Gravel Grinder
April 22, 2012 - Click here to register
The Gravel Grinder Spring Classic Dirt Road Ride returns in 2012 to kick off the Vermont riding season. We’re changing up the course a little bit to keep the event fun, adventurous and new. Look for even more beautiful scenery, dirt road riding, mud season challenges, and the easy-going atmosphere that kept this event so fun and approachable.
We encourage folks to register early to ensure their place on the start list, the past four years this event has sold out. It’s a great incentive to get out and get in shape for biking this spring and summer while supporting the local Waterbury trail system.
Course Info
The main course is 25-30 miles on a combination of dirt and paved roads with many steep climbs and steep descents. Some of the ride will be on Rt 100, a very busy road. The route will be finalized closer to the event date.
Please remember that this is a ride, not a race. We’re all out to have a good time.
Registration is limited to the first 150 riders. This even has sold out every year, if you would like to participate please register ASAP to confirm your spot and tell your friends the same thing..
Packet Pick-up
We’re going to offer riders the opportunity to pick up their packets the day prior to the Grinder this year, in addition to the day-of registration at the event site. Everyone must pick up their stuff and sign the event waiver.
- Saturday, April 21: 2-4 PM at Five Hills Bikes, 2 South Main Street, Waterbury, Vermont
- Sunday, April 22: 7:30-8:30 AM at Pilgrim Park 5, Waterbury, Vermont
Carbo Load
Pick up your stuff on Saturday and then head to the Reservoir Restaurant and Tap Room. They’ll be offering a special on Saturday for the Grinder riders, better fuel up because those are some big hills. We’ll also be sharing a slide show of recent riding around the country.
Aaron riding in the Gravel Grinder. Photo: Richard Mahoney
Please ride responsibly, the roads will be open to general traffic. The route will be marked, cue sheets provided, and there will be several local course riders with detailed knowledge of the course on hand. There are several bail-out points throughout the ride. An aid station will be located approximately ½ way and there will be sag support should you need a hand with any mechanicals.
Most of the mud will hopefully be gone by the 22bnd, but it’s likely that there will still be some. Roads include some paved and lots of dirt with one section of class 4 and a pedestrian/bike bridge. Cross bikes and mountain bikes are recommended.
Look out for the infamous Gravel Grinder midway feed stop. It’s like no other you’ve ever experienced.
Event info:
T-shirts with extra cool graphics (thank you www.bohausdesign.com) to all pre-registered riders.
Post Ride FeastingOther info:
If your family or friends are joining you for the day, but not riding, there’s lots of things to do in Waterbury. Across from the ride start is the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters café with good coffee and free wi-fi. Waterbury has some cute shops on Stowe Street. Ben & Jerry’s offers a great playground and tours of the ice cream factory. In addition, the elementary school in town also has a great playground. For runners, Waterbury has a great 3 mile loop that goes through town and along the river.
Volunteers:
We do have need for a couple of volunteers, please email me (mandy (at) bike29.com) for more info.
Hopefully we’ll get some more gorgeous warm spring weather, but rain is possible. Thank you for registering for the Gravel Grinder - we look forward to seeing everyone on the 10th and we look forward to a great benefit ride for Waterbury’s trail system.
Need a Place to Stay?
There are a couple of options of good options in Waterbury:
- Old Stagecoach Inn: walking (and riding) distance to Five Hills Bikes, The Res, and the event start. Also home of the best breakfast in town. Tell them Five Hills Bikes sent you.
- The Best Western: has an indoor pool and hot tub.
- Grunberg House: beautiful place in the woods
After you’ve conquered the dirt, you’ve earned yourself some good eats. We’re pleased to announce that Frida’s Taqueria is catering the post-ride feast. Seriously good food.
Ride start:
Ride parking and start point is at the same location as last year. Go ahead and mapquest or google maps for directions from your location.
5 Pilgrim Park
Waterbury VT 05676
Bathroom facilities will be available. Coffee and breakfast can be had at the train station across the street.