Short Night Recon Ride

Well Timmy 29er and I headed out last night to do some after hours gravel grinding, we headed out to North Poosey for a climbing workout but the road that leads into the parking lot was still covered with snow and had not been plowed. I only have a 2 wheel drive pickup so I didn't want to chance getting stuck so we opted to head over to the campground near the boat launch at Indian Creek lake.

We dropped in on some singletrack and rode the campground loop, the newest edition to the trails at Indian Creek, it was good to get back on the dirt. Cold temps had the ground firmed up so we were able to ride and not leave tracks, some of the switchbacks were a little tough with some snow and ice build up.

After the short loop we headed out to ride some of the gravel roads, the roads had very little to no gravel on them and were super fast. There were patches of snow and ice with frozen ruts that made things interesting at times. We were able to find some good hills to climb before we turned around to head back, it was a short ride but still a good time.

2009 Chucks

2009 included higher rider numbers and higher temperatures than the previous year, with gravel grinders becoming more popular and the Green Hills members spreading the dirt we were able to more than double the rider list from the prior year. Riders included: Rich Willett, Steve Songer, Andy Schuette, Tim Riekena, Doug Obershaw, Raymond Mulnix, Rolfe McCoy, Andy Lucas, Doug Long, Brent Kline, Mark Jenkins, David Hoel, Damon Hennen, Cale Gondringer, Mark Fiorino, Jim Cummins, Stoney Cranmer, Richard Bowman, Michael Born, and Mitch Bernskoetter.

The warmer temps were a welcomed addition to the ride, especially with a route deserving the name "Beast, Beauty, Beast". The ride started out with a good warm up and then headed right into the climbing that North Central Missouri is known for. After miles and miles of rollers we worked our way to the "aggie flats" for some much needed recovery. This section proved to be less than simple with some new gravel that was put down after the last recon ride. Then it was back into the hills to finish the route back in downtown Jamesport.

2008 Riders

In our first year we had 9 riders: Dan Venner, James Shiflett, Brad Schrock, Tim Riekena, Raymond Mulnix, Doug Long, Mark Jenkins, Damon Hennen, Mitch Bernskoetter.

This ride was some typical February weather, we had some light snow cover and cold temperatures. The route was shorter but still a challenge, especially with a "very short" section of mud road. The course was well marked but you still didn't want to be the one that was "left behind"!!!

Climb Out Of That Burrow

Join the Green Hills Trails Association for our 3rd annual "Gravel Grinder" from historic Jamesport, Mo.

Why this ride? Chucky says "Lighten up dude, I wanna see my shadow! After being in a hole for 4 months I'm ready to break some ice, hang out with my friends, and get the riding season started. The ride drew 20 riders in 2009.

Starting time is 10:00 a.m. and we will be departing from the 4 way stop downtown next to Gingerich’s Dutch Pantry . It’s “show-n-go” so there is no participation fee. Just show up and we will provide route maps and all the gravel riding you can handle. This will not be a race but don’t let that frighten you back into your den.

The 2010 route will traverse the hills and hollers of the Green Hills region with some “aggie flats” thrown in for recovery. Riders can choose either the “Full Chucky”-60 mi. or the shorter “Lil Chuck”. Most of the route will be on smooth crushed limestone suitable for cross or mountain bikes. The route will be posted and blazed the week of the ride so we can hopefully stay away from any fresh gravel maintenance “large gravel” and pick the best route.

Jamesport is an Amish community, so expect to see horse and buggies and prepare to take a little step back in time. There is a small grocery, some restaurants, and a “watering hole’ for post ride libations.

Please contact me at: dlong@windjammercable.net if you are coming so we’ll have plenty of maps and so I can forward the route to you via email.

Anyone can ride a trainer on a cold February day, but it takes some courage to brave the weather. Will you come join the fun? Or are YOU Afraid of your shadow?????