This is the MUST READ of all FAQ's posted. It answers a lot of questions.
* PLEASE RIDE SAFE!!! This is a ride first and foremost, not a race. If you are riding fast, be sure to make smart riding decisions and make sure you return safely to your finishing destination.
* RIDE SUPPORT: This ride is totally self-supported. Do not depend on food or water to be provided at any time. Do not pre-arrange for outside support of any kind. The intended nature of the event is the personal challenge and adventure of navigating roads less traveled.
* MANDITORY ITEMS: The only 3 items mandatory for this ride are a bike, a helmet, and a mandatory signing of an event waiver before the ride.
* STRONGLY RECCOMMENDED ITEMS: Odometer/bike computer (you might get lost without one), spare tubes, pump, cue cards (which will be provided).
* FOOD AND WATER: It is imperative that you come prepared. There may or may NOT be food/water at the checkpoints, so error on the side of being overly prepared. If you run out of water, kindly knock on someone’s door and ask for water. If you completely bonk, call for a ride and safely arrange for a ride back home.
* CHECKPOINTS: All riders must stop and tell checkpoint volunteers their name. If you are in too big of a hurry to do this you will be disqualified!
* DNF’ers: If you drop out of the race at any time, please text the designated number provided on registration day to let organizers know that you have safely bowed out of the event. If you do text the designated number, make sure you leave your name. Do not call this number for a ride. It won’t happen!
* Ride or Race? Do what you want, but the prizes are the same no matter where you finish during the day. Just be safe.
* Morning Check-in: @ 5493 Otter Creek Dr., Milledgeville, IL. This will take place in "The Barn." Participants must sign event waivers and then will receive a free water bottle.
* Help your fellow man: If someone is broken down on the side of the road, consider helping them. It is good sportsmanship and makes for good karma.
* Ride in groups: Riding in groups keeps things safe and fun. It also keeps you from getting lost as easily.
* Cell Phones: Bring one so you can call for a ride home if you have a mechanical or just plain can’t go the distance. Surrender your pride and be smart. It’s just a ride after all.
* Hills and Country Roads: Riders should NOT ride more than 2 abreast on gravel roads. Riders should ride single file on the right side of the road when cresting hills on narrow country roads. Cars should not be trusted in the country. They too may be in the middle of the road, or they might blow a stop sign when not looking for bicyclists.
* Smart Riding: Smart riding is a necessity for maintaining healthy relationships with motorists. Don’t be a jerk to motorists, even if they are a jerk to you (that is their choice).
* Tractors: This is rural America folks. We are riding in the "farmer's backyard." So be prepared to dismount your bikes to allow giant tractors and field equipment to pass. Tractors may take up huge portions of narrow gravel roads. Just stop your bike and step off to the side of the road and let the bigger vehicle pass. This is their home turf.
* Proper Riding: Proper riding on gravel means giving the riders next to you some space. You need extra braking distance on gravel, and the gravel can be squirrely when stopping. Put more effort into your rear brake than your front or you’ll end up on your face.
* Terrain: Watch out for loose gravel, big chunks of gravel, and potholes in the spring.
* Cue Cards: Cue Cards are the gospel. Trust only yourself when following the route. Continue reading below for cue card examples.
* Cheaters: Riders who cut the course or cheat and don’t follow the cue cards correctly will be disqualified. If you ride off course, reverse your route and try to find your way back on.
* Unmarked intersections: There may be intersections with no signage at all. Your cue cards will acknowledge this if there is a turn. Confusing unmarked intersections will have some sort of visual signage to help riders.
* Dogs/Horses. There are dogs in the country. Most are friendly, but some are not. Approach them with respect. Dismount your bike and walk with your bike between you and the dog if necessary. Be respectful of people riding horses. They love this beautiful country too. Slow down or walk your bike so you don't spook the. Be respectful.
* Toilets: Toilets are provided at the registration area and at the midway check-point. There is a lot of room out in the country to gracefully relieve yourself, but please be respectful of property and passers-by as you take care of your business.
*The Finish: Make sure you check in with ride volunteers to let them know you have safely finished. Though it is not technically a race, they will record the order of finishers and try to put a time with finishing places.
What size are the cue cards? And what do they look like?
