The December gravel ride will roll on Saturday Dec 1st at
8.30am. Please be ready to sign-in and listen the speech by 8.15am
Meeting Point : SW parking lot in front of the Collin County Courthouse, 2100 Bloomdale Rd, McKinney, TX 75071.
We will take a very scenic 27.5 mile route north of McKinney. Since Friday is likely to have some rain, we will use the route option that favors no dirt, just gravel and pavement. The final loop around Erwin Park can be bypassed by those who need to, giving about 24 miles total.
Saturday should be comfortable temps in the range of 55-65F. There are no official rest stops or places to refill water bottles, so please bring plenty of water. We can detour to Dollar General in Melissa for emergencies.
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.)