Long Memories In Small Towns

Bring a song and a smile for the banjo,

Better get while the gettin's good,

Hitch a ride to the end of the highway,

Where the neon turns to wood.

C'mon the risin' wind,

We're goin' up around the bend,

Oooh!

Up Around The Bend, John Fogerty (1970).

Mrs. Joyce Rathje, 92 years young, recently retired school teacher at Rising City, Nebraska.

Admittedly, I've been a Point A to Point B traveler for so long that it's my default mindset. What's the fastest, most direct route to drive to my destination? Got to be efficient. Got to get there. Things to do. People to see. Let's go. Time is short.

Since pedaling across the country on the back roads of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (See, 2021 GDMBR), however, I find myself more often taking local roads, slow rolling through small towns, checking out city parks, and even stopping for a meal at a local cafe. It's always worth it.

Sometimes, the back road route creates a highlight of the trip. Even a drive to a back road bike ride.

Memorial marking the Rising City K-12 school, long since removed.
The auditorium in the background is still used by the multi-town school district.

Earlier this fall, I fashioned a road trip that included a long weekend in Marysville, Kansas for the Pony Express 2 Day Bikepacking Adventure. See, 2022 Pony Express Bikepack. Starting the Kansas portion of the trip from Eastern South Dakota, I consider several routes to drive the remaining 250-ish miles. I decide to venture south of Yankton on U.S. Highway 81, at least until it turns westward. Then I'll take a few local roads 40-50 miles east and south to eventually connect with U.S. Highway 77 just outside Lincoln. It seems like a reasonably direct route on a nice mix of roads.

A few hours down the road, after neglecting to get gas in Columbus, I find myself looking to refuel in the midst of little but corn fields. Finally, a few buildings appear along the road, one of which is a gas station. Hey, it's actually a small town called Rising City, Nebraska, population 413. Well over 40 years ago, my wife's oldest brother married a girl from Rising City. Maybe I'll surprise her with a picture of her old school.

While at the gas pump, I notice the car next to me sports Nebraska license plates. Since my Great Divide ride, striking up random conversations with complete strangers is now second nature. So I ask the lady there if she knows where I can find the Rising City school, so I can take a picture for my sister-in-law. 

The lady politely asks, "She grew up here? What's her name?" 

"Dulcie." 

"Dulcie Gross. I was her kindergarten teacher. I'm Mrs. Rathje."

I stood in disbelief. How does this nice old lady remember a student from her kindergarten class 60 years ago? Mrs. Rathje simply goes on, noting Dulcie's musical talent and quiet nature. Amazing.

Mrs. Rathje then adds that the old school was torn down years ago when Rising City joined a multi-town school district, although the old gymnasium still is used. She also said she wasn't about to tell me where Dulcie lived, because that house has fallen into such disrepair that it would "break her heart." 

She says she's sorry, but she must be going. At 92 years young, still driving her car and living in her house, she leaves to care for a couple of her great grandkids. Amazing. If not for her family commitments, I think she'd hop on a bike for a tour around town.

The entrance to the Rising City school gymnasium.

A few weeks later, I tell Dulcie of my encounter with Mrs. Rathje and show her these pictures. Of course, she remembers her former teacher and joyfully talks of growing up in her hometown. Dulcie is not a bit surprised by Mrs. Rathje's overall spryness and vivid memory. Besides, says Dulcie, "Small towns have long memories sometimes."

This traveler will certainly remember this stop in a small town along a back road.

Up Around The Bend, Credence Clearwater Revival (1970).

Bikepacking the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider

Rollin' rollin' rollin'

Though the streams are swollen

Keep them doggies rollin'

Rawhide

Rawhide, Dimitri Tiomkin & Ned Washington (1958) 

Leaping off a crowded 2021 spring racing schedule is the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder, a much anticipated 120 mile gravel race that dives deep into the steep ravines of the Loess Canyons in South Central Nebraska. Months ago, I marked this race on the calendar in pen and wrote a post about these remote roads through this wonderfully unique country. See, Knock, Knock, Knockin' On Odin's Door. 

Endurance athletes Jeff and Shea Caldwell, owners of the local White Tail CycleSport bike shop, spearhead this event and enlisted Paul Brasby to design the 120 mile course through rugged cow country. As a long time local racer and bike packer, Paul intimately knows all these back roads and set out to create a course to showcase the very best. I could not wait to ride it. 

