3rd Annual SRAM Gravel Grovel

[Fett]

I think the Gravel Grovel is the last mountain bike race of the year in the area. It looks like Sub9 has taken over the promotion of the event and the website has been updated. I have not been able to do it the past 2 years and am looking forward to a little post Thanksgiving suffering.
 
www.gravelgrovel.com

[tmac]

I'll be there! I didn't get to do this last year and it sounds like fun.

[Bentcrank]

I'm in! 3 years in a row. 

[bboehman]

I think I have it worked out with the wife!  We will have a 3 week old at that point, but as long as she gets an hour break every night from now until then from the other two kids, I get one day!  Not sure I got the better end of that deal!
Bob

[tjuillerat]

Dang.. you guys are quick!  I was planning to put up the official message board topic today!
 
The Gravel Grovel is a self-supported, solo bicycle race through the hills of Indiana's Hoosier National Forest and beyond.
 
Gravel Grovel 62 Mile Race
  ~ Open Men
  ~ Open Men Masters (40+)
  ~ Open Women
  ~ Single Speed/Fixed
  ~ Little 500 Special
 
Gravel Grovel 30 Mile Fun Ride
  ~ A casual, fun ride to help burn off that extra plate of Thanksgiving fixin's!

The 2011 event now includes on-site camping, participant changing rooms, limited showers for after the ride, and a huge dining hall for a hot meal after the event!  Go to www.gravelgrovel.com for all the info.  You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gravelgrovel.
 
Online registration begins on Saturday, Oct 1 and ends at Noon on Friday, November 24.
Cost is $35 for online registration or $45 onsite.
Little 500 Special is only $10.
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=14184
 

[Loretta]

Planning on being there.

[Doe]

Thinking about doing this if we don't go to FLA over T-giving.  First timer but sounds like a blast! 

[tjuillerat]

We're excited to partner with the Story Inn for the 3rd Annual Gravel Grovel.  Our 62 mile riders will enjoy a special SAG at the Story Inn, the turn around point for the Story "out-n-back" leg of the race.
 
Folks not interested in the on-site camping should consider reserving a room at the Story Inn and make it a fun weekend!
 
www.storyinn.com
 
 

[Doe]

I've never done anything like this (more of a road rider who just got into MTB'ing recently) and am wondering how to know if I am ready for it or how to prepare. Any advice is welcome!

[edf]

I had been toying with the idea of riding this for the past few weeks. It now appears Thanksgiving plans will put me in Bloomington the night before, which works out perfectly. I may treat this as a ride more than a race, but it seems to be a good training goal heading into winter.
 
I was wondering about times.  Beyond a few blog postings and a few references to the times placed by top riders, does anyone care to share their finish times? It looks like the course has changed from previous years, but getting a range of times would still be interesting for inquiring minds.

 Ed

[chuckdlou]

I've never done anything like this (more of a road rider who just got into MTB'ing recently) and am wondering how to know if I am ready for it or how to prepare. Any advice is welcome!

i'd say you'll be just fine...the only part of the course that resembles "trail" is the traverse across combs road and it is steeper than it is technical...everything else is on gravel road...

[Doe]

Thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking, too.  Wondering how to compare these 62 miles to road miles.  Guess I'll just have to get out and do it and see!

[Bentcrank]

Thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking, too.  Wondering how to compare these 62 miles to road miles.  Guess I'll just have to get out and do it and see!

It will be a lot harder then 62 miles on a road bike, but very doable.

I would say the majority of the people are just riding and not actually racing. Just another reason to get out for a fun day on the bike.

[Doe]

I am thinking the biggest potential problem for me will be that is is self-supported.  Hopefully, I won't have any flats or mechanical issues (but I do plan on being prepared for them).

[chuckdlou]

bentcrank is right in that a lot of people are just out for a ride...we'll have volunteers at the fire tower, and at the Story Inn if you need help...and since a lot of people are just riding i would be surprised if you had a mechanical and no one offered help...in fact, if you have mechanical trouble and people DON'T offer to help remember their numbers and let me know ...i'm in the red truck with the camper in the back...