I finally got out for a nice ride last Sunday.  The Illinois weather has been harsh lately and not overly accommodating to riding bikes outdoors.  Those who dress like Eskimos and ride fat bikes might argue that the weather has been fine, but I don't fall into either of those categories, at least not yet.  I normally prefer to ride my single speed during this time of year because the sloppy salty conditions aren't so harsh on the drive train, and also because a single speed is easier to clean up after getting dirty. 

Between now and April 12th I like to ride as much of the Grumpy Grind route as I can.  Some of the roads are pretty familiar to me, but I try to find new roads for each years event, and those are the ones I get excited to "try out".  I think the route this year will once again provide some worthwhile scenery and be challenging enough to make the legs feel exhausted by the end of the day.  

Winter gravel riding is about as peaceful as it comes.  The snow is pretty well packed down, except where there has been a lot of drifting.  And you almost never have to worry about seeing a car.  The gravel pops through the snow and ice just enough to give you solid traction that is probably safer than riding on icy paved roads.  The only down side is when you are riding a single speed, and the hills demand that you come out of your saddle in order to power your way up.  You quickly learn to just stay seated, be patient, and grind your way upward.  But it's a good grind, the kind that drains you, then fills you up when you reach the top, and makes you want more. 

Every year I have the good intention of posting an event date a good six months prior to the event, and every year I somehow end up dragging my feet on doing such.  The date for the third riding of The Grumpy Grind is April 12th, 2015.  Choosing a date in April is a little tricky, but there is some logic behind the choice.  My first goal is to create an event that does not coincide with Easter weekend (which can vary).  My next consideration is to create an event that is about two weeks prior to the TransIowa ride (which can also vary).  

People ask me why this event can't be done later in the spring/summer when the weather is more kind?  The reason is largely because of my work schedule, my being a soccer dad schedule, and because myself and others are training for the TransIowa and this is a good training ride event. I can't predict the weather, but I can promise a challenging ride.  And it's that challenge that will make the finish that much more rewarding. 

It has been brought to my attention that a first year gravel ride event has sprung up the day before The Grumpy Grind.  It isn't my goal to compete with another event.  I'm an advocate for bicycle riding in general.  I could have changed my date, but I decided to stick with the date I had chosen in my mind a long time ago (which is also a date almost identical to last years date).  This is the third year for the Grumpy Grind and I'm of the mindset that if someone wants to come ride, then they are welcome, and if they have other plans, then that's okay too.  That being said, I hope to see you in April.