Jeff Bloom steams up a rough road cut deep into the hills on the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider course.

Then, several weeks ago, Paul asked me to confirm road conditions and cue sheets by riding the planned course in advance of the race with a group of friends. However, rather than ride it in a single day, he suggested a 2 day bikepacking ride with an overnight stay at a primitive campsite. More specifically, he planned to ride about 70 miles of the course on the first day to camp at the renowned Potter's Pasture and then the remaining 50 miles on the second day back to North Platte. I jumped at the chance.

Jeff Bloom, Ben Cooper, Jon Naaf, Craig Groseth, Luke Entz, Paul Brasby
Ready to roll from the start of the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder route.

So, on a cool morning in early May, a group of six intrepid cyclists assemble in the alley behind Paul's house, hauling a wide range of bikes, gear, experience, ability and age. Amidst the elevated chatter, we check and double check everything and, finally, launch our little overnight adventure.

"Craig! Stop!" belts out Jon Naaf, an engineer and endurance gravel grinder from Kansas. Not one pedal rotation into the ride, I look back to see an absolutely flat rear tire. Apparently, when topping off the tire with air, I did not fully close the Presta valve and lost all of it. Off to an inauspicious start.

Cruising out of North Platte on smooth gravel along a canal. Rougher stuff lies ahead.

Moving again, we roll through town along a nice bike path and stop for pictures at Fort Cody, a trading post that will be the official start/finish of the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder in June. This will be a fun, lively venue for everyone at the event, whether riding or not. We're all smiles and ready to hit the course.

Almost immediately, we ride off pavement, climbing out of the Platte River valley into the hills and ravines to the south. Thanks to permission from a local landowner, the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider course crosses a stretch of private land otherwise closed to the public. As the route creator checking the route, Paul obtains a personal escort through this area for us on today's ride. Soon we're onto the back roads deep into cow country.

A glimpse of a Buffalo Bill Rough Rider road early on the course.

Unlike a typical ride report, I'm not writing or showing many details about the course in advance of the actual event. But, if you're riding the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider, bring your entire tool box of cycling skills and sagacity. You will need everything. And if the weather adds anything at all, you're in for a real challenge.

Bike packer's paradise at Potter's Pasture primitive campground.

On the other hand, I will report a little on the rest of our ride. When hitting a set of short hills early on our Day 1, I slip off the back of the main group and later stop for a short break. Beautiful country. Beautiful day. So grateful to be out there.

Remounting to go, my heart sinks at the sight of a flat rear tire. How did that happen? One look reveals no single, big leak, but rather a swarm of goat head thorns attacking seemingly every square inch around the tire. I stop counting at 30. This will test the 3 ounces of sealant I put in that tire a few weeks ago.

With 300+ pump strokes, I pump up that 29 inch plus tire, spin it a bit, and then watch it deflate in seconds. So, I pump it all back up again, spin it some more, and watch it deflate again. Alright. One more time. This time, it holds. A bit low, but it holds.

Craig Groseth, Luke Entz, Paul Brasby, Ben Cooper
Rolling along the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider course.

Babying that questionable tire down a steep, gullied descent, I check the pressure at the bottom. It seems to be holding enough, but I add some air anyhow. For the next couple of hours, I stop every 20 minutes or so to check that air pressure. Most every time, I add some air to keep rolling.

Cresting the top of the infamous Hanson Hill, I stop to admire the view and take a break. By the time I'm done patting myself on the back for clearing that climb, I notice that the rear tire is dead flat, again. This time, it refuses to hold any air, no matter how many times I pump. I even add 2 ounces of extra sealant and keep pumping. No sale. I empty a CO2 cartridge, which briefly fills the tire. Hmmn. Adding a tube, or even two, makes little sense to me, with so many thorns already embedded. This is going to take some time and thought.

With miles to go and the afternoon waning, I communicate with Paul, who directs me to a nearby rancher. Even with access to his complete work shop with an air compressor, I cannot get that tire to hold air and finally relent to a lift for the remaining miles to Potter's Pasture. While waiting for the inglorious sag wagon, I continue to work on that rear tire and, lo and behold, it finally holds air. 

