Matt Westermeyer

There is a series of gravel fondos that was put on last year up in central WA by Vicious Cycles. I only did the third in the series which was out of Winthrop, WA. The Gran Fondo Winthrop was 80 miles, 10,400 ft climbing in some really rugged and beautiful country. About 20 miles of paved road and the rest was gravel with some endless climbs. One of the hardest rides I've done but really rewarding and a really fun time. The organizer does a great job for a relatively small event (42 finishers) and the support was the quality you would expect at a large really expensive event. There were stops every 15 miles for drink/energy product and at the half-way point there was a huge spread with everything from bars to drinks, gels, sandwiches, coke, etc. I would encourage those looking for a unique/challenging gravel race/fondo/adventure to check out one of the races or the entire series in 2014 (in addition to some of our own OR gravel rides/races which are looking really awesome as well). He
re's the link -http://rideviciouscycle.com/events/

lisa belair-sullivan

hi Chris,

the Oregon Coast Gravel Epic was totally a-freakin-mazing last month. HARD
and so so cool. I've been watching keenly for more and, although it's more
of a midwest phenomenon right now I'm sure hoping for more here in the NW.
A new endurance cx race was on the OBRA schedule this year but was
cancelled and that sure seemed to have potential. Some good websites I've
been keeping an eye on are:

VeloDirt

Gravel Grinder News

One thing I'm certainly picking up reading more about gravel racing is tire
width (somewhere between cx and mtb is the sweet spot). CX bikes are
awesome although the gravel bikes that are coming out (see: Niner's
gorgeous new gravel rig ) have different
geometry that favor stability over fast acceleration. Amazing how many new
gravel specific bikes were at Interbike this year as well. It's SO
happening... and with all the gravel logging roads here in the NW, we
should have primo riding and racing opportunities.

lisa

On Fri, Nov 15, 2013 at 12:35 PM, Chris Valencia wrote:

> I want get back to what we love-to ride bikes!!
>
> I looking to try out a gravel grinder ride next year. I have a general
> idea what the rides abouy, but would love hear any input on
> bikes/equipment, training, rides in my area(Bend) or in NW, and... I have a
> Jake the Snake bike I plan to use.
>
> Thanks any advice,
>
> Chris
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Chris Valencia

I want get back to what we love-to ride bikes!!

I looking to try out a gravel grinder ride next year. I have a general idea what the rides abouy, but would love hear any input on bikes/equipment, training, rides in my area(Bend) or in NW, and... I have a Jake the Snake bike I plan to use.

Thanks any advice,

Chris