Recommendo: XXC Mag Issue #7

If you haven't heard about the XXC Mag you might be missing out on one of the best magazines you've read for endurance/adventure type cycling. It is available as a digital download for all you "cutting edge" device freaks, or you can go luddite and invest in your very own printed copy. Either way, it's a great read every time a new issue comes out.

Especially recommended is the latest issue, #7, in which you'll find the piece written by Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey on his experience at this past April's Trans Iowa. (Image of the lead pic in the article seen here courtesy of XXC Mag/Corey Godfrey) Tons of great imagery accompany this well written piece. Check it out!

You will also find a great article about the Barry-Roubaix, which had over 700 participants this past March in isuue #7, so even more gravel goodness for your reading pleasure can be found here. All that plus some excellent coverage of other endurance races, training stories, and even a healthy recipe to get your diet on the right track!

XXC is a grassroots, passion filled effort that deserves a look. I recommend it highly.

Update!: Farmhouse Classic

The Farmhouse Classic has a date announced and that is July 24th. Also, I have updated the link on the Gravel Based Events list to reflect the blogspot address where you can click to get more information on this excellent missouri event. Check it out here.

Attention!! Colesburg 100 This Weekend!

Late breaking news from gravel afficionado, Lance Andre, on a very storied course in Northeast Iowa which is going to be used as a twin 50 miler this weekend. Here's the skinny as posted by Mr. Andre:

"The Colesburg 100 has a last minute ride announcement (THIS SUNDAY)... there will be a Colesburg EPIC Gravel back to back 50 mile rides (100 Total)… first one starting at 10 am, the second starting 1 pm. If you are up for EPIC rice show up for the 10am and then ride the second lap with the next group. I will have que cards printed… as this will be a spirited group ride we may break into groups as the pace dictates. I will also have some nice short cuts on the que-cards for those who want a break but still want to ride as much as possible with the group. The route we will be riding is a bit more fun than the normal 40 race course, as it includes two additional level B roads and much more gravel (this route will only have one possible refuel spot at about 15 miles in for each lap, so bring plenty of hydration, and BRING REPAIR ITEMS!"

Could be a great tune up for the Dirty Kanza 200, or just a great way to get out and ride some awesome Iowa gravel. Check it out!

Race Discussion: June Events

June is a big month for gravel grinding with several events on tap. Let's dive right in then!

First up, we have the Dirty Kanza 200 in Emporia, Kansas to be held on June 5th. The dirty Kanza is another event that is growing in popularity and the event directors have tweaked out the event this year to be better than ever. Some transfers of entry spots are still going on, which you can access at this thread on mtbr.com here, if you are still wanting a taste of flinty goodness.

In Polk County Missouri, you can catch the Wildflower Ride on June 5th, which is a fun ride set to take place on the Frisco Highline Trail. Check out this link for more details.

The Fargo Adventure Ride #2 is set to roll for June 18th. (Note, this is a Friday!) There will be a gathering at Lebanon Hills Campground the evening before, so be sure to add that into your plans. This will be a fun ride through some Minnesota backroads. Check out the details on this and the Salsa Sol Sessions, (a mountain bike ride in tandem with this), here on the Gnat Blog.

Then the "biggie". The Trans Wisconsin Race, which is approximately 550 miles of dirt, gravel, and back roads from the Illinois border to Lake Superior, will take off on June 18th. It's a free event, and should be a spectacular event for the Mid-West ultra-endurance scene. Check out the details here.

The inaugral West Side Dirty Benjamin will take off from Minneapolis on June 19th with a roster of 155 folks. Registration was closed back in April, but this event probably will be back again next year, so check out the deets here!

Last but not least is the Hillbilly Roubaix which is scheduled for June 26th. Registration for this event, which is 61 miles of grueling dirt, gravel, and paved roads, is open till the 24th of June. So if you are interested, check it out. This event takes place out of Morgantown West Virginia, so East Coasters can get their fill of backroad in this summer too!

That's a wrap on the busiest month of gravel and back road riding all year. Enjoy!

Update! NCC/HAC Gravel Metric

Today we bring you an update on the upcoming Gravel Metric in Illinois scheduled for later this month. Hit this link for The Invitation!

Gravel Grinder Gear: Night Riding

With the summer months coming up right around the corner, many of us will be wanting to escape the heat and humidity by riding our gravel at night. It is a great way to cool off, see the stars, and enjoy being out when the world is a little more at peace than it is during the day. (Not that peace is hard to find on the rural roads in the daytime, mind you!)

What I will be doing in the coming weeks is to detail some of the simple set ups for lighting you can try, and also I will be delving into what to be on the look out for while riding at night on the gravel.


So, for now, if you have any requests, hit up the comments and I'll do my best to get back to you on whatever it is that trips your triggers in future posts on grinding gravel at night.