profile.JPG)
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I think that Tania meant to say that the course may have 7 category 5 downhills!
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I think that Tania meant to say that the course may have 7 category 5 downhills!
all in how you look at it - right Paul!
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I like a good mystery. Looks to me like we're attacking Combs Rd much earlier this year....like mile 14 or so. Of course my recognition of the elevation profile could be off too.
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It looks like the 12/27 cassette and Dura Ace derailleur come off and an 11/32 cassette and XT rear derailleur go on the cross bike.
I will have to think about that route. I think we can be reasonably certain the last Cat 5 is Polk Patch Road
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ahhhhhh.... love all the speculation!
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Que sera, sera!
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I'm not going to Ruin Tania's Surprise ---
But I can totally name that profile!
Hell Yeah!
Scott
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I'm not going to Ruin Tania's Surprise ---
But I can totally name that profile!
Hell Yeah!
Scott
not sure even you know this entire route Scott, but I'll bet you're pretty darn close... ;-)
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I laid the profile of Scott's ride he posted earlier with Tania's. Pretty close, so I have most of them figured out.
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I laid the profile of Scott's ride he posted earlier with Tania's. Pretty close, so I have most of them figured out.
oh I don't doubt that ya'll are close... but you know we like to keep you on your toes. ;-)
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statler and waldorf...about miles 30 and 33...have fun boys and girls...
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It's official. New route is a go! I will post route and cue sheet tomorrow. Exciting news!
A printable copy of the map along with a cue sheet are available on the event website.
www.GravelGrovel.com
(http://indytriple.tripod.com/webonmediacontents/2013%20GG%20HNF%20Route%20w%20Markings.jpg?1384958198478)
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I like it. It is quite a change. At first glance it is more mountain bike friendly, but there is also more extended sections of pavement. Although I do hate that slog back up to the firetower. I need to go ride trails 20 and 21 on Sunday.
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I like it. It is quite a change. At first glance it is more mountain bike friendly, but there is also more extended sections of pavement. Although I do hate that slog back up to the firetower. I need to go ride trails 20 and 21 on Sunday.
Can you post a report on 20 and 21 after you ride? I've never done those trails.
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I like it. It is quite a change. At first glance it is more mountain bike friendly, but there is also more extended sections of pavement. Although I do hate that slog back up to the firetower. I need to go ride trails 20 and 21 on Sunday.
Don't forget to get your HNF pass and wear bright orange!
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Just a reminder that online registration for the Sub-9 Gravel Grovel closes at NOON on WEDNESDAY, NOV 27!
You can still register onsite, but there is an additional $10 fee.
Please help us ensure we order enough food by signing up early!
And don't forget to tell your friends and family about the 20 mile fun ride. This is a great route for working off that extra plate of Thanksgiving fixin's. Plenty of time to get in a ride and still cheer on our racers as they cross the finish line!
All race and ride participants receive a free event t-shirt (while supplies last), FREE primitive on-site camping at the Midwest Horseman's Camp, a warm catered meal from our friends at YATS for after the ride, entry to our great sponsor raffle and more!
(http://indytriple.tripod.com/webonmediacontents/2013%20GG%20Ride%20w%20Markings.JPG?1385368748718)
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Just wondering what people were finding the total accent to be.
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mine shows 4416
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5505. The variance is incredible.
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4800 ft for me.
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I just know it was at least one hill too many. That final climb up to the fire tower was misery. Epic course, although I am still undecided as to whether I should have ridden my mountain bike rather than cross bike.
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I just know it was at least one hill too many. That final climb up to the fire tower was misery. Epic course, although I am still undecided as to whether I should have ridden my mountain bike rather than cross bike.
Glad to hear everyone was in favor of the new route... course, you know we already have a few tricks up our sleeves to change things for next year.... ;-)
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I just know it was at least one hill too many. That final climb up to the fire tower was misery. Epic course, although I am still undecided as to whether I should have ridden my mountain bike rather than cross bike.
Glad to hear everyone was in favor of the new route... course, you know we already have a few tricks up our sleeves to change things for next year.... ;-)
Callahan.
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I just know it was at least one hill too many. That final climb up to the fire tower was misery. Epic course, although I am still undecided as to whether I should have ridden my mountain bike rather than cross bike.
Glad to hear everyone was in favor of the new route... course, you know we already have a few tricks up our sleeves to change things for next year.... ;-)
Callahan.
nah... then too many people would know where it is for the Death March! ;-)
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Tania,
Are results posted anywhere yet? Am I just not seeing a link on the website? I still have no idea where I placed...other than it was nowhere near the front!!
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http://www.inrunco.com/results/2013GravelGrovel.html
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Excellent, thanks!