Just Who Are The Gravel Grinders?

What kind of folks ride these kinds of roads?

While riding to work yesterday, ( I tend to get some ideas while riding!), I was wondering, "Who are the 'gravel grinders' anyway?"

I mean, what type of riders do this sort of thing? What riders would be attracted to such an activity? For many years, most cyclists, (not to mention non-cyclists), would give you that "you're crazy" look if you said that you were out riding gravel. Well, that is if they just didn't come right out and say it to your face, which a lot of people have to me.

I guess I could maybe give you- the reader- a version of  what I think a gravel road rider is, but I am one. It's maybe not my place to even say what a gravel road rider's profile is, if there even is a "profile" for one.

Oh, I've been asked about this before. Folks wanting to know about Trans Iowa, or speaking to me about "Gravel Grinder News" . But for this post, I wanted to let you decide: Who Are The Gravel Grinders?

So, if you've got your version you'd like to share, hit me with it in the comments section. Thanks!


 Special Note On "300 Miles Of Gravel": 

  300 Miles of Gravel Trailer from Jeff Frings Photography on Vimeo.

I have been getting several requests/questions about how one can get ahold of the film project by Jeff Frings about Trans Iowa V7 called "300 Miles Of Gravel" .

The answer is- You can't get it. .....................well, not yet anyway. 

Let me explain a few things: First of all, I and all the riders and volunteers in Trans Iowa V7 have no connection with the sale or distribution of the film. We were in it, but we do not own the rights. We were "compensated" for our inclusion in the project by Mr. Frings by getting a free copy of the completed film in digital file format.  Mr. Frings also opened up a small window for those wanting to have the film by making a list, (compiled and sent to Mr. Frings by myself), and snding those folks a copy of the film as well.

Beyond this, my only information regarding the film comes from Mr. Frings who told me that he "may offer the film for sale" at some undetermined point in the future.

So, while I am greatly flattered and appreciative of the interest I am finding out about out there for this film, I can not get you "hooked up", and have no influence on whether or not "300 Miles Of Gravel" will ever be distributed for public consumption/viewing. 

Just Who Are The Gravel Grinders?

What kind of folks ride these kinds of roads?

While riding to work yesterday, ( I tend to get some ideas while riding!), I was wondering, "Who are the 'gravel grinders' anyway?"

I mean, what type of riders do this sort of thing? What riders would be attracted to such an activity? For many years, most cyclists, (not to mention non-cyclists), would give you that "you're crazy" look if you said that you were out riding gravel. Well, that is if they just didn't come right out and say it to your face, which a lot of people have to me.

I guess I could maybe give you- the reader- a version of  what I think a gravel road rider is, but I am one. It's maybe not my place to even say what a gravel road rider's profile is, if there even is a "profile" for one.

Oh, I've been asked about this before. Folks wanting to know about Trans Iowa, or speaking to me about "Gravel Grinder News" . But for this post, I wanted to let you decide: Who Are The Gravel Grinders?

So, if you've got your version you'd like to share, hit me with it in the comments section. Thanks!


 Special Note On "300 Miles Of Gravel": 

  300 Miles of Gravel Trailer from Jeff Frings Photography on Vimeo.

I have been getting several requests/questions about how one can get ahold of the film project by Jeff Frings about Trans Iowa V7 called "300 Miles Of Gravel" .

The answer is- You can't get it. .....................well, not yet anyway. 

Let me explain a few things: First of all, I and all the riders and volunteers in Trans Iowa V7 have no connection with the sale or distribution of the film. We were in it, but we do not own the rights. We were "compensated" for our inclusion in the project by Mr. Frings by getting a free copy of the completed film in digital file format.  Mr. Frings also opened up a small window for those wanting to have the film by making a list, (compiled and sent to Mr. Frings by myself), and snding those folks a copy of the film as well.

Beyond this, my only information regarding the film comes from Mr. Frings who told me that he "may offer the film for sale" at some undetermined point in the future.

So, while I am greatly flattered and appreciative of the interest I am finding out about out there for this film, I can not get you "hooked up", and have no influence on whether or not "300 Miles Of Gravel" will ever be distributed for public consumption/viewing. 

Trans Iowa V9: Recon Part II

Sample Fog Image

Trans Iowa V9 recon is done. That is a nice sentence to write. I don't think that's happened this early but one other time, and that attempt got derailed in the end.

Once more I was joined by current volunteer and Trans Iowa finisher Jeremy Fry. He navigated, I drove, and we went onward through the fog. Literally. It was really quite soupy out there at times.

