2013 Sub-9 Gravel Grovel

[tjuillerat]

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 to register or join us at www.Facebook.com/GravelGrovel for the latest updates and information!

[mtbikernate]

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.

[Doe]

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!!

[Bentcrank]

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.

[tjuillerat]

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.  ;-)

[tjuillerat]

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!!!

[Bill Ardery]

 Sent you guys an email about volunteering. 

[Willyjaybob]

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.

[Doe]

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. 

[tjuillerat]

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.

[Fett]

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

[tjuillerat]

OR if there is a ton of new loose gravel

oh... there is!

[Fett]

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?

[tjuillerat]

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??!

[Bentcrank]

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?