Race Report: Ronde Van Stony

Up in Michigan recently, (September 25th, to be exact),  there was another inaugural gravel road event held called "Ronde Van Stony". The event was a 33 mile gravel road, back road, and double track course that was raced by four groups: Invitational Elite, Expert, Sport, and Beginners. These groups were further split up into age groups.

The course was described as a "loop, mixed flat & hills, road" and featured a neutral roll out before the riders  were unleashed upon the route. The event was won by Tim Finkel, (in a time of 1:36:19), who gave the Ronde Van Stony his hearty approval by saying the following on his blog;

Blazing fast double track, challenging power grade climbs, dirt roads, three cleverly named cash prems, and free beer from Kuhnhenn brewery = instant fall classic!!!

The event, which was located northeast of Pontiac,Michigan, (course map here), was a rousing success in its first year.  Event director, Mike Franko, says that there may be a spring event added as well. Stay tuned to Gravel Grinder News and the Ronde Van Stony site for further updates.