First off, I am quite thankful we didn't get in an accident. It was pretty sketchy out there at times, and there were plenty of opportunities for calamity to occur. Secondly, I am quite thankful that conditions of the road surfaces were tops. Even the B Maintenance roads were nice and we traversed all of them that are on the course in the second half of the event.

Now for some finer details. We started from where we left off last time which was about 12 miles beyond Checkpoint #2. The point where we began leads off into a slew of hills. In the semi-dark and fog, it was hard to get a true picture of the landscape, but it felt like we went up a lot more than we were going down.

Sample B Maintenance Road Image

Somewhere in this early going, Jeremy's Garmin recorded an incline of 14%. There were several grades near that as well. After we got along about 25-30 miles in the fog actually lifted for a spell. Then we could easily discern the landscape and the going was much easier for us, albeit still quite hilly.

Winding our way along, (yes- there are quite a few curvy spots in the course), we finally got to a point where we came across our first B Maintenance road of the day. This one I didn't discover until I laid out the recon route maps on Friday. It was a short-ish, maybe 3/4 mile long jaunt of indeterminate difficulty. We'd find out when we got there.

I wasn't too keen on driving any B Maintenance roads, but when we looked at this one it didn't look all that bad. Just as long as there was no big dip into a huge mud hole, I figured we'd be okay. Jeremy had this fine gem of wisdom for me, as he quipped, "You always can use reverse."

Sample of Rollers Image

 Well, we made it through that section, and we made it through two more miles worth of B Maintenance roads with no issues. The dirt was remarkably dry. So, it would appear my fears were unfounded. However; the fog returned with a vengeance.

The roads were pretty decent. There were the usual sections of fresh gravel. There were several sections where the "three lanes" were pounded out and clear of chunk. Then there were a lot of intersections that had really bad washboard. So bad the truck would skitter a bit sideways.

Then there was a road, with about three to four miles worth of fresh gravel, and it was so rough, I couldn't go very fast without fear of getting crossways or going into the generous and steep ditch. Beyond those things everything looked pretty normal. We even got finished with this recon section before noon!

Now I move on to doing a draft of the cue sheets. These will be forwarded to our "Official Photographer", Wally. He will then do a complete recon in the Spring using nothing but the cue sheet drafts and will report on any miscues or confusing bits. This is the same method we used last Spring to verify the cue sheets.

Jeremy asked on the way home if this was a big weight lifted off of my shoulders now. Of course, it is, and I am stoked about getting beyond this hurdle and attacking the next set of details to bring the best Trans Iowa I can to the riders come Spring.

Trans Iowa V9: Recon Part II

Sample Fog Image

Trans Iowa V9 recon is done. That is a nice sentence to write. I don't think that's happened this early but one other time, and that attempt got derailed in the end.

Once more I was joined by current volunteer and Trans Iowa finisher Jeremy Fry. He navigated, I drove, and we went onward through the fog. Literally. It was really quite soupy out there at times.

First off, I am quite thankful we didn't get in an accident. It was pretty sketchy out there at times, and there were plenty of opportunities for calamity to occur. Secondly, I am quite thankful that conditions of the road surfaces were tops. Even the B Maintenance roads were nice and we traversed all of them that are on the course in the second half of the event.

Now for some finer details. We started from where we left off last time which was about 12 miles beyond Checkpoint #2. The point where we began leads off into a slew of hills. In the semi-dark and fog, it was hard to get a true picture of the landscape, but it felt like we went up a lot more than we were going down.

Sample B Maintenance Road Image

Somewhere in this early going, Jeremy's Garmin recorded an incline of 14%. There were several grades near that as well. After we got along about 25-30 miles in the fog actually lifted for a spell. Then we could easily discern the landscape and the going was much easier for us, albeit still quite hilly.

Winding our way along, (yes- there are quite a few curvy spots in the course), we finally got to a point where we came across our first B Maintenance road of the day. This one I didn't discover until I laid out the recon route maps on Friday. It was a short-ish, maybe 3/4 mile long jaunt of indeterminate difficulty. We'd find out when we got there.

I wasn't too keen on driving any B Maintenance roads, but when we looked at this one it didn't look all that bad. Just as long as there was no big dip into a huge mud hole, I figured we'd be okay. Jeremy had this fine gem of wisdom for me, as he quipped, "You always can use reverse."

Sample of Rollers Image

 Well, we made it through that section, and we made it through two more miles worth of B Maintenance roads with no issues. The dirt was remarkably dry. So, it would appear my fears were unfounded. However; the fog returned with a vengeance.

