There are a lot of you folks still riding in this temperate weather. Fat bikes seem to be bounding over the river and through the woods everywhere. 2016 is already shaping up to be more and faster than this year.
New events are popping up on the RidingGravel Calendar and the Dirt Bag will roll again Oct. 16. I'm making a list of challenges and checking it more than twice.
It's great to see everybody having fun out there. May the holidays bring you joy in your soul and a little something for your pursuit of adventure.
Keep the faith crankin'
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Results from Dirt Bag 2015
Thanks to all who came out and participated in the Dirt Bag last Sunday. The temp started out a little cool and quickly picked up and so did the wind making it something to talk about.
It was fun to meet many of you while hanging out and sharing a meal.
Gravel grinders are good people and it's becoming almost like a family reunion out there. We see each other just enough...
Here are the results and if you are not listed (Shaun Flynn) please let me know so I can make the correction:
It was fun to meet many of you while hanging out and sharing a meal.
Gravel grinders are good people and it's becoming almost like a family reunion out there. We see each other just enough...
Here are the results and if you are not listed (Shaun Flynn) please let me know so I can make the correction:
85 Mile Results
1. Ben Doom 4:13
2. Jon Peter 4:16
3. Ian Hoogendam 4:25
4. Kyia Anderson 4:25 1st Woman
5. Jim Bell 4:25
6. Cory Hedin 4:53
7. Brett Sloma 5:02
8. Michael Latsch 5:14
9. Jeff Buschendorf 5:15
10. Dave Markman 5:32
11. Kurt Stunek 5:37
12. Leah Gruhn 5:40 2nd Woman
13. Gary Lindbergh 5:45
14. Jay Dellis 5:45
15. Pamela Gonzales 5:45 3rd Woman
16. Greg Knoll 6:06
17. Tony Bell 6:11
18. Ryan Terpening 6:12
19. Bonnie Gagnon-Moebeck 6:12
20. Erik Rike-Coleman 6:24
21. Jere Mohr 6:24
22. Rudy Schoolderman 7:10
23. Tavis Westbrook 7:12
24. Jodi Gruhn 7:16
25. Steve Enger 8:02
26. Jason Johnson 8:02
27. Noah Middlestaedt DNF
2. Jon Peter 4:16
3. Ian Hoogendam 4:25
4. Kyia Anderson 4:25 1st Woman
5. Jim Bell 4:25
6. Cory Hedin 4:53
7. Brett Sloma 5:02
8. Michael Latsch 5:14
9. Jeff Buschendorf 5:15
10. Dave Markman 5:32
11. Kurt Stunek 5:37
12. Leah Gruhn 5:40 2nd Woman
13. Gary Lindbergh 5:45
14. Jay Dellis 5:45
15. Pamela Gonzales 5:45 3rd Woman
16. Greg Knoll 6:06
17. Tony Bell 6:11
18. Ryan Terpening 6:12
19. Bonnie Gagnon-Moebeck 6:12
20. Erik Rike-Coleman 6:24
21. Jere Mohr 6:24
22. Rudy Schoolderman 7:10
23. Tavis Westbrook 7:12
24. Jodi Gruhn 7:16
25. Steve Enger 8:02
26. Jason Johnson 8:02
27. Noah Middlestaedt DNF
63 Mile Results
1. Charles Wolf 3:22
2. Emily Flynn 3:22 1st Woman
3. Patrick Kinney 3:23
4. Frank Thueringer 3:28
5. Jim Ringuette 3:28
6. Rich Zvosec 3:43
7. Tim Boyd 4:38
8. David Horstman 4:38
9. Cody Condon 4:38
10. Sarah Hurst 5:41
11. Frank Huben 5:46
2. Emily Flynn 3:22 1st Woman
3. Patrick Kinney 3:23
4. Frank Thueringer 3:28
5. Jim Ringuette 3:28
6. Rich Zvosec 3:43
7. Tim Boyd 4:38
8. David Horstman 4:38
9. Cody Condon 4:38
10. Sarah Hurst 5:41
11. Frank Huben 5:46
35 Mile Results
1. Eric Nelson 2:17
2. Mark & Gina Halstrom 2:18 Tandem
3. Shaun Flynn 2:19
4. Rob Madgwick 2:23
5. Joel Dahlin 2:23
6. Aaron Blumke 2:23
7. Josh Fiedler 2:23
8. Tess Hohman 2:30
9. Andrew Gruhn 2:30
10. Marilyn Crandell 4:03
11. Corbin Elmer DNF Mechanical
2. Mark & Gina Halstrom 2:18 Tandem
3. Shaun Flynn 2:19
4. Rob Madgwick 2:23
5. Joel Dahlin 2:23
6. Aaron Blumke 2:23
7. Josh Fiedler 2:23
8. Tess Hohman 2:30
9. Andrew Gruhn 2:30
10. Marilyn Crandell 4:03
11. Corbin Elmer DNF Mechanical
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Dirt Bag Sunday
The plan and the weather is coming together nicely for Sundays Dirt Bag.
