Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational: Announcing A Few Details

The Date: July 30-31, 2011: Once again, my annual gravel grinding adventure will take place. The date has been chosen, and I will be working up a specific route soon. Here's the deal on this ride for those wondering.....

Who Is Invited? Basically, what this ride amounts to is a "no rider left behind group ride". It isn't a race, and anybody can come. The "invitational" part of the name is just a twist on the idea, and simply means "everyone is invited that wants to come".

Where Will It Be? Well, I held this ride two years running on the same course in Northeast Iowa, but this year I am bringing it back to Tama County. I had considered Jasper County, but there are some roads I want to see in Tama County that I have not seen yet. This is the excuse to check them out.

Camping: There will be camping, but unlike other years, here is how this is going to go down, to help save my brain cells! Saturday will be the ride. Saturday night will be the camping over night. If "revelry" happens Saturday night, that's cool. At least it won't impact my ride Saturday! Sunday I can sleep in. Then go home at a leisurely pace. You could too. What about Friday night? Well, I'll likely be camping then, but going to bed early!

Camp site may be Hickory Hills, (which we used three years ago), or it may be at Otter Creek State Park north of Toledo, Iowa, or...... I'll fill in that blank later with a specific site once the route gets figured out.

The Route: I've got a rough idea about what the route will be. The length will be at least 100 miles. It will include B Roads, and it will go through at least a couple towns for re-supplies. Oh yes.....this is a self-supported ride.  You will be responsible for yourself.

Be prepared to ride a long way, and take care of your own water, food, and bicycle. The ride is free. Again, anyone is welcome. We rode last year with three guys, including myself, and there have been years with as many as ten guys. Gals are certainly welcome too, and we've had one women actually come and join in the fun. This is a laid back, good time ride that will be tough, challenging, and likely hot and humid. The only way it wouldn't happen would be if it stormed heavily, (although we have ridden through a thunderstorm on this ride before.)

In the meantime, have a great weekend! If you have any questions, just ask away in the comments, or e-mail me. Thanks!