The roads were pretty decent. There were the usual sections of fresh gravel. There were several sections where the "three lanes" were pounded out and clear of chunk. Then there were a lot of intersections that had really bad washboard. So bad the truck would skitter a bit sideways.

Then there was a road, with about three to four miles worth of fresh gravel, and it was so rough, I couldn't go very fast without fear of getting crossways or going into the generous and steep ditch. Beyond those things everything looked pretty normal. We even got finished with this recon section before noon!

Now I move on to doing a draft of the cue sheets. These will be forwarded to our "Official Photographer", Wally. He will then do a complete recon in the Spring using nothing but the cue sheet drafts and will report on any miscues or confusing bits. This is the same method we used last Spring to verify the cue sheets.

Jeremy asked on the way home if this was a big weight lifted off of my shoulders now. Of course, it is, and I am stoked about getting beyond this hurdle and attacking the next set of details to bring the best Trans Iowa I can to the riders come Spring.

Barns For Jason: Trans Iowa Recon Version

When I get out in the country, be it by bicycle or other vehicles, I like to grab new barn pictures for my friend Jason. It's been kind of an inside joke for a long time, but "barn hunting" has taken on a new life of its own with me, and I just continue to post more of these barn themed entries to the blog.

Along with that I have had a new commission for windmill images from Paul of the U.K. With that in mind, here are all the barn and windmill images from Sunday's Trans Iowa V9 recon:

And there are even more that I haven't posted just from that 140 + mile gravel trip Sunday! Hope ya'all enjoy those.

Barns For Jason: Trans Iowa Recon Version

When I get out in the country, be it by bicycle or other vehicles, I like to grab new barn pictures for my friend Jason. It's been kind of an inside joke for a long time, but "barn hunting" has taken on a new life of its own with me, and I just continue to post more of these barn themed entries to the blog.

Along with that I have had a new commission for windmill images from Paul of the U.K. With that in mind, here are all the barn and windmill images from Sunday's Trans Iowa V9 recon:

And there are even more that I haven't posted just from that 140 + mile gravel trip Sunday! Hope ya'all enjoy those.

Triple D Winter Race: Training Log 2

The Triple D training continues, and what better way to extend the efforts than to combine a ride with Saturday's "Global Fat Bike Day" rides that were happening......well, globally!

The community of fat bikers in this area were assembled at the Camp, but instead of driving there, I decided to ride there and back. That would prove to be a good chunk of mileage, I figured, on the fat bike, and should prove to make for good training.

I left at 8:00am and made my way northward to The Camp and arrived at 9:10am. Whoops! I didn't think I'd get there that quickly, but oh well. The rest of the crew wouldn't show up until 10:00am, and I wasn't going to sit around and wait that long. I'd have been frozen stiff had I done that. The air was completely saturated, it was windy, and the temperature was in the upper 30°'s. Plus, I was cooking. Stopping for very long would have been a bad deal. I had to keep on moving to stay warm.

Two deer, still alive!

The single track was saturated on the very top layer of dirt as well. in some places my tires were making noise as if running through wet mud. I knew it would get real sketchy in terms of traction out there, and especially since I was running Big Fat Larrys, which are not known to be great muddin' tires. That and I was the first bike on the trails yesterday.

Well, it was coming sooner or later, but I hit an off camber down hill, and even though I had the speed in check, the wheels lost grip on the greasy mud and I was going down. Not a bad crash, but I fell heavily on the same spot on my left leg that I did a few days ago, and it really hurt.

I was gimpy already, not able to put all my weight on the leg when I got up, so I cut my ride at The Camp short and got back onto the gravel. I had to ride back home, and risking another biff on the same leg wasn't worth it. As I got going out on the road again, I could feel the dull pain from my hip to my foot, and I was worried there for a bit that it was going to get worse, but it didn't, and I continued onward.

The skies were gray most of the ride, but for a brief moment or two, the sun peeked out.That was only a tease though, as the clouds quickly thickened up again. The sounds of shotguns blasting away was also evident as I rode along. It was the opening day of shotgun deer hunting season, and the sounds of gunfire were a bit of disconcerting. I kept wondering if I was going to see some mad, bloody deer run across the road. Thank God I didn't see anything of the like. In fact, all I saw were live deer. These were all either in town, or very nearly in town though! I'm betting a lot of deer were taken down yesterday.

Gummed up tires

I got a "nature break" in finally, and re-mounted going back up Bennington Road when I saw the clouds getting darker. The forecast called for showers, and I figured I would beat them before they got here. The precipitation held off until I reached the edge of town, and then a fine mist started up. It wasn't long before I started to get chilled by this, and I was glad I had a water resistant shell on, because things could have gotten really ugly had I not.

