On October 3rd we will be running our first ever Gravel Grinder. Gravel grinders are gravel road races and rides that combine riding on surfaces such as asphalt, gravel, dirt, some single-track trails and maintenance or ORV roads. The courses vary from hard-packed dirt to softball-sized rocks. This describes the Forest Frenzy course to a T! Not to scare you off, this event is intended to be a fun, yet challenging. It can be a grueling course traveling over Forest Service Roads and ORV trails, some with rocky sections that may test your endurance. But we think you will agree that the spectacular vistas are worth the effort.
This ride is not skinny-tire road bike friendly. If you have a fat-tire bike, mountain bike, or adventure/all-purpose bike you will be able to do this ride. If you are riding a gravel/cross bike this is the Black Hills so plan on running wider tires with more tread. We recommend at least 40mm wide tires for cyclocross bikes and riding a mountain bike with 2.0 tires or bigger wouldn't be a bad choice either, especially if you are more comfortable on a mountain bike. There are lots of rocks and rain ruts crossing the dirt road sections in numerous spots, so when in doubt, check your speed a little. Although there are sections of gravel and almost 20% of road in the approximately 60+ mile event, the non-road sections will make you savor the pavement and all the amazing views.
So, come join us! Laugh, exercise, socialize, talk, laugh again, meet new people and create new friendships, but most of all RIDE! Ride individually or better yet bring along some friends. You can come to race or just ride; you can compete against the group, yourself or your mates if you like. The satisfaction is not only the wonderful scenic vistas you will enjoy, but when you reach the end there will be great food, drink and music.
Registration opens July 1st, 2021:
