Ok, here's the latest on the Ground Hog Gravel grind. I decided to eliminate all the dirt aggie roads as they were starting to melt and get a little greasy at 18 degrees with the sun on them.
The first loop is almost exactly 20 miles and will come back to town for a feed stop and anything else that needs to be down. There is a grocery store and we will be passing where most people will be parked.
The second half is also exactly 20 miles, there is more climbing. The roads will be about 95% grounded limestone, The roads are in awesone shape with just a few very short sections of dirt. There is only two short sections of rutted/dirt road to deal with and they are very short.
The route and elevation will be available tomorrow when my friend does all the work on that. I'm a techie dumb ass.
We're just waiting to see what is going to happen on Thursday when we may get snow. Right now the 40 miles is pretty much snow free.
The plan is to meet in Jamesport at the 4 way stop downtown at 9:30 am.
There is two places to eat breakfast and hang out. Gingerich's is right at the start. The Country Cupboard is right up the street.
We are having the post ride social at Marigolds Inn which is on Route F (The main drag which is also known as West Auberry Grove) is about 200 yards from where we are starting. There are a few great options to dine in town and you can bring the wife and she can shop all the great antique shops and specialty shops.
Marigolds is offering a special rate for the weekend of 49$ for either a room with a King Size bed aor 2 Doubles. Thats $10 and $20 of the regular price.
If you want a room: 660-684-6122.
Think crushed limestone and very fast. It's like they have an understanding with the Amish that they won't pile on the gravel. There were a few sections of gravel today, but not very much.
This may be an annual event in the future and anyone that participates in the first will have the opportunity to claim and retire the first numbers, From now on, everyone will get a number and their number will be reissued and new numbers issued to new riders. It's kinda like ragbrai, early numbers will be a "SPECIAL DEAL" and will recognize the faithful. You won't have a number this year but I will make notice of who contacts me back about riding the initial Ground Hog ride and give them a number by the order they contact me.
If you know me, this will be a big deal in the future and you have a chance to get in on the ground floor.
I'll be watching the weather for more details. Thir calling for a possibility of 5 inches up here. Keep watching for updates and we will post the route and route profile tomorrow. Stay Tuned!