63.13 Mile Route

Here is the route for the 2013 edition of Chucky's Challenge, the route is just over 63 miles in length. My original map is in miles but this map is showing Kilometers and I'm not sure why. Anyway I hope that everyone can make it for our annual ride!

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Chucky Is Drawing Near

Well our annual gravel grinder is getting closer, we will have the final route dialed in shortly and I will post that to the blog in the next few weeks.  Mark your calendar for Saturday Feb 2, 2013 and get ready for some gravel goodness on your bike of choice.

I was really curious about the origin of a groundhog, the dictionary gave a standard description of the animal that we are all familiar with and was pretty basic.  I however found out that the word originated in its basic form from the Greek language and oddly enough was in reference to one or two wheel transport.  WOW, and in that time period all travel was conducted on rocky and dirt trails and or roads.  I was absolutely amazed by this...well I would have been if were true but I just made that up.  I might have been lying about that but I'm not lying when I say that you should come join the GHTA faithful on Saturday Feb 2, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in historic downtown Jamesport, MO for our annual Chucky's Challenge.  Good thing this ride isn't on April 1st, we would be fools to have it then!

February 2nd, 2013...Chucks Will Be Rollin'

Well it's time again to be getting ready for our annual Chucky's Challenge, 2013 will mark the 6th edition of our gravel grinder starting in historic Jamesport, MO.  Doug Long started this ride in 2008 and that was after a couple years or so of thinking about it and wanting to make sure it was done right.  If you know Doug, and if you ride bikes in the midwest then I'm sure you do, then you know he doesn't do anything without properly planning it (probably 3 or 4 times).  Doug is a valued asset to the cycling community and does more things to help with cycling and or health related efforts in a single year than most of us do in our entire lives.  If any of you have ever attended a race that Doug has promoted or been lucky enough to ride some single track that he has crafted then you know all about his passion, for many of us like Doug the world doesn't revolve on it's axis it revolves on two wheels.  This year Chucky's is taking a little change but still has the same structure and basis that Doug created, our annual ride is Saturday February 2nd which is the same weekend as the Cyclocross World Championships being held in Louisville, KY.  Doug will be competing at Worlds in his class and then spectating the Elite Championships, WOW what a race to be able to watch right here in the U.S.A.  I suspect some of you will also be making the trip to Kentucky because lets face it, when if ever will this race be back in the United States?  I can't say that I blame you if you are going however if you are not then I am inviting you to attend our annual gravel grinder, the 6th annual Chucky's Challenge.

I will be taking over the ride this year and I am currently looking at route options and will update that as it becomes available.  Now I'm no Doug Long, I can't ride as fast as those 60 year old guys, but don't let that stop you from coming out and enjoying our scenic country roads.  I do however enjoy riding my bike as much as Doug and would love to have the company on this ride.  Traditionally we try to have our ride around 60-65 miles in length and that is the plan this year as well.  This ride isn't just for the seasoned racer or long distance rider, if the thought of 60 miles overwhelms you then still come out and ride for awhile and then turn back (may be a shorter loop option as well).  This ride is all about us doing what we love to do and not about finish times and podium spots although Lyle Riedy is right when he says that if you have two people on bikes then there is always going to be a race!  But that is the great thing about a diverse crowd, if people want to push each other and set a pace that is great and if some want to just enjoy the view then that is awesome too.  Whichever group you fit into I hope you will be a part of our ride, don't forget Saturday Feb 2nd 2013.

Pie...fresh warm homemade pie made in an Amish bakery???  If you have ever been on one of our pie rides then I lost you at the start of this paragraph because your eyes glazed over thinking about some of the best tasting ddelicacies you can imagine.  What better way to finish your ride then with some post ride grub which you can find at more than one location in Jamesport, MO.  Remember to mark you calendars for Saturday Feb 2nd 2013 and join us for Chucky's Challenge.  Did I mention Saturday Feb 2nd 2013?

Stay tuned, more to come.  Need more info?  Contact me at bernzie508@ymail.com

What's Up Chuck?

Up chuck??? Yikes, that reminds me of a Cheerios incident from a local rider a few years back on a group ride. Too much info? Oh, I've spent so much time to type it and the backspace key is a quite a finger stretch away!