Check in opens at 8 AM. Early arrives can park at Sportsman Hill which is the Start/Finish area.
Additional parking can be had at Riverside Park or, if needed, back at the Coborns store off of CR 24.
Rollout will be at 9 AM.
Cue sheets will be provided and the course gpx file can be downloaded from MapMyRide here:
Dirt Bag 85 Mile Dirt Bag 62 Mile Dirt Bag 35 Mile
or Strava here: Strava DB 85 Mile Strava DB 63 Mile Strava DB 35 Mile
Instructions will be given prior to start but most of you have heard it all before.
The course should be still relatively hard packed and fast. No leg busting climbs except that one to Corkys Bar.
There's a gas station around 17 miles, a rest stop around 33 miles, Lanttos at 52 miles (roller dogs, pizza, etc...) and Corky's at 62 miles (Fulton on tap I think).
You will be fed at the finish. No one goes home hungry.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
Check in opens at 8 AM. Early arrives can park at Sportsman Hill which is the Start/Finish area.
Additional parking can be had at Riverside Park or, if needed, back at the Coborns store off of CR 24.
Rollout will be at 9 AM.
Cue sheets will be provided and the course gpx file can be downloaded from MapMyRide here:
Dirt Bag 85 Mile Dirt Bag 62 Mile Dirt Bag 35 Mile
or Strava here: Strava DB 85 Mile Strava DB 63 Mile Strava DB 35 Mile
Instructions will be given prior to start but most of you have heard it all before.
The course should be still relatively hard packed and fast. No leg busting climbs except that one to Corkys Bar.
There's a gas station around 17 miles, a rest stop around 33 miles, Lanttos at 52 miles (roller dogs, pizza, etc...) and Corky's at 62 miles (Fulton on tap I think).
You will be fed at the finish. No one goes home hungry.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Heck With It!
Heading up to the Heck of the North this weekend. Just hoping to finish and enjoy myself while doing it.
The registration is still open for the Dirt Bag and the cards are coming in. The cards are fun but there will be day of registration as well. I don't want to turn anyone away who can't work the snail mail technology.
The 63 Mile course was ridden last Sunday and it is fast. Most of it is hardpacked with a sheen on top. Some sections do have a few loose stones and there is little wash-boarding and potholes. But remember... Gravel roads are dynamic and can change overnight as witnessed by the GravelFest participants. So past reports do not necessarily predict future conditions.
We have procured some Holy Spirit Bouja again and my wife will be making some additional bowls of hot goodness for the post ride nutrition.
Off to get my Fargo ready...
John
The registration is still open for the Dirt Bag and the cards are coming in. The cards are fun but there will be day of registration as well. I don't want to turn anyone away who can't work the snail mail technology.
The 63 Mile course was ridden last Sunday and it is fast. Most of it is hardpacked with a sheen on top. Some sections do have a few loose stones and there is little wash-boarding and potholes. But remember... Gravel roads are dynamic and can change overnight as witnessed by the GravelFest participants. So past reports do not necessarily predict future conditions.
We have procured some Holy Spirit Bouja again and my wife will be making some additional bowls of hot goodness for the post ride nutrition.
Off to get my Fargo ready...
John
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Dirt Bag Jersey Store Closing Sunday
Just a reminder to friends and fans of DirtBag that the Podium Wear storefront will be closing at Midnight on Sunday 9/20.
We have a long sleeve jersey that is merino wool on the inside and polyester on the outside. I've seen a sample of this material and it is a lightweight and stretchy fabric which will move well and provide good warmth for an active ride. Full zipper for temp regulation. The short sleeve is the standard silver line and also moves well.
Here's the link: DirtBag Jerseys and Caps and the password is "gravel"
We have a long sleeve jersey that is merino wool on the inside and polyester on the outside. I've seen a sample of this material and it is a lightweight and stretchy fabric which will move well and provide good warmth for an active ride. Full zipper for temp regulation. The short sleeve is the standard silver line and also moves well.