As I install the rear wheel, I entertain a fleeting thought that, maybe, just maybe, I can still ride the rest of the course to camp today. Then I see that the front tire is dead flat now. Really? With the rest of the group now closing in on Potter's Pasture, I run out of time and take that lift to camp. 

No hill is too steep or too loosey-goosey for bike packer Paul Brasby.

Potter's Pasture is abuzz with activity and upbeat banter, as our merry band of bikepackers set up tents, tend to bikes, and fix dinner. Someone starts a fire in the campground fire pit, which draws everyone for warmth and conversation. Jeff Caldwell drives in from North Platte, bringing cold beer and pop, amping up the energy. Stories fly like sparks from the fire, burning brightly and drifting into the night, leaving lasting memories. The evening passes much too quickly.

The moderate May weather eventually cools and our crew hits the sleeping bags for rest and recovery. We awaken early to a cool, damp morning with a blanket of dew on everything left uncovered. Soon, however, bodies and spirits warm with hot breakfast and coffee over another roaring fire. We're ready for today's 50 mile ride back to North Platte. 

Pausing to soak in the view along the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider course.

Climbing out of Potter's Pasture, we string out a bit and then re-group at a cattle guard along a ridge line showcasing a view down the renowned Government Pocket Road. The day is young. The temperatures mild. The winds not yet awake. We're just cruising home.

We wind along ridge lines and through cedar lined valleys, eventually dropping back into the Platte River Valley. Now late morning, the wind picks up, the temperature rises, and thoughts turn to home. Just when it looks like a quiet spin into town, we turn south and west, into that growing wind and back up to another ridge line. This pitch hurts more than it should.

Even Big Foot is checking out the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider course.

But that last hill is relatively short and the final miles smoothly drop to a relatively flat finish. It's still early afternoon when I soft pedal back into the Fort Cody parking lot. And there's Paul patiently waiting for me in the shade.

Over burgers, we recount our little two day ride. For a gravel event, I like this course a lot, as it is long enough and challenging enough, while still being fun and possible for many to finish, at least in our relatively mild conditions. Adding any sort of weather, at all, to this course would launch this experience to another level. Regardless of the conditions, cyclists unfamiliar with this area are in for a treat.

For an overnight bikepacking ride, I also like this route a lot. Well done, Paul, and thanks for letting me join your merry band of bikepackers.

History abounds along the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider course.

The lead goes to the Blues Brothers, who made Rawhide cool again forty years ago.

Theme from Rawhide, The Blues Brothers (1980)

But here is the original version from the television show Rawhide debuting in 1959.

Rawhide theme song, Frankie Laine (1959)

Riding Against The Wind

Against the wind,

I'm still running against the wind.

I'm older now,

But still running against the wind.

Against The Wind, Bob Seger (1980)

Life requires adversity. 

Over 30 years ago, a privately funded group built BioSphere 2, a three acre structure designed to study the viability of sustaining human life within an artificial, materially enclosed ecological system. In this tightly controlled environment, trees grew faster than in nature but collapsed before maturing, to the surprise and consternation of scientists. Eventually, they determined that the trees died prematurely due to lack of wind.

Scientists long understood that trees in nature are moved by winds of unpredictable and variable velocity, direction, frequency and duration. These forces stress the tree, causing it to grow "reaction" wood comprised of different chemical structures that strengthen the load bearing capacity of the tree. Over time, the reaction wood also positions the tree for protection from the wind and to receive the best resources, even if contorted into odd shapes. All trees in nature experience this, to some extent.

BioSphere 2 taught that the complete absence of wind resulted in trees growing too weak to survive long. 

So, the next time you turn your nose into the wind, know that it's not only making you a stronger cyclist. It's offering you the opportunity to be a cyclist.

Life requires adversity.

Against The Wind, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, live (1980)

Black Hills Gravel Series - Season 5!

Right here, right now.

There is no other place I want to be.

Right Here, Right Now, Mike Edwards (1990)

Grass roots gravel at its finest. And it's right here, right now.

The Black Hills Gravel Series returns for Season 5, with a full slate of free rides this spring on Saturdays April 10, April 24, May 8, and May 22. More information is on BlackHillsGravel.com and the FaceBook group Black Hills Gravel FB Group. Sign up at BH Gravel Series Signup.

Lucas Haan, out in the Hills, leading a group through some chunky gravel.

