The weather of late hasn't been amazing, nor has it been dismal.  This in-between weather provides for truly great training for gravel events to come.  It makes one hardy.  My fitness isn't as good as I'd like it to be leading into this years TransIowa, but I know that every time I struggle on an early spring ride that it will only make me more mentally and physically prepared for my upcoming rides.  So I do my best to embrace it.  

So far the gravel roads I've ridden this spring have been pretty kind.   There has been no great upheaval of roads due to freeze/thaw conditions, and the county road crews have yet to throw down any fresh and hard to ride on new gravel.  Knobby tires would still be my personal ride of choice for the GG, but those who like to live on the edge for 80 miles on something more suited for touring could probably make it to the finish just fine.  But that could all change between the present and four weeks from now.

Latest Ride Updates:
Postcards are still trickling in for this years ride.  Thanks to all who have pre-registered ahead of time.  Here are a few quick thoughts for those who plan to ride.
*This ride is completely self supported.  Bring a support crew if you think you can't finish this ride.
*Camping is available the night before at the barn where the start/finish is located.
*Sorry, no water bottles this year.  Finishers will receive a Grumpy Grind 5 coffee mug.  (Sorry, no pint glasses.  We felt like mixing things up.)
*T-shirts are available if you would like to pre-order one.  Please send me an email if you want one.  $10.
*The ride will NOT be posted ahead of time anywhere.  Cue cards will be given to riders at Sunday morning registration.  
*The ride will be around 81 miles long.  80-85% of the roads are gravel.
*The mandatory check point is at mile 43 (could change by a mile).
*The ride will NOT pass by any gas stations, small towns, or convenience stores.  The checkpoint is NOT a water stop/feed station.  Bring enough food and water to make it to the finish.
*If you know you can't finish, I will offer a cheat sheet at the checkpoint to allow riders a more direct route back to the start/finish.
*Food will be provided at the finish.  I'll only plan for the the amount pre-registered.  (so be thoughtful and pre-register).  If you are a vegetarian, you should plan to bring your own food.  Sorry.
*Donations of any kind are appreciated in helping support this event.
 These are just a few pre-ride thoughts.  If you have any question please email me.  Now get out and ride!

I feel like I've been a little silent about this years Grumpy Grind so far.  But at the same time, I'm not sure there is a whole lot to say that the website doesn't cover.  But with 5 1/2 weeks left until ride time, I'll start posting a little more frequently about small items that people new to this ride might want to know.  

Last weekend was chilly, but I did get out for a couple of rides on sections of this years course.  This led me to find a few roads I didn't anticipate, leading me to tweak the course (yet again).  This caused the mileage for this years ride to shorten down to 81 miles, but that is fine with me.  I'm not trying to break any distance records.  And the roads I did find made it worth the changes.

I've received a few postcard entries stating they were seeking redemption from last years ride.  The 2016 Grumpy Grind did have a some challenging roads, but the weather become unseasonably warm and people unexpectedly fatigued from heat.  This years ride will have a nice flow to it in terms of open roads and tight roads, long stretches of gravel, and patches broken up with pavement.  For those who have ridden the previous  four Grumpy Grinds, you'll probably experience a few familiar roads, but also be pleased to know there will be some new roads on this years route too.  

In the next couple of weeks I'll be putting up more frequent postings.  I'll cover topics like camping the night before, reading cue cards, checkpoints, etc.  So check in every now and again to see what is posted.  For now, keep the postcard entries coming so I know how to plan accordingly.  And get training, it's a long ride for those who come unprepared.