Cue cards will be approximately 4" wide by 5" tall and will fit inside any standard map handlebar case (like the ones Banjo Brothers Bags sells. Hint hint... you should buy one of theirs. Only $7 I believe). Cue cards will be issued in a zip-loc bag at registration, so you don't need to have a map case (but map cases are nicer). The directions will look much like the ones used in the TransIowa gravel grind. Click the following to see those cue card examples. I have tried to be as thorough as possible on the cue cards. If a road is not marked with a sign, the mileage will still determine where the turn is, and a landmark or possible flag will note the turn. Unmarked intersections (ones without signage) will also be labeled "unmarked" on the cue card. Please allow common sense to prevail when using a cue card, it's not that complicated. The most important thing to know about cue cards is that they are the gospel! Trust your cue cards before you trust the direction the person in front of you is turning!
Will there be event t-shirts for sale?
There may be some extra shirt for sale. Cost will likely be $10.
Can you tell me what you think will be the best type of tire for the GrumpyGrind ride? Should they be as wide as possible? Can people do the ride on 23-25mm road tires? Is the gravel small or are there sections with larger rock?
There will be a variety of different sizes of gravel on the ride, as well as a few dirt sections that are grassy. As for tire size, standard cross tires or mtb tires with some tread would make for the best choices and will make the ride most comfortable. I know some local riders that are going to ride road bikes with the maximum tire size. Tire pressure and tire size are a good thing to experiment with prior to riding. In theory, a bike is a bike and most any bike would work, but common sense says there are better bikes and tires for the job than others.
Are you going to post a map of the route?
No. Cue cards will be issued when you arrive on event day.
Will the ride be marked out or does the rider have to depend on following a cue sheet?
The ride will not be marked on any of the roads, with the exception of intersections or turns that may create obvious confusion. The cue cards will provide adequate information. The cue cards will tell the rider whether to turn left or right at specific mileage points (which is why a device for computing mileage is necessary), and provide the names of the roads at those turns. If it isn't noted, then don't make any turns.
Will the 2018 route be the same as the 2017 route?
Nope. Some of the roads that have been ridden in the past will once again be ridden, but the direction you are riding them may be different, and there will also be new roads added to this years ride.
* PLEASE RIDE SAFE!!! This is a ride first and foremost, not a race. If you are riding fast, be sure to make smart riding decisions and make sure you return safely to your finishing destination.
* RIDE SUPPORT: This ride is totally self-supported. Do not depend on food or water to be provided at any time. Do not pre-arrange for outside support of any kind. The intended nature of the event is the personal challenge and adventure of navigating roads less traveled.
* MANDITORY ITEMS: The only 3 items mandatory for this ride are a bike, a helmet, and a mandatory signing of an event waiver before the ride.
* STRONGLY RECCOMMENDED ITEMS: Odometer/bike computer (you might get lost without one), spare tubes, pump, cue cards (which will be provided).
* FOOD AND WATER: It is imperative that you come prepared. There may or may NOT be food/water at the checkpoints, so error on the side of being overly prepared. If you run out of water, kindly knock on someone’s door and ask for water. If you completely bonk, call for a ride and safely arrange for a ride back home.
* CHECKPOINTS: All riders must stop and tell checkpoint volunteers their name. If you are in too big of a hurry to do this you will be disqualified!
* DNF’ers: If you drop out of the race at any time, please text the designated number provided on registration day to let organizers know that you have safely bowed out of the event. If you do text the designated number, make sure you leave your name. Do not call this number for a ride. It won’t happen!
* Ride or Race? Do what you want, but the prizes are the same no matter where you finish during the day. Just be safe.
* Morning Check-in: @ 5493 Otter Creek Dr., Milledgeville, IL. This will take place in "The Barn." Participants must sign event waivers and then will receive a free water bottle.
* Help your fellow man: If someone is broken down on the side of the road, consider helping them. It is good sportsmanship and makes for good karma.
* Ride in groups: Riding in groups keeps things safe and fun. It also keeps you from getting lost as easily.
* Cell Phones: Bring one so you can call for a ride home if you have a mechanical or just plain can’t go the distance. Surrender your pride and be smart. It’s just a ride after all.