Lucas Haan, the force of nature behind the Black Hills Gravel Series, meticulously creates each unique, back country route, provides gpx files and cue sheets for self-navigation, and offers the empowering opportunity to ride self-supported. All of this free of entry fees, elitism, and pomposity. Just show up with most any bike, wearing most anything weather appropriate, and ride. Everyone is welcomed.

To be more accurate, at each ride, three courses will be offered, increasing in length and difficulty. They're named by color:  Green (10-20 miles, moderate elevation gain), Blue (20-30+ miles, moderately more elevation gain and difficulty), and Black (50+ miles, significantly more elevation gain and difficulty, likely with an added challenge). There truly is a course for every level of ability, experience, and ambition.

Sturgis 2017 - the first ride of the first season of the Black Hills Gravel Series!

This year, the Black Hills Gravel Series will not have a Group Start at a specific time. Instead, on the scheduled date, Lucas will be at the Start/Finish area from 7:30 am to 9:30 am to answer questions, talk you through the route, and to receive waivers, if you haven't electronically sent one to him. Start on your own at your own time, solo or in your group.

Lucas generally posts updated information on the FaceBook group Black Hills Gravel, but the best way to stay informed is to sign up in advance for the Series. Lucas then will send you timely emails, including waivers, gpx files, and cue sheets for each route. So, you just show up and ride.

Hill City 2018 - cyclists of all kinds ride into the back country at the Black Hills Gravel Series.

The Black Hills Gravel Series started in 2017 when Lucas created routes from 6 different start locations on 6 consecutive weekends. Folks showed up. Word got around. More folks kept showing up. See, A Six Course Feast. And it just keeps getting bigger and better.

The popularity and growth of these rides has not been fueled by local racers chasing prizes or enthusiasts chasing the latest trends. And it certainly has not been fueled by big production starts, finishes, celebrities, or awards, since there are none of the above. The Black Hills Gravel Series is simply a spring challenge to ride some unique back roads with like-minded folks in a low-key, social environment. And you know that the routes will be fun. Every one.

Spearfish 2019 - about 200 cyclists stream onto gravel at the Black Hills Gravel Series.

Enjoy these rides. Bring your family. Invite your friends. Be a part of our Black Hills cycling community. 

And thank Lucas for his tireless work to make it all happen. Again. Now, for the fifth year.

Piedmont 2020 - South Dakota social distancing at the Black Hills Gravel Series.

This is the place. Now is the time.

Right Here, Right Now, Jesus Jones (1990)

Knock, Knock, Knockin' On Odin's Door (2021 edition)

The Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder is back on the calendar for Saturday, June 5, 2021 after the planned inaugural race in 2020 was cancelled due to governmental permit issues related to virus concerns. Last year, I wrote a post titled "Knock, Knock, Knockin' On Odin's Door" about this new event. With the inaugural race re-set for 2021, I am reproducing that post.

Shae and Jeff Caldwell, owners of local bike shop White Tail Cycle Sport, spearhead this community event, which is just one of many ways they are involved with their community. This is grass roots gravel. This is where the gravel family lives and thrives.

I'll be there and I hope to see some of you there, too.

2021 Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder
(photo by course designer Paul Brasby)

Knock, Knock, Knockin' On Odin's Door (first published 2/5/20)

Here's a new event with a classic grass roots gravel vibe. The Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder. North Platte, Nebraska. June 5, 2021. Registration at BikeReg.com.

Everyone from dusty old timers to the gravel curious will enjoy this event, with routes of 25 miles, 60 miles, and 120 miles. Shae and Jeff Caldwell, hometown owners of WhiteTail Cycle Sport, are the driving forces behind the festivities, with additional help from local cyclists Lane Bergen, Paul Brasby, Ben Cooper, Luke Meduna and Randall Smith. Without knowing anything more, I know that these fine folks will put together a great event, with something for everyone, on and off the bike.

Climbing on some powdered roads on the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder course.

Starting from the railroad town of North Platte, Nebraska, the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder plunges into the remote valleys and deep draws of barely-populated South Central Nebraska. One can ride for hours on these winding, rough, remote roads without seeing an occupied building, let alone a convenience store or a town. I can't wait to see where these routes go.

