Gravel Grinder News

A new event set for April 29th, 2012 in Wisconsin should appeal to those looking for a multi-terrain/road type event. Here are some of the details sent to me recently on this new event.

"A new spring classic, or at least it will be after this year.
No entry fee.
No swag.
No official timing.

Mileage:
25mi Gravel
11mi ATV
10mi Singletrack
8mi Paved
5mi Ski trail/doubletrack"

Sound interesting? Check out the Facebook page for the event here.

Another new event! This one is up near St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin and that my friends is an exceptionally beautiful area. I've been through that area several times and can vouch for the scenic factor it has.

Here are some details I gleaned from the site's Facebook Page.

Quick Recap!!
- Awesome Gravel Ride
- 70 or 35 Mile options
- Cyclova hosting a very special night you cyclists don't wanna miss!
- Invite Friends to come with!
- Check back for the rest of the Details to be announced SOON!!

Okay, so like it says, look for details at that Facebook link soon. 

Hey folks, the fellas down in Illinois are putting on the NCC HAC  Gravel Metric again on May 27th, but this is more than just an ordinary bunch of gravel freaks. Yes....

I think they qualify as "Gravel Super Freaks", the kind you don't take home to Mama, ya know?

So, if you are of like mind, check out their Facebook page where there is lots of discussion going on. Plus, check out the scene on the Gravel Metric site, where you can learn more about the Gravel Metric video Project and more.

Tobie and the gang down there are really pushing the boundaries of the gravel scene in so many ways: Visually, socially, and in terms of advocacy.  Check it out!

The Iowa Games, which are an annual sporting event held every summer in Iowa that celebrates several types of events, has added a gravel grinder to its menu for 2012. The course will be just shy of 73 miles in length. The event will be a loop type with a beginning and ending in Ames, Iowa.

There is an entry fee and registration is open now. See the site here for more details.

Want to ride a metric century gravel grinder that takes in two states? Then the "Fool's Ride" is right up your alley. Taking place near Yankton, South Dakota, the route will cross over the border and should be about "90% gravel with some grass thrown in for good measure."

For more on this March 31st ride, see here.

Another year, another Frostbike! Only this year, it wasn't so frosty, as in wintery weather, but actually, it did frost rather heavily on Sunday......but I digress.

Point is, this year up in "Min-no snow-ta" the gravel aficionado would have seen quite a bit to get excited about. Let's dig in...

Meet the "Macho Man"

 All City Bikes "Macho Man"

All City Bikes unveiled a new model again this year at Frostbike. This time it was essentially a geared Nature Boy, but the name it was christened with was "Macho Man" in keeping with the Pro Wrestling theme. 

The Macho Man gets similar geometry and tire clearances that the Nature Boy has, and even the paint looks somewhat the same, with the lemony-greenish hue not far off the Nature Boy's greenish-yellow color.


The Space Horse, shown last year at Interbike, will finally become available this March, so look for those to be hitting the gravel scene near you soon.

The first Space Horse selections will be in completes and frames should follow soon after. While not specifically a gravel bike, this one of All City's choices seems best suited to all around gravel pursuits. The Macho Man and Nature Boy, while capable, don't have the bigger tire clearances, or braze ons like the Space Horse does.

Tasty Gravel Tires!

Clement Tires: If you are into vintage road bike stuff, or have a long reaching memory, you most likely have heard of Clement Tires. Well, they are wanting to make an impact on the gravel road racing and riding scene.

The tire on the right here is the LAS Clincher. (All new Clement tires use airport codes for model names, by the way.) This tire was found to be fast on gravel, but a tad fragile, so Clement has introduced two newer models. The center tire is the USH Clincher which has a bit more robust casing and tread. Right now this one will be coming in a 35mm width. The far left tire is so new, this is the very first time it was shown. The X'plor MSO Clincher will debut in a full, 50mm casing width. The USH and MSO will eventually both be offered in a couple more widths. Gravel Grinder News hopes to get some of these for testing and review soon. Stay tuned!

That's a wrap on Frostbike 2012. Stay tuned to Gravel Grinder News for more racing, riding, and gear related news.

The Red River Riot marches on towards its April 7th date with a few sponsors lined up, event permits done, and other details.

Routes are 120 miles and 60 miles for this Texan challenge. Check out their web site here for more on the event.