Well I've been silent for a while now on this blog, but the weather is finally cracking and it's time to start providing some thoughts on this years Grumpy Grind. It has certainly been a tough winter for riding. Aside from the crazy elements our weather has provided, I've personally have been dealing with a stress fracture in my foot and had to forego most any aspiration for outdoor riding the last couple of months. As many of you know, when your physical health is in a funk, so to your mind can follow. I have always looking forward to spring riding and training for upcoming gravel rides, but I just didn't have the same enthusiasm this year. But now the weather is finally showing signs of warming up, and I'm finally able to get on the bike again. Perspective is shifting and things are looking up.
Still lots of snow alongside the road. This big change regarding this years Grumpy Grind is that I have upped the mileage to 140 miles. I'm not sure it was a good idea to make such a drastic mileage change in the ride, but as I mentioned on the home page of the website, it was just something I wanted to do. Normally by now I would have had at least 75 pre-registered riders, but as it currently sits, there are only 13. I guess that should tell me something. Maybe change is not always good? Regardless, I can say that I have chosen a route that is challenging and enjoyable (yes, it is possible to enjoy riding 140 miles). If you choose to come ride, there are towns around mile 80 and mile 100 where you can choose to cash your chips in and call for a ride (from your own support crew). I have provided a challenging route, and the event is free, so it's worth testing your mettle to see how far you can go. I have a theory I tell my son... "When you can ride 30 miles, then you can probably ride 60. And if you can ride 60, why not just do 100. And by the time you ride 100, you might as well just do the last 40 and finish." I'm not sure there is whole lot of logic in those thoughts, but the ideas is that you are always probably capable of more than you realize. And gravel riders are all just a little bit crazy, right?
I'll start posting more regular updates and meanderings during the next 7 weeks leading up to this years Grumpy Grind 7, so check back often.
I'll start posting more regular updates and meanderings during the next 7 weeks leading up to this years Grumpy Grind 7, so check back often.
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