Congrats to the 6 brave souls that made their way to Jamesport, MO for the annual Chucky's Challenge this past Saturday. Here is the "All Time Chucks" listing:

Chucky’s Challenge-All Time “Chuck List”

Doug Long 2008’,09’,10’,11’,12’
Tim Riekena 2008’,09’,10’,11’,12’

Damon Hennen 2008’,09’,10’,11’
James Shiflett 2008’,10’,11’,12’

Mitch Bernskoetter 2008’,09’,10’
Tim Greene 2010’,11’,12’
Raymond Mulnix 2008’,09’,10’
Dan Venner 2008’,11’,12’

Stoney Cranmer 2009’,10
’Cale Gondringer 2009’,10’
Brent Kline 2009’,11’
Mark Jenkins 2008’,09’
Mike Langwell 2010’,11’
Rolfe McCoy 2009’,10’
John Williams 2010’,11’

Ben Bolin 2011”
Michael Born 2009’
Richard Bowman 2009’
JP Brocket 2011’
Dave Crook 2010’
Jim Cummins 2009
’Don Daly 2011’
Mark Fiorino 2009’
Addison Fuller 2010’
David Hoel 2009’
Mark Krause 2010’
Brian Lasswell 2010’
Michael Leamer 2010’
Chris Locke 2010’
Andy Lucas 2009’
Fritz Menninger 2012
’Austin Norris 2010’
Doug Obershaw 2009’
Jan Pyrtle 2011’
Lyle Riedy 2010’
Stan Saunders 2011
’Brad Schrock 2008’
Andy Schuete 2009’
Brett Shoffner 2011’
Steve Songer 2009’
Randy Tracy 2010’
Clay Wells 2010’
Rich Willett 2009’

2008 Route- 40 miles (2- 20 mile loops). Cloudy, temps in 30-40’s. Mostly dry.2009 Route- 62 miles. Sunny, mild temps. Very hilly with some flats.
2010 Route- 54 miles. Epic snow ride. Fairly flat route. Cloudy, temps in 30’s.2011 Route- 43 miles.
“Blizzard of 2011-snow epic”. Hilly. Partly sunny, 20’s.
2012 Route- 52 miles “Frigid Chucky” Clear and 10 degrees at start, 15 mph winds with wind chill below zero. Flat start/hilly finish

Thanks again to those that showed up to brave the weather and to everyone that hoped to come enjoy our Green Hills, check back with us as we will be hosting this ride again next year.

2012 Frigid Chucky Route

Here is a link from Doug of the official route.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/68635108/

That's right the course if marked and ready to go, remember "lime" is left and "red" is right. If your "blue"....you better keep moving!

BBBRRRRRING YOUR GGGGLOVES!!!

Make sure to dress for a chilly ride tomorrow, we are going to have some cold temps but don't stay away as we are going to have a good time on some Green Hills Gravel.

Have you ever seen an Amish Groundhog??? Who knows you might see one tomorrow.



1. Proper clothes for cold conditions which include: winter gloves for frigid conditions, booties for feet, headliner for helmet and/or face protection. We are talking riding clothes that will stop wind and work as a thermal layer. Speaking of layers, I suggest using multiple wicking layers and stay away from cotton. Poly, fleece, and wool are all good choices.



2. Have your bike in good working condition with proper air pressure, etc... Surfaces are going to be hard. It's one of those situations where you have to decide air pressure to roll and take shock, but where is the line between comfort and flat protection. This is where a good set of tubeless road or mtn tires might come in handy. Talc on tubes does help them slide a little in the tire casing and helps, to some existent, prevent flats. Changing tubes or dealing with mechanical issues with frigid conditions is not a good scenario. There is nothing worse than being warm and then having to stop and be inactive while dealing with a mechanical. Not a bad idea to have glove liners to help protect hands in the event of a mechanical. Chemical hand and feet warmers in the pocket or bike bag should be on your prep list.



3. Hydration can be problematic. Keeping water bottles and camel back lines unfrozen can be a challenge. If you were you camel back under your jacket you still need to keep the line from freezing. Lucky you if you have an insulated line. Some riders will keep their water bottles under their outer jacket in their back jersey pockets.



4. Take care of nutrition. Exercising in frigid weather requires the body to burn more calories to help with thermal regulation. You have to eat more to fill the tank and deal with fuel depletion.



5. Be self sufficient. No, I'm not telling you to ride alone. That is not fun, and in frigid conditions, can be dangerous. I suggest riding with at least one other person that is your skill and physical condition. I know this is not a race but we all have different physical limitations and while some might enjoy flying down sketchy roads full speed, others may be more conservative. We all ride for different reasons. Don't put the other(s) in your group at risk or inconvenienced because of your lack of foresight, or preparation. I generally don't carry a cell phone but I will tomorrow.



6. Everyone will have a map, use it! The course will be well marked but there will be bailout opportunities to shorten the course if need be.

See Ya Soon!

Forecast

The weather for this weekend is looking perfect for Chucky's Challenge, if things stay frozen the B roads may be a possibility. We really wanted to have the ride on the original date but it was a very good call by Doug to move the date, it rained all day Friday and Friday night and continued most of the day Saturday.

We hope everyone will come on out this Saturday February 11th for our annual Chucky's Challenge, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the 4 way stop in historic downtown Jamesport, MO.