Although the 120 mile route remains a secret, a few leaked photographs reveal that it enters the legendary realm of Odin's Revenge. Think long, hot, steep climbs up rutted roads, panoramic ridge line cowpaths pocketed with hoof prints, and jarring, bumpy descents bottoming out on pooled, powdered dirt. I suspect there will be long stretches of hero gravel, but there's also a hint of swinging through a section of single track in the renowned Potter's Pasture. Something for everyone.

A peak into the legendary realm of Odin's Revenge.

As a four time finisher of the legendary Odin's Revenge, I recognize these roads. Of course, the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider starts in North Platte, not Gothenburg, and will offer a unique experience. Nonetheless, race reports and photographs from Odin's Revenge offer some insight into the country and roads this new event will enter. To see some of what's out there, here are links to my posts with reports, photographs, and results from each of the five years of Odin's Revenge. The End Of Odin's Revenge; 2012 Odin's Revenge - Seeking; 2013 Odin's Revenge - Eureka; 2014 Odin's Revenge - Mud Year; 2015 Odin's Revenge - Gettin' After It; 2016 Odin's Revenge - Back In The Saddle; Odin's Revenge - Team DSG.

So, there you go. Unknown course. Unknown elevation gain. Unknown road surfaces. Unknown resupply. Unknown human presence. Unknown unknowns.

Here's one known. A ride through this country, on a route created by these folks, will be memorable.

YEE-HAW! Topping another hill on the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder route.

Even the Start/Finish is unique at the Buffalo Bill Rough Rider Gravel Grinder.

Now, for you folks still singing Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," here's a link to the original. Knockin' On Heaven's Door.

Knockin' On Heaven's Door, Bob Dylan (1973)

GO in the face of NO

The Gold Rush is a GO for 2020.

NO, it won't be the same gravel family get-together as in the past. But Race Directors Kristi and Perry Jewett are grinding it out in the face of difficult circumstances.

GO support this event, this year. It's worth keeping. And so is the community it fosters.

Getting the party started at the Gold Rush Gravel Grinder.
(photo by Ridge Rider Racing, LLC)

Starting in 2013, the Gold Rush Gravel Grinder blazed the trail for gravel cycling events in the Black Hills of South Dakota, attracting enthusiasts of all abilities and experience. Sporting a self-supported ethos out on the remote road course, the Gold Rush offered popular post-race festivities in an outdoor city park at the finish, including live music, catered food, local micro-brews, vendors, unique awards and a smorgasbord of door prizes and raffles. Everyone left with a smile.

This year will not be the same. On May 1st, in a thoughtful and heartfelt message to race entrants, Kristi and Perry announced that the Gold Rush would not occur in 2020 as planned due to uncertainties with governmental licenses and permits. No gravel block party this year.

But not all is lost. Kristi and Perry created a "virtual" Gold Rush event. One can participate by riding one of the four race distances (45 miles, 70 miles, 110 miles, 210 miles) on any route anywhere and sharing pictures of the experience. Kristi and Perry will post "results," ship out event schwag, and even award door prizes and other prizes. They are doing what they can do, making the most out of it for everyone. Details at Gold Rush Info & Registration.

I'm registered and plan to ride the 110 mile Gold Rush route, solo and single speed, on the day and time as originally scheduled. Others may be out there then, too. But if not there or then, others will be out there riding their own "virtual" Gold Rush.

I encourage you to ride along. Keep the vibe alive.

In my first gravel race, I finished third place single speed (out of 3)
at the inaugural 110 mile Gold Rush Gravel Grinder in 2013.
(photo by Ridge Rider Racing, LLC)

Support and Mentor

Architect:  Just how long do you think this peace is going to last?
Oracle:  As long as it can.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003).

The gravel scene has been percolating on the back burner of the cycling world for years, marginalized and misunderstood by the powers that be. But the vibe created and nurtured at gravel events drew cyclists from all corners of the cycling world. Numbers grew organically, persistently, quietly. That's what happens when something genuinely builds from the ground up.

Now it's 2020 and gravel events seem to be everywhere, all over the country and even abroad, with all sorts of newcomers to the scene. New riders, new races, new sponsors, new interest in a different mindset. For the most part, these events are still grassroots at their core, so you see a wonderfully creative variety of races and people. For the most part.

Race Director Lucas Haan (right) checking up on gravel newcomer Dave Litzen
at the 2017 Black Hills Gravel Series - Spearfish.
Closing quickly from behind are Jessica and Erik Linquist.

