School's Out Fundraiser: The Aftermath

The School's Out Gravel Grind is the third ride I've organized while heading the Gamecock Cycling Club, and the second fundraiser ride. I've always been nervous organizing a pay what you want fundraiser event, rather than charging a registration fee, but it seems to work. There's not a ton of financial risk but after securing a USA Cycling non-competitive event permit, and paying a $1 insurance fee per rider, there is the possibility that the fundraiser will become a losing endeavor but I like to think that the events my friends and I put together are fun enough that the riders feel comfortable contributing to the cause.

Seventeen hearty souls showed up for the 9:00 rollout in Blythewood, ready for a day of sun and dirt. The group all seemed to have the same thing in mind- hangout together and enjoy an awesome morning of bike riding. There wasn't going to be any sword measuring, and little talk of watts. 

Unfortunately the morning started off with some difficulties, as Tyler from Charleston found himself with a broken bolt on his seatpost collar. Luckily, the mechanical error gave a hungover Clayton an opportunity to get to the parking lot a few minutes late. After cobbling together a fix, the group rolled out.

The weather cooperated the night before the ride, bringing some moisture (well, thunderstorms and hail) that packed down the dirt and sand. The first section, the downhill washout leaving Cobblestone Park, however, did not benefit from the rain. It wasn't bad but as the first section of dirt, a slick, grassy descent made things interesting. It didn't help that I started to overcook a turn and entered a two-wheeled drift... while leading the group. That could have ended poorly.

While we did have one bottle-ejection on this section, the worst of the damage was yet to be seen.

As the dirt sections, and the climbs, began to steadily tick by, we discovered that Tyler's cludgy seatpost repair had failed, and his seatpost was now swinging freely in the frame.

Unfortunately, the two Charlestonians had to turn back to the car. It bummed me out that they traveled that far and didn't get to complete the ride, but I guess these things happen. It also continued my tradition of organizing a ride, and seeing someone who drove from out of town have to turn around early. Next time, I'll bring a collection of spare parts.

The rest of the group carried on, taking in the scenery of Blythewood and enjoying a new (for most of us) part of town. There were abandoned farms, donkeys, baby goats and every type of gravel you could imagine, including a stone that flew off of a rider's tire and left a significant welt in my shin.

 BABY GOATS?!

I think that the climbs caught everyone off guard, just as I expected. "I'm tired of this uphill shit" was uttered more than once. It seemed like every road went up, and 35 miles into the ~45 mile event, I was definitely starting to hurt. I think everyone else felt the same, and hopefully that's a good thing.

The second loop, the shorter 15 mile loop, was very well received and will likely be revisited soon. It's definitely one of those "it'll make you fast" routes that you could repeat a few times in one ride.

As for me personally, I could tell I've been off my bike and the bike itself was quite the comedy of errors. My Paul Components chain guide was set in a little too tight, rubbing on my chain when I was in my small gears. My tire was showing some obvious wear, and I was worried that the bead might separate from the casing. Lastly, I caught a nice pothole late in the ride, after the legs had already clocked out, and my saddle slipped nose-up, making the last few miles that much more uncomfortable.

Overall, the ride went very well. I'm really thankful for Henry putting together this loop. As a fundraiser, it was super successful and this is a more than welcome relief, especially this far ahead of the fall semester.

I was told at a group ride on Monday that I put together good rides. More importantly than successfully fundraising for the club, I'm happy that I can do something that people like. I've really enjoyed putting together these few events and I'm hoping that it's something I can continue doing, and maybe do more seriously in the future.

Of course, the next event on the schedule is heads and shoulders above anything I've organized so far, and I cant wait for it to happen.

If you couldn't make the ride but you're still interested in supporting the Gamecock Cycling Club, you can donate here:
http://www.gofundme.com/cyclecarolina

School's Out Gravel Grind Preview

Back in the winter Mark Merrill and I had the idea to toss together a gravel/dirt road ride to help send the Gamecock Cycling Club (me) to cyclo-cross nationals in Boulder, CO. The ride went off smoothly and we had a ton of fun exploring some new dirt in West Columbia and met some new folks from out of town.

My friends at Summit Cycles reminded me that there was lots of other dirt that needed to be explored, and the college club always needs some fundraising done, so the School's Out Gravel Grind was born.

This ride will start in Blythewood, SC, a little bit farther away from USC's campus and farther out than I normally ride, but the drive is well worth it.

I really like this route. It starts through Cobblestone Park, the neighborhood that used to host an early season omnium in March. After cutting through a short washout, you hit your first gravel section. The dirt comes early and often, and you sometimes forget how about any connecting paved roads there might be. I don't think that it's a majority dirt, but it certainly feels like it. When you do get back on the tarmac, you're thankful that you can spin your legs out a little bit.

I know that people are going to be tempted to smash this ride but trust me, especially if you're riding the full 45 miles, you're going to want to save your bullets.

I swear every dirt road finishes uphill, and at one point it hits 25%.

TWENTY FIVE PERCENT

I might be lying, but I don't think I am.

It was at least 20%, and I know that for a fact. So, it feels like more elevation change than what we had in December, but I'm not really much of one for tracking elevation gained/lost on a ride.

There are two out and back roads. This may sound lazy, but it's really cool. It gives the group a chance to naturally stop and collect everyone who may be straggling on the hill, and the change in direction gives a new perspective on the road.

The dirt roads are in pretty decent shape. There are a couple that just got new stone, but it's not a big deal at all. Only ONE road that is sandy, and I think we may be able to avoid that one by way of jeep trail. A little bit of moisture would be nice, as it was super dusty the day we went out and rode. My chain was less than pleased. (We've had some rain but I think we'll need more this week to pack everything in nicely)

I know that we're going to have some folks "sign-up" for the 45 mile ride but, when we get back to the parking lot after the 30 mile loop, will change their minds, pack it in and call it a day. It's a pretty tough loop, and it's going to be a lot of fun.

That said, be ready for what's coming for you on Saturday. It's not a race, and I doubt it will be "epic", but it's still going to take some preparation.

Despite what The Rules say about saddle bags and frame pumps, you're riding gravel. The clean lines of your frame can give way to efficiency every now and then. One tube probably won't cut it and it wouldn't hurt to bring along an infinite amount of air (i.e. a pump) if you blast through your CO2 early.

Also, it's South Carolina in May. It's going to be hot. Not South Carolina in August hot, but still hot. The great thing about this route is that after 30 miles, we return right back to where we started. I suggest putting a cooler in your car so that you can have fresh water for the final 15 miles. Or you could always just swing into the Food Lion. Some electrolytes might be a good idea, too. I hear Nuun Hydration makes good stuff...

It is NOT a race! But, it is covered by USAC as a sanctioned non-competitive event. This means that we're covered under their insurance should anything awful happen. *knocks on wood*

It is FREE! But, donations are more than acceptable. The Gamecock Cycling Club is still not funded by the school (we're too new) and we operate strictly on sponsor dollars and donations. Anything you think you can do to help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to Henry and Summit Cycles for putting together a great loop.

Henry's Strava Route

Garmin Page