Grumpy Grind 7 - April 27, 2019
140 Miles! We're going to the dark side!
This years date for the Grumpy Grind is coming a little late to the party, but it's game on for another round of the Grumpy Grind! The 7th riding of the Grumpy Grind will start in Sterling, Illinois this year. It will take place on Saturday April 27th, and riders will be challenged with a riding distance of approximately 140 miles.
Why the changes? The venue change was out of necessity, due to the farm being sold (literally). The distance changed because... I wanted it to. There were roads to be ridden, and challenges to be had, and increasing the distance of this ride has been on my mind for a while now. Riders will still need to follow cue cards to navigate the course. The event will still rely on riders being completely self supported. There will still be checkpoints and "bail out" options. And the course will remain as challenging as ever... with flatlands, steep climbs, and rolling hills abundant.
Just like in years past, there will be no field limit or deadline for registration. The proper etiquette for registration is to mail in your postcard, which will then put you on the "official" 2019 Rider List. The Grumpy Grind still isn't the biggest or fanciest of rides, but it should soothe your gravel riding soul just enough to make you come back again next year.
Why the changes? The venue change was out of necessity, due to the farm being sold (literally). The distance changed because... I wanted it to. There were roads to be ridden, and challenges to be had, and increasing the distance of this ride has been on my mind for a while now. Riders will still need to follow cue cards to navigate the course. The event will still rely on riders being completely self supported. There will still be checkpoints and "bail out" options. And the course will remain as challenging as ever... with flatlands, steep climbs, and rolling hills abundant.
Just like in years past, there will be no field limit or deadline for registration. The proper etiquette for registration is to mail in your postcard, which will then put you on the "official" 2019 Rider List. The Grumpy Grind still isn't the biggest or fanciest of rides, but it should soothe your gravel riding soul just enough to make you come back again next year.
What makes the Grumpy Grind so Grumpy?
The beautiful silence of a bike.
Why so Grumpy?!
1. The unpredictable weather in April can make you grumpy.
2. Messy April roads can make a rider grumpy.
3. Messy roads that can ruin a bike's drive-train will leave you Grumpy.
4. Being out of shape for a long distance ride in the spring can leave you grumpy.
5. Taking the "scenic route" because you didn't carefully pay attention to your cue cards can make you grumpy.
6. Hills that you didn't expect to be in Illinois can make you grumpy.
7. Die hard "grinders" complaining about there not being enough gravel on the ride can get grumpy. (Trust me, there will be enough gravel.)
8. Those who like to race, wondering where the awards are, might get grumpy. (Each person gets the same award... all finishers will get something.)
9. Any rider who doesn't understand the peaceful thrill of riding loose gravel will be grumpy.
10. Okay, if you have read this far, you should have figured out that the name "Grumpy Grind" just sounded catchy. You'll have a great time. So relax and enjoy the ride. There is no reason to be grumpy!
2. Messy April roads can make a rider grumpy.
3. Messy roads that can ruin a bike's drive-train will leave you Grumpy.
4. Being out of shape for a long distance ride in the spring can leave you grumpy.
5. Taking the "scenic route" because you didn't carefully pay attention to your cue cards can make you grumpy.
6. Hills that you didn't expect to be in Illinois can make you grumpy.
7. Die hard "grinders" complaining about there not being enough gravel on the ride can get grumpy. (Trust me, there will be enough gravel.)
8. Those who like to race, wondering where the awards are, might get grumpy. (Each person gets the same award... all finishers will get something.)
9. Any rider who doesn't understand the peaceful thrill of riding loose gravel will be grumpy.
10. Okay, if you have read this far, you should have figured out that the name "Grumpy Grind" just sounded catchy. You'll have a great time. So relax and enjoy the ride. There is no reason to be grumpy!