The gravel scene is worth protecting.

If you're a gravel veteran, please support the folks putting together the events that connect with you. Ride those events. Bring a friend. Tell others. Spread the word on social media. When patronizing event sponsors, thank them for supporting a valued event. Contribute to the organizers some schwag, some dollars, some brewskis or some other tangible thanks. Be part of making it happen.

Equally important, continue to welcome newcomers, as I know I was welcomed. Keep hanging out at the pre-race gathering. Keep helping each other out on the course. Keep sticking around a little after the race. Keep sharing your experiences. Keep listening to the stories of others. Keep mentoring newcomers of the vibe that makes the gravel scene special. Keep adding them to the gravel clan. Keep it going.

If you're a gravel newcomer, please leave at home your expectations of conventional bicycle races and launch into a brave, new world of self-sufficient discovery and interdependence with fellow racers. Accept the event for what it is and experience all that it offers, especially those aspects that seem foreign, quirky, or even non-sensical. Pedal out of your comfort zone. You may find something out there worth exploring, in body, mind and spirit.

It's not for everyone. That's OK. If you ride a gravel event and prefer the trappings of sanctioned bicycle racing, there are plenty of those races for you to enjoy. Return to them. If, instead, you try to graft the gravel scene into the tyrannical bureaucracy of homogenized USCA racing, expect to encounter resistance. Grass roots riders are a force. A friendly force, but a force nonetheless.

Back in 2014, I wrote an introduction to gravel road bicycle races that was published on the website and social media of ChristianCycling.com, a group with members all over the United States and throughout several other countries.  Gravel Grinder 101. At that time, very few of those avid cyclists had even heard of, let alone experienced, the grass roots phenomena of gravel races taking root in the Mid-Western United States. This was the gravel scene as I had experienced it at such races as Almanzo, Dirty Kanza, Gold Rush, Gravel Worlds, and Odin's Revenge. Like a well worn saddle, I think it still fits.

Protect the grass roots gravel scene. And enjoy it as long as you can.

Mark Stevenson, aka Guitar Ted, welcoming me to grass roots gravel during some early miles
as we pull into the first check point at the 2013 Odin's Revenge. (photo by Kyle Vincent)
A better riding companion, and cycling ambassador, you will not find.

Addendum. To some readers, this post may sound familiar. Well, I first posted it on January 2017. With so many new events and inquisitive newcomers, I decided to encourage gravel lovers to support what you love and to welcome newcomers. Once again, I remembered an old post that said what I wanted to say today. So, I re-posted it. My only changes were the date starting the second paragraph and the photographs.

Hey You Dang Woodchucks!

The rankling dust-up between the great, unwashed mass of gravel enthusiasts and the elite racing establishment streams into spring. Like the relentless rollers at Gravel Worlds, no end seems in sight.

From my saddle, I see a wonderfully diverse community of cyclists free to choose from an expanding number and variety of rides. Gravel Freedom. And the number of participants continues to increase, far beyond that of simply road racers shifting sights from pave to gravel. So, the gravel community is not about to be overrun by a stampede of UCI or USAC racers.

I believe much of the growth in the gravel community flows from informal rides and shorter distance, lower production races attracting new, or re-newed, cyclists. Many participants in such local, grass roots events may not know, or even care, whether others are squawking about other races, racers, rules, attitudes or organizations. They're out there to ride. Support and mentor everyone who shows up at your local event and our gravel family will continue to thrive. A Call To Support And Mentor.

Of course, a big production race, even with all the trapping of the road racing establishment, may draw some of those cyclists to a destination event for a unique experience. But that doesn't mean that local, lower production rides are somehow a lesser experience. And it doesn't mean that local, lower production rides will wither and die.

Nonetheless, it's irritating to hear that the latest, greatest thing in cycling is the big production gravel race scene, with history ignored and all else marginalized or neglected. Then, it's easy to transform into the grumpy old man yelling at kids to stay off the grass.

For me and all the other grumpy old men out there barking, let's protect the wood pile we helped build, while inviting the woodchucks into the gravel family.

And all you woodchucks out there. You're welcome to join the gravel family, but quit chucking our wood. If you don't like a gravel event, make your own and chuck all you want.