Here's the link: DirtBag Jerseys and Caps and the password is "gravel"
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Dirt Bag Jerseys and Cap
Dirt Bag has got some new threads!
We brought back the old DB logo and are currently taking orders for a long sleeve Woolie and short sleeve jersey from Podium wear. The wool jersey is merino inside and a blend on the outside. This is great quality wear made here in MN.
We brought back the old DB logo and are currently taking orders for a long sleeve Woolie and short sleeve jersey from Podium wear. The wool jersey is merino inside and a blend on the outside. This is great quality wear made here in MN.
Visit the storefront and place your order before 9/16 so we can have these items available for the DirtBag on 10/18.
The password is "gravel"
Cap $30
SS Jersey $70
LS Wool Jersey $120
Monday, August 31, 2015
Dirt Bag 2015 is Open for Registration
Registration is now open for the Dirt Bag Gravel Grinder.
When: Oct 18th, 8 AM Check-in, 9 AM Start
Where: Sportsman Park NW of Clearwater Sportsman Park
Cost: FREE
Distances (approx): Race 88 mile, Ride 60 and 30
You can register via postcard by sending your:
Name
Age
Category (Men / Women, Multi-speed / Single-speed / Fat)
E-mail address
To: Dirt Bag 2015
c/o John Egbers
800 12th Ave South
St Cloud, MN 56301
Details will continue to follow.
When: Oct 18th, 8 AM Check-in, 9 AM Start
Where: Sportsman Park NW of Clearwater Sportsman Park
Cost: FREE
Distances (approx): Race 88 mile, Ride 60 and 30
You can register via postcard by sending your:
Name
Age
Category (Men / Women, Multi-speed / Single-speed / Fat)
E-mail address
To: Dirt Bag 2015
c/o John Egbers
800 12th Ave South
St Cloud, MN 56301
Details will continue to follow.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Cold Front Blows In.... Dirt Bag is not Far Behind!
What a difference a day makes in Minnesota weather. We're 2 months/60 days/8 weeks from the Dirt Bag gravel.
Once again, there'll be a 30 and 60 mile ride as well as the 80 mile race (distances approx.). I'll be taking entries beginning Sept 1. More info to follow.
It's been a good year for gravel grinders with many new ones having popped up on the schedule and good numbers of riders participating.
I'll be doing the Heck Epic this weekend which should be a fun adventure in the north woods.
The Gravel Worlds field looks real strong this year with a good contingent of riders making the trip from St Cloud, including our own Dirt Bag founder Ben Doom, and the return of the GW 2013 champion as well as this years Dirty Kanza champ.
The Inspiration 100 is still open for registration for their penultimate year.
These are but a few that are on my radar. Check with Riding Gravel for a complete schedule of national and even worldwide grinders.
Exciting times. Good times. Challenging times. Live to ride. Ride to live.
Once again, there'll be a 30 and 60 mile ride as well as the 80 mile race (distances approx.). I'll be taking entries beginning Sept 1. More info to follow.
It's been a good year for gravel grinders with many new ones having popped up on the schedule and good numbers of riders participating.
I'll be doing the Heck Epic this weekend which should be a fun adventure in the north woods.
The Gravel Worlds field looks real strong this year with a good contingent of riders making the trip from St Cloud, including our own Dirt Bag founder Ben Doom, and the return of the GW 2013 champion as well as this years Dirty Kanza champ.
The Inspiration 100 is still open for registration for their penultimate year.
These are but a few that are on my radar. Check with Riding Gravel for a complete schedule of national and even worldwide grinders.
Exciting times. Good times. Challenging times. Live to ride. Ride to live.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Dirt Bag GravelFest Results
84 Mile
Rider Time
Kyia Anderson 5:50 1st Women
John Carline 6:09 1st Men
Michael Latsch 6:09 1st Men
Sue Schroeder 6:13 2nd Women
Derek Radtke 6:24 2nd Men
Charles Wolf DNF
Emily Flynn DNF
Brian Boehmer DNF
Steve VanVleet DNF
Matt VanVleet DNF
Cory Hedin DNF
Sean (can’t read last) DNF
60 Mile
Rider Time
Bob Mueller 4:47 1st Men
Jay Dellis 4:52
Jake Fons 5:19
Greg Knoll 5:44
Shaun Flynn DNF
Bruce Weinke DNF
30 Mile
Rider Time
Jon Kern 1:40 1st Men
Kurt Stunek 2:04
Dan Cruser 2:24
Ed Shaw (?) 2:24
Michael Houghton 2:48
Brian Hart 2:48.30
Zach Gilbert 3:01
David Peterson 3:03
Rebecca Peterson 3:03 1st Women
Roger Landis 3:17
Marilyn Crandell 4:04
Bruce Berwald DNF
GravelFest Results
Below is the results for the 2015 Dirt Bag GravelFest out of French Lake. Please let me know if there are any corrections.