As it was, I had frozen feet bad by the time I reached the city and I was quite keen on getting the ride over with. I had a few bits of bike path, a bridge crossing, and some street riding to go before I would hit the front door 3 hours and 20 minutes after starting out.

My left leg, which obviously held up for the ride's duration, was sore and stiff later on, but I have some down time to let it get some healing coming up. At least I managed another good effort at getting some miles in for Triple D.

Triple D Winter Race: Training Log 2

The Triple D training continues, and what better way to extend the efforts than to combine a ride with Saturday's "Global Fat Bike Day" rides that were happening......well, globally!

The community of fat bikers in this area were assembled at the Camp, but instead of driving there, I decided to ride there and back. That would prove to be a good chunk of mileage, I figured, on the fat bike, and should prove to make for good training.

I left at 8:00am and made my way northward to The Camp and arrived at 9:10am. Whoops! I didn't think I'd get there that quickly, but oh well. The rest of the crew wouldn't show up until 10:00am, and I wasn't going to sit around and wait that long. I'd have been frozen stiff had I done that. The air was completely saturated, it was windy, and the temperature was in the upper 30°'s. Plus, I was cooking. Stopping for very long would have been a bad deal. I had to keep on moving to stay warm.

Two deer, still alive!

The single track was saturated on the very top layer of dirt as well. in some places my tires were making noise as if running through wet mud. I knew it would get real sketchy in terms of traction out there, and especially since I was running Big Fat Larrys, which are not known to be great muddin' tires. That and I was the first bike on the trails yesterday.

Well, it was coming sooner or later, but I hit an off camber down hill, and even though I had the speed in check, the wheels lost grip on the greasy mud and I was going down. Not a bad crash, but I fell heavily on the same spot on my left leg that I did a few days ago, and it really hurt.

I was gimpy already, not able to put all my weight on the leg when I got up, so I cut my ride at The Camp short and got back onto the gravel. I had to ride back home, and risking another biff on the same leg wasn't worth it. As I got going out on the road again, I could feel the dull pain from my hip to my foot, and I was worried there for a bit that it was going to get worse, but it didn't, and I continued onward.

The skies were gray most of the ride, but for a brief moment or two, the sun peeked out.That was only a tease though, as the clouds quickly thickened up again. The sounds of shotguns blasting away was also evident as I rode along. It was the opening day of shotgun deer hunting season, and the sounds of gunfire were a bit of disconcerting. I kept wondering if I was going to see some mad, bloody deer run across the road. Thank God I didn't see anything of the like. In fact, all I saw were live deer. These were all either in town, or very nearly in town though! I'm betting a lot of deer were taken down yesterday.

Gummed up tires

I got a "nature break" in finally, and re-mounted going back up Bennington Road when I saw the clouds getting darker. The forecast called for showers, and I figured I would beat them before they got here. The precipitation held off until I reached the edge of town, and then a fine mist started up. It wasn't long before I started to get chilled by this, and I was glad I had a water resistant shell on, because things could have gotten really ugly had I not.

As it was, I had frozen feet bad by the time I reached the city and I was quite keen on getting the ride over with. I had a few bits of bike path, a bridge crossing, and some street riding to go before I would hit the front door 3 hours and 20 minutes after starting out.

My left leg, which obviously held up for the ride's duration, was sore and stiff later on, but I have some down time to let it get some healing coming up. At least I managed another good effort at getting some miles in for Triple D.

Trans Iowa V9: Post Registration Thoughts

More Recon Sunday

Post Registration Thoughts:

Well, we're all filled up on the roster and set to go on the final recon tomorrow for T.I.V9. I had a few items I wanted to hit on here concerning what just happened after the doors closed on the roster.

No Wait List: As I stated several times, there is no waiting list and no transfers for those that didn't get in on Trans Iowa this year. I've been asked by several folks if I got a post card from them, or whether there is or is not a waiting list. I answered a few of you regarding this, so you already know the status. For the rest of you this should clear any questions up.

If you wanted in, you'll have to wait until next year.

How It Is That We Don't Ever Start The Entire Number Entered: This is the next question I get concerning the roster number. Lots of folks don't seem to understand why Trans Iowa never gets 100 starters, and why next Spring there will not be 120 folks at the start line. (This next Spring we have a possibility of 120 folks. Years past its been 100.)