* Hills and Country Roads: Riders should NOT ride more than 2 abreast on gravel roads. Riders should ride single file on the right side of the road when cresting hills on narrow country roads. Cars should not be trusted in the country. They too may be in the middle of the road, or they might blow a stop sign when not looking for bicyclists.
* Smart Riding: Smart riding is a necessity for maintaining healthy relationships with motorists. Don’t be a jerk to motorists, even if they are a jerk to you (that is their choice).
* Tractors: This is rural America folks. We are riding in the "farmer's backyard." So be prepared to dismount your bikes to allow giant tractors and field equipment to pass. Tractors may take up huge portions of narrow gravel roads. Just stop your bike and step off to the side of the road and let the bigger vehicle pass. This is their home turf.
* Proper Riding: Proper riding on gravel means giving the riders next to you some space. You need extra braking distance on gravel, and the gravel can be squirrely when stopping. Put more effort into your rear brake than your front or you’ll end up on your face.
* Terrain: Watch out for loose gravel, big chunks of gravel, and potholes in the spring.
* Cue Cards: Cue Cards are the gospel. Trust only yourself when following the route. Continue reading below for cue card examples.
* Cheaters: Riders who cut the course or cheat and don’t follow the cue cards correctly will be disqualified. If you ride off course, reverse your route and try to find your way back on.
* Unmarked intersections: There may be intersections with no signage at all. Your cue cards will acknowledge this if there is a turn. Confusing unmarked intersections will have some sort of visual signage to help riders.
* Dogs/Horses. There are dogs in the country. Most are friendly, but some are not. Approach them with respect. Dismount your bike and walk with your bike between you and the dog if necessary. Be respectful of people riding horses. They love this beautiful country too. Slow down or walk your bike so you don't spook the. Be respectful.
* Toilets: Toilets are provided at the registration area and at the midway check-point. There is a lot of room out in the country to gracefully relieve yourself, but please be respectful of property and passers-by as you take care of your business.
*The Finish: Make sure you check in with ride volunteers to let them know you have safely finished. Though it is not technically a race, they will record the order of finishers and try to put a time with finishing places.
What size are the cue cards? And what do they look like?
Cue cards will be approximately 4" wide by 5" tall and will fit inside any standard map handlebar case (like the ones Banjo Brothers Bags sells. Hint hint... you should buy one of theirs. Only $7 I believe). Cue cards will be issued in a zip-loc bag at registration, so you don't need to have a map case (but map cases are nicer). The directions will look much like the ones used in the TransIowa gravel grind. Click the following to see those cue card examples. I have tried to be as thorough as possible on the cue cards. If a road is not marked with a sign, the mileage will still determine where the turn is, and a landmark or possible flag will note the turn. Unmarked intersections (ones without signage) will also be labeled "unmarked" on the cue card. Please allow common sense to prevail when using a cue card, it's not that complicated. The most important thing to know about cue cards is that they are the gospel! Trust your cue cards before you trust the direction the person in front of you is turning!
Will there be event t-shirts for sale?
There may be some extra shirt for sale. Cost will likely be $10.
Can you tell me what you think will be the best type of tire for the GrumpyGrind ride? Should they be as wide as possible? Can people do the ride on 23-25mm road tires? Is the gravel small or are there sections with larger rock?
There will be a variety of different sizes of gravel on the ride, as well as a few dirt sections that are grassy. As for tire size, standard cross tires or mtb tires with some tread would make for the best choices and will make the ride most comfortable. I know some local riders that are going to ride road bikes with the maximum tire size. Tire pressure and tire size are a good thing to experiment with prior to riding. In theory, a bike is a bike and most any bike would work, but common sense says there are better bikes and tires for the job than others.
Are you going to post a map of the route?
No. Cue cards will be issued when you arrive on event day.
Will the ride be marked out or does the rider have to depend on following a cue sheet?
The ride will not be marked on any of the roads, with the exception of intersections or turns that may create obvious confusion. The cue cards will provide adequate information. The cue cards will tell the rider whether to turn left or right at specific mileage points (which is why a device for computing mileage is necessary), and provide the names of the roads at those turns. If it isn't noted, then don't make any turns.
Will the 2018 route be the same as the 2017 route?
Nope. Some of the roads that have been ridden in the past will once again be ridden, but the direction you are riding them may be different, and there will also be new roads added to this years ride.
