Chrome Molly

Any vintage rides or riders in this year? It would be my first, just because the Wisconsin Triple Crown is cancelled this year and there's no Arcadia Brute the same weekend.

100mi on gravel with around 8K of climbing, self supported, rain or shine. Sure, why not, the price is sure right... Convincing myself...

I won't be racing it, just trying to finish. Might be fun to do a group supported thing and simply enjoy the day.

gomango

I'm in for sure.

This year my goal is to finish, but I am not terribly concerned about the time.

The event itself is a blast. I think I have some pics from last year to post later.

FWIW I knew over a dozen people doing the ride last year, most of them pretty serious local racers. I am not one of those, as I ended up after the 71 mile mark fly fishing at the bridge in Forestville for big German Browns. I ended up catching three browns and seven Rainbows. A total success for me that day.

Hopefully Jag410 and Sven MN ride again this year. They both finished last year and their times were really strong. Great to see them.

Maybe we can get a big C&V turnout, as there are no prettier rides in Minnesota.

Or more challenging.

The climbing is the real challenge, as you are in and out of river valleys the whole day.

Drillium Dude 

When is this? I'm trying to plan for a MN visit to ride, and this sounds like it might be (gulp) fun

DD

gomango

Didn't you do well at the DLD last year?

Well, think of this ride as a similar challenge level, except on gravel.

The weather can be a huge factor. I was down there the last three years and each of the years presented different weather challenges. One of those years it was very cold and raining. A real sufferfest.

It was too much for me, but I had friends that finished with excellent times.

gomango

Jeff, it would be an honor to have you here.

May 17th I think, but I am sure one of us can post a link.

Remember, this is a free event. I personally donate every year, but one should not feel like it is a big buck event.

Very grassroots, very diy.

Yet very well organized.

Drillium Dude 

Grady, that might work out. At least I'd have a few weeks of practicing for the climbs during my final outprocessing (the month of April) in WA. Wouldn't it be cool to do a ride like that on a drop-bar conversion?

DD

gomango

That would be toooo cool!

As far as bikes go, I've seen everything from Surly Cross Checks to older mtbs like Bridgestone MB1s.

I've also seen people on $10,000 Fireflys, Vanillas and Speedvagens.

I rode a Fargo last year, but I'll throw together something lighter with narrower tires for this season.

Something around 700x30 or so.

....and Jeff, I would hardly worry about a bike if you come up.

There are a bunch of forumites in the area that could set you up if wanted.

Build one if you like though. I am sure one of us could help you with a frameset to get you started.

Here are some pics from last year, including some of our very own forumites.

See if we can recognize folks!







and dt Spring Valley at the starting line.



Also, here is a link to my Flickr if anyone wants to wade through event shots.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/3627000...7633533119724/

Drillium Dude 

Shoot, looking at all the hardware, it seems I should keep my Mondia and outfit her with some cantis. But I did promise her to one of the guys here, so that's out. I try hard to keep my promises

I'd feel okay about borrowing a bike designed for off-road use before I'd feel comfortable borrowing a road rig. I'm sure for 100 miles I can get a decent positioning on a borrowed bike. I'll just bring my pedals and old-school Dettos!

DD

SvenMN 

I wouldn't miss it. Have a score to settle with Oriole Road on the afternoon of Sunday, May 17th.

Registration is "free", but some kind of donation is highly recommended. A postcard with basic info sent in January is required.

Bryan

JAG410

I look forward to walking up it again! I think I made it up about 500 feet before cursing loudly and walking, but at least the misery was shared with all those around me!

I'll be there for sure, bike of choice TBD.

gomango

Folks, I hope you were able to get your cards in.

Mine was very last minute.

DD, I probably upset the universe, but I got one in at the last minute for you as well in case you get a chance to make it up here.

Chrome Molly

Card is in. Now just need to decide between the RRB thingie and the Poprad.

I figure one of us can set DD up if (hopefully when) required.

JAG410

My card is in. I won't be on a vintage bike, unless I magically find some ~75mm reach brakes that actually work well!