Nutrition

So what do you feed your Chucky???

I recommend a steady diet of gravel mixed with some dirt and of course some hills, pavement isn't too awful bad for a Chucky though. Keep it hydrated with some creek crossings and you should be good to go!

Chucky's Moving Down The River

Unfortunatly we are due to get some big weather this weekend, forecast is calling for 1.5" of rain, I think we all know what that does to gravel roads and in turn does to drivetrains. We want everyone to have a challenging ride but also to have an enjoyable time on their bikes as well, so we are going to float our Chucky's ride to the following weekend (Saturday Feb 11th). We will still be leaving at 10:00 a.m. from the 4 way stop in Jamesport, MO on Saturday Feb 11th.

If you have any further questions please contact me at bernzie508@ymail.com

Ready For Some Good Times

I went our riding the other day as the temperatures were rising and I ran into this character, he said he was getting a ride in while he still could.



I figured he must have a busy schedule but when I was coming back I never ran back into him, but I saw his bike, vest, and helmet in a big puddle of water...I wonder what happened to him?

We are watching the weather to determine what route we will be using for sure, might need to avoid some B roads but we are going to try to keep them in as they are the most fun but we want this to be a good/fun experience for everyone. Keep your eyes crossed that the moisture will stay away! But don't worry we are riding no matter what.

Recon Ride

Recharge

How many times after a ride are you looking for something really good to eat? Jamesport has a few bakeries that have some great post ride food!



Come to Jamesport on Saturday Feb 4th for our annual Chucky's Challenge gravel grinder, leaving at 10:00 a.m. and hang around afterwards and enjoy some great amish baked goods.

I Forgot

Okay I forgot to mention in the earlier post that we are making it one loop but there are a couple bail out options that will get you back to Jamesport easily if you need to cut the ride short. I apologize for not getting that posted earlier.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at bernzie508@ymail.com

Proposed Route

Here is the link to the proposed route, this route is weather permitting. We have some B roads in this route that if we have bad weather will not be a good option, however we have several options to avoid these roads if need be. If you have ridden much gravel you know how much fun these B roads can be so hopefully we can leave them in the route. We will have updated maps at the ride if we do need to alter this route so don't worry about getting lost.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/65499664

We hope to see you on Saturday Feb 4th, at 10:00 a.m.

New Update

We are finalizing the route options, it looks as though we will make it one loop but with bail out options for those lacking time or legs for the full chucky. If you don't have time for the whole ride please don't let that stop you from coming out to enjoy some Green Hills gravel. Once again we will start at 10:00 a.m. from the 4 way stop in historic Jamesport, MO on Saturday Feb 4th.

We will once again have a SAG vehicle on the course but be cautious, it makes wide turns.



If you find yourself falling off of a group don't worry there is still a good chance you will come upon a "draft" horse on the course, just tuck in on it's tail and let him/her pull you! Watch out for the steaming piles of gravel though, I crap you not...you'll be glad you did.



Don't let your winter weight stop you from coming to Chucky's Challenge, remember this is Clydesdale country!

Chucky's Start Time

Don't forget to plan to come to historic Jamesport, MO on Saturday February 4th for the Green Hills Trails Associations annual Chucky's Challenge Gravel Grinder. We will once again be rolling out from the 4 way stop in Jamesport (this is at the intersection of Hwy 190 & Hwy F) at 10:00 a.m. There is a small parking lot about a block South of this intersection but it fills up quickly, there is a lot of parking on the streets around town (this is still in close proximity to the start).

A Few Hills

There might be a few hills in the route and they might take your breath away, but I'm sure they won't be this shocking!

Working On The Route

Well we are planning on running (2) 30ish mile loops for our Chucky's Challenge route this year to accommodate anyone who may only have time for part of the festivities or doesn't feel their fitness level will get them the full Chucky. We are plotting some routes now and hope to have them posted on this site soon.

Getiing Closer

Route updates soon to follow!

Adding Trail

Just a heads up that the Green Hills region has more to offer than just gravel, Pappy Chuck has been hard at work adding some new trail to the trail system at Indian Creek Lake (Poosey Conservation Area). This new section crosses the dam at parking lot #17 and has been thought out very well, this trail will be very flowy and has great use of contours. Bikers and hikers alike will enjoy what has already been established and what will be completed later this year.

Make plans to visit our trail systems this spring and summer to see what us Chucks have been up to!

Weather

What will the weather be for our annual Chucky's Challenge? No matter what the weather is be ready for a great time on your bike. We have had normal cold temps that February can bring but have also had a year of very mild weather where I know one rider did the whole day in shorts and a short sleeve jersey...then there was the snowy day ride that we had last year. Whatever the weather is plan to be in Jamesport MO for Chucky's Challenge Saturday February 4th.