A hardy well done to all those who showed and attempted and especially those who finished. The road conditions literally changed overnight with the rains as the hardpacked gravel became soft and the going got tough.
That's the beauty and dynamics of gravel racing as the road can change just like the scenery.
I hope you all had fun and were challenged.
A hardy well done to all those who showed and attempted and especially those who finished. The road conditions literally changed overnight with the rains as the hardpacked gravel became soft and the going got tough.
That's the beauty and dynamics of gravel racing as the road can change just like the scenery.
I hope you all had fun and were challenged.
Dirt Bag GravelFest Results
84 Mile
Rider Time
Kyia Anderson 5:50 1st Women
John Carline 6:09 1st Men
Michael Latsch 6:09 1st Men
Sue Schroeder 6:13 2nd Women
Derek Radtke 6:24 2nd Men
Charles Wolf DNF
Emily Flynn DNF
Brian Boehmer DNF
Steve VanVleet DNF
Matt VanVleet DNF
Cory Hedin DNF
Sean (can’t read last) DNF
60 Mile
Rider Time
Bob Mueller 4:47 1st Men
Jay Dellis 4:52
Jake Fons 5:19
Greg Knoll 5:44
Shaun Flynn DNF
Bruce Weinke DNF
30 Mile
Rider Time
Jon Kern 1:40 1st Men
Kurt Stunek 2:04
Dan Cruser 2:24
Ed Shaw (?) 2:24
Michael Houghton 2:48
Brian Hart 2:48.30
Zach Gilbert 3:01
David Peterson 3:03
Rebecca Peterson 3:03 1st Women
Roger Landis 3:17
Marilyn Crandell 4:04
Bruce Berwald DNF
Friday, July 17, 2015
Dirt Bag GravelFest Update
Just letting you all know that I'll have info up at least by early evening for the ride tomorrow.
Here is the link to the MapMyRide file if you want to download and/or look at the courses.GravelFest Courses.
I am taking walk up registrations.
More to follow,
JavaJohn
ps: Cue Sheets are done
Here is the link to the MapMyRide file if you want to download and/or look at the courses.GravelFest Courses.
I am taking walk up registrations.
More to follow,
JavaJohn
ps: Cue Sheets are done
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Dirt Bag GravelFest Course Update
My grandson and I did a little recon of the course this morning and we can report that the previous course as posted on MapMyRide had a couple of errors on the long course which will be corrected by COB Friday. Look for the GPX file then.
Gravel conditions: mostly hardpack with loose stones on top. There are some soft sections and washboard as well. Only a couple ruts from the washouts of Sundays rain. So far not too much dust was kicked up by the vehicle but if there is no precip between now and Saturday, expect some dust.
Views great, corn shoulder high, traffic minimal, no dogs came out to challenge.
Lanttos store knows we are coming. Roller dogs available.
Parking will be in the Town Hall lot the entrance being off of CR 3 south of the main intersection on the west side of road. Hopefully, I'll remember to post a sign.
Bring water. First Thirst station for the long riders will be when you roll through the Start/Finish 30 miles in.
French Lake Mapquest
Out,
JJE
Gravel conditions: mostly hardpack with loose stones on top. There are some soft sections and washboard as well. Only a couple ruts from the washouts of Sundays rain. So far not too much dust was kicked up by the vehicle but if there is no precip between now and Saturday, expect some dust.
Views great, corn shoulder high, traffic minimal, no dogs came out to challenge.
Lanttos store knows we are coming. Roller dogs available.
Parking will be in the Town Hall lot the entrance being off of CR 3 south of the main intersection on the west side of road. Hopefully, I'll remember to post a sign.
Bring water. First Thirst station for the long riders will be when you roll through the Start/Finish 30 miles in.
French Lake Mapquest
Out,
JJE
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
GravelFest Update
I'll be heading up to Winnipeg for the folk festival in a couple days then plan on pre-riding the course to assure all roads and bridges are still there.
Parking is available in the town hall lot and Casey Weber has graciously allowed us to use his lawn and shade for chillin'.
Rollout will be 9am for both courses.
Hope to see your bright shining faces.
