Gentler Gravel Grinder

Type

Road, Mountain Bike, Cyclocross

Level

Novice
Rides suitable for cyclists who are new to the sport (or who have not been on a bike for some years), family-friendly rides or any riders that feel a need for some mentoring. Note: please note that minors under the age of 16 cannot participate in rides unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Families with children should, in any event, confirm with the ride leader ahead of time that the ride will be suitable for their needs.

Intermediate
Targeted towards riders who have a few years in the saddle, who have developed some riding confidence and fitness and feel ready to move to the next level. Could attract more experienced riders who are looking for a relaxed or less aggressive ride.

Advanced
Limited to experienced riders with superior bike handling skills and who are comfortable with a fast pace (probably including single and/or double pace-line riding) and/or hilly terrain, and the possibility of heavily trafficked roads. Advanced rides are less likely to be "no-drop" unless identified as such.

Intermediate

Distance

50 - 50

miles

Terrain

Hilly

Date

Saturday, 23 May, 2015

Time

9:00 AM

Description

The long 160 mile Gravel Grinder went off last weekend. Last year there was also a 50 mile option that disappeared officially. We are making the 50 mile option a club ride on Sunday, April 19. My goal is to do this as an introduction to what the heck is this Gravel Grinding phenomenon all about anyways. And in such a way that doesn't require an extended visit to Sufferlandia. My understanding is that the whole point of the Gravel Grinders is to get out there out of the traffic and do your own thing, and my thing will be to take it easy. Adult beverages might be involved either before during or after. Probably not before unless you come from a hardened hash house harrier team.

If though you have the need for speed and want to make a side trip into Sufferlandia, or you just need to finish early to go get a root canal, take off fast and have at it.

Nord is helping out on this ride, he knows all the roads up there around Monument and Greenland and he has mucho lotta gravel grinding experience so I'm also hoping he will educate us newbies on what this thing is all about.

I set the time so we could be finishing up around about lunchtime or thereabouts.

Sponsored By

Organization

Southern Colorado Velo (Soco Velo)

About SoCoVelo Southern Colorado Velo (So.Co.Velo) Founded in 2010, SoCoVelo is a 501c3 non-profit all-inclusive cycling club based in Colorado Springs, CO. Our primary focus is giving ... moreback to the community through partnerships with other cycling non-profits, education and outreach efforts.

All Members: All SoCo Velo members will receive discounts at Criterium Bicycles in Colorado Springs in addition to other sponsorship deals through out the year. All Club Tier members are encouraged to participate while all Team Tier members are required to maintain an active role in the club. Members must also purchase one jersey and encouraged to purchase one short per year. And of course, all must adhere to our general, commonsense code of conduct.

Club Tier: Club members join for many reasons. We are as diverse as the many disciplines of cycling. Like anything in life, find what you are passionate about and get involved. Look for ways to be social, to join or lead a ride, give back to the cycling community and meet other members of the club. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, racing intent, or cycling experience. Our primary goal is to promote cycling.

Team Tier: Racing team members are required to get more involved in the club and in the cycling community. If you race, lead a monthly training ride. If you like working with kids, help volunteer for Kids on Bikes. Trail work days with Medicine Wheel will happen. Volunteers are always needed in local bike races. With more expectations come more rewards, our team members enjoy a few additional perks. To become a Team Member you must first be a Club member and apply during the first few weeks after the annual kick-off meeting for a chance to be accepted.

Group Rides: