Trinity Floodway gravel ride 11/28 8:00am - Plano Bicycle Association

**NOTICE** Saturday weather between 8 ~ 11 AM looks good, 52F, cloudy, 20% rain. The ride is on!

The address is 301 Canada Dr MAP and free parking is available at the Trinity Skyline Trail lot next the Ron Kirk bridge. DO NOT park in the Trinity Grove restaurant gravel parking. I will be in the blue Ford Escape w/ the olive green bike and plan on being there at 7:30 AM. Registration is required, must be a PBA member, opens 11/25 at 5:00 AM, and closes 11/27 at 6:00 PM.

This ride consists of 1.7 loops (28 miles total) with a final 7 mile paved route; pace is about 11-13 miles avg. The 1st gravel loop will be the lower perimeter road; the 2nd, the levee tops which will include descents and ascents. Same route but different perspectives and we will finish off with an urban route through the Dallas Design District. We might even see some art.

All kinds of technical conditions will be encountered, pea gravel, loose gravel, chunky gravel, deep gravel, sand-like gravel, broken pavement, hard-packed dirt, maybe even some mud(?).

The ride is no-drop but that being said, if one is new to gravel, this might not be the place. The 1st loop is 15 miles and will pass the parking lot as we go on to the the levee tops so one can bail if needed. Also, the better the bike, the more fun it will be.Think gravel-specific, Cross, MTB, bike-packing. While 32-35mm wide tires should be ok, 38mm and beyond will allow better flotation. Tubeless or sealant-filled inner tubes are highly recommended as there are mini thorns in certain places.
There are NO water stops so plan accordingly w/ water and nutrition.

This is a great route and future rides will include Harry Hines and I-30 legs.

GRAVEL Basics...

GRAVEL is more work than riding paved roads - 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, and have a good time with your friends

GRAVEL can be unpredictable - therefore when it comes to tires, the wider the better

GRAVEL riders are self sufficient - be sure to bring everything you and your bike needs for a successful ride (food, water, spare tubes, pump, CO2, tire levers, etc.)