Parking is available in the town hall lot and Casey Weber has graciously allowed us to use his lawn and shade for chillin'.
Rollout will be 9am for both courses.
Hope to see your bright shining faces.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
GravelFest Course Map
Here is the MapMyRide link to the GravelFest Course. It is shown as one 82 mile route but the short course of 30 miles will be the first loop to the East and South from French Lake.
Cue sheets will be provided. Start/Finish area parking will be available.
More info will be coming.
Send in your cards!
Revised GravelFest Course
Cue sheets will be provided. Start/Finish area parking will be available.
More info will be coming.
Send in your cards!
Revised GravelFest Course
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Registration for Dirt Bag Gravelfest
Dirt Bag Gravelfest registration will commence on Monday, 22 June.
Send your card to:
Dirt Bag
c/o JJ Egbers
800 12th Ave South
St Cloud, MN 56301
Please include:
Name/Age/Gender/Class (Geared, Single, Fat, Tandem)/Course (Short, Medium, Long)
Also accepting race day registration (no body gets turned away).
More details to follow...
Send your card to:
Dirt Bag
c/o JJ Egbers
800 12th Ave South
St Cloud, MN 56301
Please include:
Name/Age/Gender/Class (Geared, Single, Fat, Tandem)/Course (Short, Medium, Long)
Also accepting race day registration (no body gets turned away).
More details to follow...
Monday, June 1, 2015
It's June Already!
Like cresting a snow covered hill and quickly picking up speed with greenery and gravel rides going by, spring comes so fast this time of year.
Ragnarok, Miesville, Trans IA, Almanzo and a few others are behind us with more on the gravel schedule coming fast. Dirty Kanza finished up this weekend and the results are impressive considering the reported conditions.
Also changing fast, the numbers of riders and events are encouraging for the future growth of this aspect of bicycling. In the back of some minds though is the concern that we will go "mainstream" and lose our soul. Hmmmm... how to keep it real?
The Dirt Bag will have a summer and fall edition again this year. There will be 3 courses from which to choose of approx. 30, 60 and 90 miles in length. The goal here is to bring out those who want to give gravel riding/racing a go but may be intimidated by a potentially 8 hour slog in gods-know-where heaven.
July 18th will be held in French Lake, MN and Oct 18th will be in Clearwater, MN. More info to follow as I will be heading out to pre-ride the course and QC the cue sheets.
Until then, gravel on and remember to drink lots.
Ragnarok, Miesville, Trans IA, Almanzo and a few others are behind us with more on the gravel schedule coming fast. Dirty Kanza finished up this weekend and the results are impressive considering the reported conditions.
Also changing fast, the numbers of riders and events are encouraging for the future growth of this aspect of bicycling. In the back of some minds though is the concern that we will go "mainstream" and lose our soul. Hmmmm... how to keep it real?
The Dirt Bag will have a summer and fall edition again this year. There will be 3 courses from which to choose of approx. 30, 60 and 90 miles in length. The goal here is to bring out those who want to give gravel riding/racing a go but may be intimidated by a potentially 8 hour slog in gods-know-where heaven.
July 18th will be held in French Lake, MN and Oct 18th will be in Clearwater, MN. More info to follow as I will be heading out to pre-ride the course and QC the cue sheets.
Until then, gravel on and remember to drink lots.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
LAST DAY TO ORDER!
Last day to order before production and delivery in May!
Revolution Cycle and Ski and Fitzharris Ski and Sport have provided sponsorship to lower the price of this quality jersey for you. Beaver Island Brewing Company is supplying the beer!
Revolution Cycle and Ski and Fitzharris Ski and Sport have provided sponsorship to lower the price of this quality jersey for you. Beaver Island Brewing Company is supplying the beer!
Use the password "bibco".
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Beaver Island/Dirt Bag Kits
The storefront for ordering closes at midnight on the 31st. This is a great price for quality cycling wear and one of the coolest designs for dirt.
Password is "bibco"
PodiumWear Store
Password is "bibco"
PodiumWear Store
Thursday, March 19, 2015
The Beaver Island Brewing / Dirt Bag kits are now up on the Podiumwear Storefront.
Great pricing for the early adopters. Storefront will close March 29th midnight so they can go into production and into your hands 1st week of May.
High quality cycle wear made in MN.
Dirt Bag / Beaver Island Kits Password is "bibco"
Great pricing for the early adopters. Storefront will close March 29th midnight so they can go into production and into your hands 1st week of May.
High quality cycle wear made in MN.
Dirt Bag / Beaver Island Kits Password is "bibco"
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