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Monthly Saturday Gravel Ride

Gravel Ride 11/3 8:30 AM. 32 miles start at Onion
By Tony Ward
Posted: 2018-11-01T12:51:00Z

The November gravel ride will roll on Saturday at 8:30 am. Please be ready to sign-in and listen the speech by 8:15am

Meeting Point : The Onion Shed in Downtown Farmersville, 154 S Main St; Farmersville TX 75442


Have you ever heard of the NETT (North East Texas Trail)? Have you ever wanted to ride it but didn't have any friends to go with? Now is your chance - this month's gravel ride will utilize approximately 5 miles of the NETT and will be coupled with some awesome gravel roads to reach out midpoint of Celeste, TX (mile 16) where we will enjoy an actual rest stop (bathrooms, cold drinks, breakfast foods). You heard right - no sneaking off behind the bushes! We will be riding this route as an out-and-back to avoid the dirt roads that are sure to be muddy after yesterday's rains.

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 11-12 mph, which is a rough equivalent effort to 16-17 mph on the road.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28863409


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.)