Creating a safe and challenging event is always my goal for the Grumpy Grind. There are only a couple of days left until the 7th Grumpy Grind takes place, so I'm going to post a large amount of last minute thoughts that will hopefully lay any questions you have to rest.
Essentials to Bring:
Helmet, Odometer, Headlight, Taillight, Phone, Riding Shoes, Waterproof bag to hold cue cards (only a zip-loc baggy will be provided for the 4"x5" cue cards).
Check the Weather Forecast:
The current weather forecast for Saturday looks pretty miserable with rain showers. Cyclist are typically fair weather friends. Maybe riders will show up, or maybe they won't. But I'll still be here prepared to put on a ride. If it does rain, please ride safe and don't put yourself in a situation where hypothermia could become an issue. You are responsible for yourself, so please make smart decisions.
Morning Registration:
Registration will take place from 7-7:45. Riders will pick up cue cards here and sign an event waiver. Registration will take place inside of Kegger's Tap House. Participants will need to park in the grass parking area, NOT in the paved parking area directly by the building. Extra t-shirts will be available at registration for a $10 donation.
Cue Cards and Navigation:
Please read posts prior to this regarding all the details of how to read the cue cards. There will be a set of cue cards for the first 70 miles, and then another set of cue cards given out at the checkpoint for the second 70 miles. You will need to reset your odometer at the checkpoint. Please note that the mileage on cue cards can sometimes gradually become off. Maybe this is due to wrong turns, or the veering off the road due to natures calling, or whatever, but just use your common sense math skills and navigation to figure out the difference is in your mileage and you will be just fine.
Unmarked Roads:
There are several roads on the course where there is no signage posted. If this is the case, the cue card will note that the road is "unmarked". I will also have put a post with pink ribbon on it on the Right side of the road at the corner where you are turning. This does not always mean you will turn right (follow your cues), but it does indicate you are at a specified unmarked corner. Sometimes other landmarks such as "after bridge" will be noted on the cue sheet. Use common sense and you will be fine.
During the Ride:
Please ride on the right side of the road at all times and be safe. Don't take risks on steep downhills or rutted sections. It's just not worth the risk.
Checkpoint:
Riders must reach the 70 mile checkpoint by 2:30. My volunteers will be abandoning their post at this time and you will not be able to receive your cue cards for the second half of the ride if you don't meet this deadline. The 70 mile checkpoint is in Pearl City. I don't usually reveal this information, but due to the length of this ride, and the impending weather forecast, I feel it would only be responsible for me to reveal this location. I'm not telling you where it is in Pearl City, but it's a small town and you can find it easily. If you do choose to end your ride here, the Brew and Chew is a good spot to grab a bite to eat. There is also a BP Gas station across the street from the checkpoint for riders to grab snacks or a sub sandwich. There will be no provisions of any kind provided for riders at the checkpoint.
DNF:
I will provide my phone number at registration for riders to call if they are not able to finish. Please politely text or call this number and leave your name so I know that you won't be expected to finish. If you are a DNF, please remember that neither myself or my crew will be coming to get you. You are completely responsible for yourself on this ride.
Finishers:
You need to finish by 10:00 to be considered an official finisher. My crew will likely be packing up at this time to head home (unless they are feeling festive!). Finishers will receive an official finishers whiskey glass. Please check in with my "finishing crew" at the tent outside of Keggers to let us know you are finished. If weather is bad, my finishing crew will be inside waiting to check you off their list as a finisher.
Post Ride:
Keggers has a very tasty meal and beverage selection. Food stops being served at 10:00 and the establishment closes at 1 a.m. Its worth finishing early enough to enjoy what they have to offer.
I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, rain or shine. Please email me if you have any questions.
Essentials to Bring:
Helmet, Odometer, Headlight, Taillight, Phone, Riding Shoes, Waterproof bag to hold cue cards (only a zip-loc baggy will be provided for the 4"x5" cue cards).
Check the Weather Forecast:
The current weather forecast for Saturday looks pretty miserable with rain showers. Cyclist are typically fair weather friends. Maybe riders will show up, or maybe they won't. But I'll still be here prepared to put on a ride. If it does rain, please ride safe and don't put yourself in a situation where hypothermia could become an issue. You are responsible for yourself, so please make smart decisions.
Morning Registration:
Registration will take place from 7-7:45. Riders will pick up cue cards here and sign an event waiver. Registration will take place inside of Kegger's Tap House. Participants will need to park in the grass parking area, NOT in the paved parking area directly by the building. Extra t-shirts will be available at registration for a $10 donation.
Cue Cards and Navigation:
Please read posts prior to this regarding all the details of how to read the cue cards. There will be a set of cue cards for the first 70 miles, and then another set of cue cards given out at the checkpoint for the second 70 miles. You will need to reset your odometer at the checkpoint. Please note that the mileage on cue cards can sometimes gradually become off. Maybe this is due to wrong turns, or the veering off the road due to natures calling, or whatever, but just use your common sense math skills and navigation to figure out the difference is in your mileage and you will be just fine.
Unmarked Roads:
There are several roads on the course where there is no signage posted. If this is the case, the cue card will note that the road is "unmarked". I will also have put a post with pink ribbon on it on the Right side of the road at the corner where you are turning. This does not always mean you will turn right (follow your cues), but it does indicate you are at a specified unmarked corner. Sometimes other landmarks such as "after bridge" will be noted on the cue sheet. Use common sense and you will be fine.
During the Ride:
Please ride on the right side of the road at all times and be safe. Don't take risks on steep downhills or rutted sections. It's just not worth the risk.
Checkpoint:
Riders must reach the 70 mile checkpoint by 2:30. My volunteers will be abandoning their post at this time and you will not be able to receive your cue cards for the second half of the ride if you don't meet this deadline. The 70 mile checkpoint is in Pearl City. I don't usually reveal this information, but due to the length of this ride, and the impending weather forecast, I feel it would only be responsible for me to reveal this location. I'm not telling you where it is in Pearl City, but it's a small town and you can find it easily. If you do choose to end your ride here, the Brew and Chew is a good spot to grab a bite to eat. There is also a BP Gas station across the street from the checkpoint for riders to grab snacks or a sub sandwich. There will be no provisions of any kind provided for riders at the checkpoint.
DNF:
I will provide my phone number at registration for riders to call if they are not able to finish. Please politely text or call this number and leave your name so I know that you won't be expected to finish. If you are a DNF, please remember that neither myself or my crew will be coming to get you. You are completely responsible for yourself on this ride.
Finishers:
You need to finish by 10:00 to be considered an official finisher. My crew will likely be packing up at this time to head home (unless they are feeling festive!). Finishers will receive an official finishers whiskey glass. Please check in with my "finishing crew" at the tent outside of Keggers to let us know you are finished. If weather is bad, my finishing crew will be inside waiting to check you off their list as a finisher.
Post Ride:
Keggers has a very tasty meal and beverage selection. Food stops being served at 10:00 and the establishment closes at 1 a.m. Its worth finishing early enough to enjoy what they have to offer.
I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, rain or shine. Please email me if you have any questions.
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