3rd Annual SRAM Gravel Grovel

[Sparky]

Bob and I are in if the weather is good. 
 

[Fett]

I am curious as to the tire selection that people have used in the past and are going to use for gravel grovel.

[pigfarm]

I'm thinking about giving it a try this year.  I'm pretty certain that doing it on a single speed is a really bad idea, but has anybody done it?

[chuckc1971]

I'm thinking about giving it a try this year.  I'm pretty certain that doing it on a single speed is a really bad idea, but has anybody done it?

I did it on a fixed gear mtb last year. The only time I felt really held back was on the powerline climb at Coombs. It was a bit slimy and I was geared pretty high, as well as, using a bit too slick of a commuter tire. That and bouncing down through the rubble at the bottom of some of those gravel hills was the only time I felt hampered by my combo. Since you can coast, you should do fine. I would run a much higher (tougher) gear combo than I would normally run on a SS. For reference, I ride 34x18 SS and 36x16 fixed.

BTW, there were at least 5-6 of us on single speed bicycles. I don't know if he finished, but one guy did it on a Little 500 bike with a coaster brake and no brakes otherwise.

The only other thing I would recommend is to use a fairly durable wheelset and either run tubeless or have a few tubes on hands. I saw a few tacoed cross wheels and many, many folks repairing flats.

[Bentcrank]

I'm thinking about giving it a try this year.  I'm pretty certain that doing it on a single speed is a really bad idea, but has anybody done it?

Not a bad idea at all. I am had so much fun last year I am doing it again this year.

Last year I was on my normal mtb tires. This year I have some cross size tires that I am thinking about trying.

[tjuillerat]

The Gravel Grovel is just a few weeks away and we've been busy working out all the details.

Be sure to check out the Event FAQ for all the info on the 3rd annual event at www.gravelgrovel.com.
You can also find up to date news and announcements at www.facebook.com/gravelgrovel.

A big addition to the event this year will be a warm, catered meal from Indianapolis-area Cajun, Creole favorite, Yats for after the ride.  Riders will be able to choose from the popular Chili Cheese Entoufee, White Chili with Chicken and the Vegan Succutosh.  We'll have water and hot chocolate available, but feel free to BYOB for post-ride refreshment.  The 2011 event is only open to 250 participants (race and ride combined) so be sure and sign up early to guarantee your spot at the last Sub-9 event of the season!

Just a reminder that event t-shirts are available and must be purchased on-line.
 http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=14184

[tjuillerat]

We're excited to announce SRAM as the title sponsor for the 2011 event!
 
We'll have tons of great prizes including a set of Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Clincher wheels valued at $2700!
 
You can find out all the details on the 2011 event at www.gravelgrovel.com       

[tjuillerat]

Just a little over two weeks left until the third annual SRAM Gravel Grovel!  Join us for a grueling 62 mile (100 km) race or a 30 mile fun ride on "mother nature's cyclocross course" through Indiana's Hoosier National Forest and beyond.  Go to www.gravelgrovel.com for all the info and a link to register.

[tjuillerat]

Less than two weeks left until the 2011 SRAM Gravel Grovel.  We have tons of great prizes to give away at the 3rd annual event.  All 62 mile racers will automatically be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a brand new Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Clincher wheelset valued at $2700!  Brown County stone engraved awards will be given to the top finisher in Open Men, Open Men Masters (40+) and Open Women race categories.  Lots of other great prizes will be given away randomly to all event participants.. must be present to win!  Winners and awards will be announced during the Awards Ceremony and Yats Dinner after the ride.
 
Online registration closes at NOON on Friday, November 25.  On-site registration is available for an addition $10.
 
Don't forget to order your 2011 event t-shirt!
 
Go to www.gravelgrovel.com for more info or http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=14184 to get signed up today!

[Doe]

Chance of rain for Saturday keeps going down--20% at the moment.  Anyone in the Indy area interested in carpooling Sat. AM and returning Sat. PM?

[tjuillerat]

Chance of rain for Saturday keeps going down--20% at the moment.  Anyone in the Indy area interested in carpooling Sat. AM and returning Sat. PM?

You might also check on the Gravel Grovel Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/gravelgrovel
 

[tjuillerat]

Depending on our final number of riders, we may have Yats meal tickets available ($10) for friends and/or family coming to cheer on riders this weekend at the Gravel Grovel.  See you all there!
www.yatscajuncreole.com
Don't forget we'll have water and hot chocolate available, but feel free to BYOB for post ride refreshments!

[slamnsam]

Any idea how deep the creeks will be?

[tjuillerat]

Looks like they've received between 1-2" in the last week and about 1/2" in the last 24 hours.  Luckily doesnt look like anymore rain in the forecast until after midnight on Saturday.  Should give everything a bit of time to dry, especially if we can get some wind and/or sun.  Even Combs Rd should be in pretty good shape by Saturday.

[tjuillerat]

Alright folks... last chance to register.  Already 160 signed up for this weekend's event.  On-line registration closes at NOON today!  On-site registration is available (additional $10 on-site reg fee).  Hope to see you all there!