Gravel Freedom

Riding a bicycle on remote gravel roads is freedom. Freedom from fast, heavy, annoyed traffic. Freedom from distracted drivers. Freedom from convention. Freedom from "The Rules." Freedom to challenge, not merely compete. Freedom to just ride. Just Enjoy the Show.

Riding a bicycle in a gravel race also is freedom. Foremost for me is the freedom to choose amongst a veritable smorgasbord of experiences. That also means freedom to choose not to support events, as well.

Freedom to just ride.

The wonderful variety of gravel events results from race directors themselves having freedom to put together races their way, with relatively few barriers to entry and without a template mandated by others. More specifically, gravel race directors have not been confined by the dictates of a centralized governing body or by the "Shalt Haves" and "Shalt Nots" of elitists posing as self-annointed arbiters of all things gravel. Even with today's groupthink push to conform and accommodate, race directors still can create an event of their own design, implement and adapt their own rules to guide the event toward that vision, and live with the consequences of their decisions. Riders then choose to ride, or not. That's freedom.

Having options between many, very different types of experiences is a great thing. Out here in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a local rider named Lucas Haan dreamt up a crazy cool series of gravel races, each with a unique course and an unexpected twist. How about a rock infested, quad busting mile and a half spur up to an abandoned look out tower near the end of a fifty mile, 5,000 foot elevation gain gravel/dirt road race? Who does that? A Six Course Feast. Such gems are possible when race directors are free to create their own events.

With so many choices, preferences develop. Like everyone else, I certainly have my preferences and naturally are drawn to them. Almost three years ago, I even described aspects of gravel events that I liked best. Components of a Special Gravel Race. Whatever your preferences, however, it's one thing to turn toward your "likes" and away from your "dislikes." It's quite another thing to work to impose your preferences on another, or worse, on everyone. That's the essence of elitism. Try this instead. If an event doesn't suit you, leave that event to those who enjoy it and move to something else.

Here's a confession I'm reluctant to express as it may be misconstrued. Dirty Kanza is not for me, even though it's a highly publicized, influential and popular part of the gravel scene. Stay with me, here. Dirty Kanza is great for gravel cycling. I love that Dirty Kanza exists, that many swarm to it and that I rode it once. My experience was memorable, but overall the event is just not for me. That's OK. I don't knock Dirty Kanza or try to change it. They run their event as they see fit. They've earned that right and respect. I applaud those who work to make the experience available, cheer on those who ride it and simply commit my time and energy elsewhere.

In the words of William Wallace, " F R E E D O M ! ! "

The road beckons. Ride.

Addendum. To some readers, this post may sound familiar. Well, I first posted it in July 2018. Now 2020, with all the hoopla surrounding the explosive growth of gravel cycling, I decided to highlight the freedom that cyclists have to experience a tremendous variety of gravel rides, events and races. That is, gravel now offers big production events, but is much bigger than that. It's always been much bigger than that. As I started to write, I remembered this post, which I think remains relevant today. It says what was on my mind. So, I re-posted it.

"That's how we're going to win. Not fighting what we hate. Saving what we love."
Rose Tio, Star Wars - The Last Jedi (2017).

Bigger Than Big Events

In 2014, I attended the ChristianCycling.com National Camp, where I was astonished to learn that almost none of the long time, dedicated cyclists had heard of gravel grinders. So, I wrote "Gravel 101," an introduction to gravel grinders that was published by ChristianCycling.com and later posted on the Black Hills BackBone blog. Gravel Grinder 101.

Gravel roads beckon from Wind Cave National Park.

Now in 2020, gravel riding, training, and racing is front and center on the American cycling scene. The big bike corporations market "gravel" bikes, tires, components, equipment, gear, clothing, and even shoes. The big cycling media publicize favored events, professional and celebrity cyclists, coaching programs and training camps, and, of course, all those products to be purchased. The big governing bodies desperately maneuver to grab control over, and money from, this scene.

As a result, many more cyclists are now learning about gravel grinding. And all that corporate hype could easily lead one to conclude that gravel is all about the fastest racers, the lightest race bike and the most prestigious races. That is, gravel grinding could appear to the newcomer as yesterday's road racing scene simply transplanted to gravel roads.

Some races are. In fact, many of the new, sanctioned events, and even some of the older, well-known gravel events, are merely conventional road races that happen to travel some gravel, with professional racers, team tactics, expanding levels of support, little to no self-navigation, substantial entry fees, national media coverage, limited and selected entries, points-based categories to segregate cyclists, and more enforcement of more rules due to racers cheating. If you enjoy the experience of a USCA sanctioned bicycle race, you certainly can find that on gravel today.

