J.D. Drifter 150, Iowa Games Gravel & More

Good ridin' folks are puttin' this one on.

The Slender Fungus Cycling Association is going to be putting on this humdinger of a ride on the 29th- yes, that's this Sunday- in Jo Davies County Illinois, (J.D.- get it? ) starting from the Apple River Canyon State Park in the Northwest corner of Illinois near Wisconsin.

It's starting at 5am because this ride is 150 miles, so not for the faint of heart. I suppose you could make an "escape route" if you cannot go that far in very hilly terrain, but this is a fully self-supported ride on gravel. These folks are pretty serious about doing the whole 150 in one large bite, and they are very encouraging of any that should be of like mind to join in the fun.

The ride plan is to all go together as a group and not to leave anyone behind. (Caravan style) It's free, it's an adventure, and if you live in the tri-state area, you should check this out. Here's the linky for your viewing pleasure.

Competitive gravel racing at the Iowa Games.

Maybe 150 miles of self-supported gravel riding isn't your cup-o-tea? Well, then you're in luck, because Sunday also sees the 2nd running of the Iowa Games Gravel Grinder.

It's a metric plus- about 65 miles- and you have age groups and medals, and t-shirts, just like a "real race" would. So if your competitive juices need stirring, and you like gravel roads, check this one out. Again, good folks are backing this one and there will be a few Iowans I know riding in this that are good people. You'd have a good time if you decide to go, I'm pretty positive about that.

 This one costs about $20.00 if you sign up real quick like. (They have on-line registration till tomorrow) It'll cost ya an extra fiver if you wait too long, and my buddy Jared said you shouldn't wait that long, so, ya know........don't wait that long! Right?

Raid Lamoille is coming up July 12th in Stowe VT

Maybe you don't live in the Mid-West and think that you don't have any gravel roads to play on? Well, if you are anywhere near Vermont, you need to check out Raid Lamoille on July 12th.

Again, a metric or so of back country roads, 80%+ gravel, and scenic as all get out. Oh yeah......6000+ feet of climbing. Which ain't too bad, when you think about it. I mean, we can give you that in Northeast Iowa, so it isn't like that is undoable or anything, right?

Plus, this event has a marked and cue sheeted route with a freakin' covered bridge! And an after party? Really, you folks in New England have nothing to complain about when it comes to gravelly goodness, not as far as I can tell.

So while I am "contemplating my madness" while pedaling my bicycle in Nebraska on Saturday, you folks out there could be doing something likewise. It's Summer, and the gravel happenings are going on all over the place. "Ya best be gettin' while the gettin' is good", as we like to say around these parts.