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Monthly Saturday Gravel Ride

Gravel Ride 5/5 8AM. 30miles start at Courthouse
By Jonathan Davis
Posted: 2018-05-02T00:26:00Z
The 2nd gravel ride will roll on Saturday May 5th at 8am. Please be ready to sign-in and listen the speech by 7:45am

Meeting Point : SW parking lot in front of the Collin County Courthouse,  2100 Bloomdale Rd, McKinney, TX 75071. 

We will take a very scenic 30 mile route north of McKinney. Approximately 20 miles are gravel or dirt and the rest on quiet country roads. There are a couple of loops in this route and we will pass some small sections twice in different directions in order to make use of all the available unpaved roads. The final loop around Erwin Park can be bypassed by those who need to, giving about 26 miles total. There are no official rest stops or places to refill water bottles, so please bring plenty of water.

We will stay together but not in a tight formation like on regular roads. There will be frequent regroups at intersections. Approximate pace will be 11-12mph, which is a rough equivalent effort to 16-17mph on the road.  

Route (note colors denote gravel or paved sections)

GRAVEL Basics

Bring your Gravel/Cross/Mountain bike out and join the fun! For those who have never ridden gravel before but are curious here are a few tips:

* GRAVEL is more work than riding paved roads, you will eat more food and drink more water (yes even at 10 mph). For the best experience, it is recommended you regularly ride B2 or above for the most enjoyable experience

* GRAVEL is an Adventure - plan to get dirty, water a tree (there are no facilities on the route), and have a good time with your friends

* GRAVEL can be unpredictable - therefore when it comes to tires, the wider the better. I will be on my mountain bike but that is not required. HOWEVER, you don't want to be on 23 mm road tires!!!

* GRAVEL riders are self sufficient - be sure to bring everything you and your bike needs for a successful ride (food, water, spare tubes, pump, tire levers, etc.)