Dirty Kanza 200 Registration Details

The Dirty Kanza 200 has released details on registration and the racing format for this coming year's event, scheduled to take place June 1st, 2013.

The Registration will happen Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 8:00am Central Standard Time. This is a later time to allow those who may not be able to get up in the wee hours to have a crack at getting in this event. Registration will be on BikeReg.com and the full 200 mile race will expand from 450 to 800 riders. Additionally, there will be a "DK Half Pint" event, to be 100 miles in length and the field limit for this will be set at 200 riders. That's a new twist on the Dirty Kanza which will be added. Finally, the "DK Lite" fun ride of either 60 or 20 miles will also include up to 200 riders.

Event director Jim Cummings also promises more sponsors, an expanded prize list, and more to come for this growing event.

For more details and updates, check the Dirty Kanza website here.

Gold Rush Gravel Grinder Announced

Image courtesy of GRGG Facebook site

The Black Hills of South Dakota are a place rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. In this awesome setting, a new gravel grinder will take place next June.

Dubbed the "Gold Rush Gravel Grinder", the event will be promoted by some of the same folks involved with the Dakota Five-O mountain bike event.

The event is scheduled now for June 8th, 2013, but there are no further details at this time. Keep tabs on their Facebook page here for updates.

UPDATED: 10/14/12: Organizers have now informed everyone via Facebook that this event is planned to have a loop format in and out of Spearfish, South Dakota. The loop is tentatively planned to be 120-ish miles with a shorter loop option in the area of 60 miles in length.  Stay tuned for further updates or check the link above.

North O! Jackrabbit Hundy Cancelled

Due to the strong possibility of severe weather forecast for the Omaha area this weekend, the organizers for the Jackrabbit Hundy have decided to cancel the event.

At this time there are no plans to re-schedule this event, but riders interested are asked to keep an eye out on the website for further updates.

Almanzo 100 Searches For New Race Director

The Almanzo 100 has become one of the most impressive 100 mile gravel events, (and now also with the Royal 165, one of the more impressive longer events), not only in the MidWest, but anywhere in the nation.  The event constantly draws rounds of praise from its participants and is well regarded in the gravel scene.

This is largely due to the event's director, Chris Skogen. It was revealed in a post on the Almanzo site today that Mr. Skogen is beginning a search for a suitable director for this outstanding event. Citing the event as something that has left him"....Physically, mentally, emotionally and financially exhausted. ",  Mr Skogen states that it is time for someone else to take up the reins of the Almanzo.

Although Mr. Skogen says the event must change hands, he also is keen to see it grow and do so in the way that he has molded the Almanzo from the beginning.

Gravel Grinder News will be keeping tabs on any further developments regarding this Midwest gravel grinder classic.

Update- 10/17/12; Mr. Skogen now has posted on the Almanzo site that an agreement has been reached which allows him to stay on and has brought on certain individuals as helpers to put on next year's Almanzo 100. 

Gravel Grinders On Film

Seems that the trend of late is to have a short film made about gravel grinders. Trans Iowa has one out, but it is only in private distribution as of now and not public. (Here is the trailer for it though) The Dirty Kanza also has had several amateur films made about it. The Gravel Metric has made a few great promotional shorts for their event as well.

However; now folks are actually making produced, finely crafted films in the public domain concerning gravel grinding. Here are a couple we're aware of right now.

The first isn't out yet, but soon should be. it is going to be based on the recent running of the Heck Of The North. Here's a sneak peek:



The other one that has been making the rounds is about the Almanzo 100.  This one was produced by Royal Antler Films:



If you know of anymore, pass them along and we'll make folks aware of them here.

Updated- 10/5/12: Here's an excellent film about D2R2 Click Here

North O! Jackrabbit 100

Hey gravel grinders! The North O! Jackrabbit Hundy is happening soon on October 13th, 2012. The race organizers are saying that the course is shaping up quite nicely this year, and the time to beat should be around the six hour mark.

This is the third year for this event. We're hearing that the two past champions will be back to duke it out too. Should be a great, competitive event.

We have heard really good things at GGN about this event. Check it out if you get the chance. Here's the link to the event site.