The reason is people drop out before the event starts. Injuries, social commitments, (weddings, funerals, etc), and other things cause folks to e-mail me and say they won't be coming in April. (This is something you should do ASAP if it happens to you so I do not waste resources getting ready for you to come when you are not.) These lost starters are not replaced. So, inevitably there will be drops, and therefore Trans Iowa will not start the entire roster registered. Simple.

Target!

  Comments On The Roster:  Looking at the field registered, I am struck by a few things..

• Women's Open: This is the most women registered for any Trans Iowa ever. And you know what? Only two were ever in a T.I. before. This is really exciting for me. Getting the Women's field to grow has been a priority for me, (and Jeff and David as well when they were with me), since the beginning. I sure hope they all toe the line this coming April. On top of that, I'd love to record more Women's Open finishers. With this many registered, the odds of that happening go up, certainly. 
• Men's Open: Super competitive field. The gravel racing/endurance talent represented on the roster is some of the very best in this genre'. I am humbled by this, and it makes me want to do the best job I can of putting on this event. Besides, if the weather is decent, there are going to be some real fireworks going on out there that I can not wait to witness first hand. You know- the Men's Open field alone is bigger than any starting field for any Trans Iowa. Hopefully we can break a record next spring for a total number of starters. That number currently stands at 76 (T.I.V7)
• Single Speed/Fixed: Again, a big field, I believe the biggest ever registered as well. Interesting how many Rookies sign up for this......
• Industry Cup- Volunteers Exemption: Again- more than any other Trans Iowa event. These folks don't count against the roster and are there because they support/supported Trans Iowa. this is my way of thanking them for their valuable contributions. Of particular note here is Adam Boone who has finished T.I. twice on a Campy equipped cross bike. I'm pretty sure nobody else has done that!

Okay, that's a wrap for this week. look for a special Trans Iowa recon report next week sometime. 

Trans Iowa V9: Post Registration Thoughts

More Recon Sunday

Post Registration Thoughts:

Well, we're all filled up on the roster and set to go on the final recon tomorrow for T.I.V9. I had a few items I wanted to hit on here concerning what just happened after the doors closed on the roster.

No Wait List: As I stated several times, there is no waiting list and no transfers for those that didn't get in on Trans Iowa this year. I've been asked by several folks if I got a post card from them, or whether there is or is not a waiting list. I answered a few of you regarding this, so you already know the status. For the rest of you this should clear any questions up.

If you wanted in, you'll have to wait until next year.

How It Is That We Don't Ever Start The Entire Number Entered: This is the next question I get concerning the roster number. Lots of folks don't seem to understand why Trans Iowa never gets 100 starters, and why next Spring there will not be 120 folks at the start line. (This next Spring we have a possibility of 120 folks. Years past its been 100.)

The reason is people drop out before the event starts. Injuries, social commitments, (weddings, funerals, etc), and other things cause folks to e-mail me and say they won't be coming in April. (This is something you should do ASAP if it happens to you so I do not waste resources getting ready for you to come when you are not.) These lost starters are not replaced. So, inevitably there will be drops, and therefore Trans Iowa will not start the entire roster registered. Simple.

Target!

  Comments On The Roster:  Looking at the field registered, I am struck by a few things..

• Women's Open: This is the most women registered for any Trans Iowa ever. And you know what? Only two were ever in a T.I. before. This is really exciting for me. Getting the Women's field to grow has been a priority for me, (and Jeff and David as well when they were with me), since the beginning. I sure hope they all toe the line this coming April. On top of that, I'd love to record more Women's Open finishers. With this many registered, the odds of that happening go up, certainly. 
• Men's Open: Super competitive field. The gravel racing/endurance talent represented on the roster is some of the very best in this genre'. I am humbled by this, and it makes me want to do the best job I can of putting on this event. Besides, if the weather is decent, there are going to be some real fireworks going on out there that I can not wait to witness first hand. You know- the Men's Open field alone is bigger than any starting field for any Trans Iowa. Hopefully we can break a record next spring for a total number of starters. That number currently stands at 76 (T.I.V7)
• Single Speed/Fixed: Again, a big field, I believe the biggest ever registered as well. Interesting how many Rookies sign up for this......
• Industry Cup- Volunteers Exemption: Again- more than any other Trans Iowa event. These folks don't count against the roster and are there because they support/supported Trans Iowa. this is my way of thanking them for their valuable contributions. Of particular note here is Adam Boone who has finished T.I. twice on a Campy equipped cross bike. I'm pretty sure nobody else has done that!

Okay, that's a wrap for this week. look for a special Trans Iowa recon report next week sometime.