Lucas Haan offers encouragement to riders at the 2018 Black Hills Gravel Series - Hill City.
This is grass roots gravel, with short, medium and long routes that are unmarked and unsupported.
Something for everyone. Oh, and a post-race gathering spot for everyone.

But big corporate events are just the loudest development on the gravel scene. There is much more. There has always been much more. The energy creating and driving the gravel scene emanates from throngs of regular folks gathering to ride together at local, grass roots rides. Such rides create and nurture an inclusive, social atmosphere that attracts folks from so many different levels of experience, ability and ambition. That will be difficult for sanctioned corporate racing to emulate.

For information on local events and informal rides in your area, look on social media or ask at your local bike shop. There's almost certainly something happening in your neighborhood. If not, it's very easy to start something. For regional, national and international gravel events of all kinds, take a look at the events page at RidingGravel.com.

Here in the Black Hills of South Dakota, individuals and bike shops post on a FaceBook group called "Black Hills Drop Bar Dirt, Gravel and Cyclocross Riders" and another called "Black Hills Bike Events." There's even a FaceBook group "Black Hills Gravel" with a summer-long series of free group rides each offering 10, 25 and 50 mile routes. Black Hills Gravel.

Venturing into the gravel event community added an unexpected bonus. I discovered that I could ride an almost unlimited number and variety of lightly traveled, remote, rough roads year around, even out here in the wilds of western South Dakota. From then on, everything about my riding changed. A Journey To Gravel Races - A Revelation.

I'll be out there somewhere. Hope to see you out there, too.

"Maverick, you'll get your RIO when you get to the ship. If you don't, give me a call. I'll fly with you."  Viper, Top Gun (1986).

Let's go!

For my take of the gravel scene in 2014, go to Gravel Grinder 101.

Black Hills Gravel Series - Season 4!

The Black Hills Gravel Series returns for Season 4, with a full slate of free rides. Mark your calendars. This is grass roots gravel at its finest. And now it's going to last all summer!

Information on FaceBook group:  Black Hills Gravel. Sign up here:  BHGravel Signup.

Peerless Leader Lucas Haan directs the troops at the start of the Sturgis ride of the 2019 Black Hills Gravel Series.

Lucas Haan, the Grand Poo-Bah of the Black Hills Gravel Series, hand crafts each of the unique, creative routes through postcard-perfect back country, provides cue sheets and gpx files for self-navigating the unmarked roads, and offers the enriching experience of riding self-supported. All of this free of entry fees, elitism, and pomposity. Just show up with most any bike, wearing most anything weather appropriate, and ride. Everyone is welcome.

At each event, three courses will be available, increasing in length and difficulty. They're named by color:  Green (10-15 miles, some elevation gain), Blue (20-30 miles, more elevation gain), and Black (50+ miles, significantly more elevation gain + an added challenge is likely). There truly is a course for every level of ability, experience, and ambition. Better yet, you will find cyclists of all kinds gathering to enjoy these rides.

Riders stream toward the sloppy muck at the Sugar Shack ride of the 2019 Black Hills Gravel Series.

To join the fun, go to the start/finish, sign a waiver, receive the route information, and ride a remote, rough road ride in the amazing Black Hills of South Dakota. If you choose, hang out afterward for lunch with old and new friends. Lucas generally posts updated information on the FaceBook group Black Hills Gravel, as well as the group Black Hills Drop Bar, Dirt & CycloCross Riders. If you sign up in advance, he will also send you timely e-mails. Lucas does all the ground work. You just ride.

Make the Black Hills Gravel Series a priority. Bring your family. Invite your friends. Do not take this for granted.

Grandfather and Grandson enjoying a day of sunny gravel together at the 2019 Black Hills Gravel Series.

The Black Hills Gravel Series is a remarkable happening, but it's not going to go on like this forever. The amount of time and life energy put into this by Lucas is staggering. And it's on top of all the other things Lucas does for the local cycling community, while managing a burgeoning engineering career and nurturing a growing, active family.

Enjoy these gatherings of our cycling community. And thank Lucas for his tireless work to make it happen.

Fun for all at the Black Hills Gravel Series.