So I won't proclaim myself to be the best at frequent updates for the Grumpy Grind. My apologies. I love putting the event together, but life also gets consumed with gutting bathrooms, coaching my kids, and having a full time job. My hat goes off to anyone who is able to pull off keeping up with a daily blog. Maybe in 2016 my resolution will be to blog more frequently.
In the Midwest it seems like winter might never arrive (though we know it will sometime). It's almost the winter solstice, yet I feel like the gravel riding season is right around the corner. People have already told me they are planning their 2016 riding calendar, so I figure I better get my act in gear and give you some Grumpy Grind 4 event updates.
In the Midwest it seems like winter might never arrive (though we know it will sometime). It's almost the winter solstice, yet I feel like the gravel riding season is right around the corner. People have already told me they are planning their 2016 riding calendar, so I figure I better get my act in gear and give you some Grumpy Grind 4 event updates.

The first change I made this year is a field limit cap of 100 riders. The second big change to the 2016 Grumpy Grind will be how registration works. Registration is still FREE, but all participating riders must pre-register via postcard by April 1, 2016. There will be no day of the event registration allowed. Postcards need to be sent to: Mark Johnson, 405 W. 10th Street, Sterling IL 61081. The postcard must contain your Name, Current email, and emergency contact name/number. If you don't pre-register by April 1st, please plan on not attending the event.
For those who wonder why I am choosing to administer these new policies, allow me to explain. I like to put on what I feel is a great event. It is not only free, but I also provide a free post-ride meal for all participants. That being said, I need to be able to properly plan for an anticipated number of riders. As for the cap on number of participants... it is just a number the farmer and I came up with based on the amount of parking space available on his property. And there you go.
The Grumpy Grind is truly a grass roots event that is based around camaraderie and taking on a challenging and scenic course. If you're reading this, hopefully you will still come to participate.
For those who wonder why I am choosing to administer these new policies, allow me to explain. I like to put on what I feel is a great event. It is not only free, but I also provide a free post-ride meal for all participants. That being said, I need to be able to properly plan for an anticipated number of riders. As for the cap on number of participants... it is just a number the farmer and I came up with based on the amount of parking space available on his property. And there you go.
The Grumpy Grind is truly a grass roots event that is based around camaraderie and taking on a challenging and scenic course. If you're reading this, hopefully you will still come to participate.