2018 Gravel Gobbler

About a month ago I saw the Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club was organizing a “Gravel Gobbler”, or a gravel ride! It had been ages since I’d ridden actual gravel/dirt roads on my gravel bike so I signed up (for a $25 fee, which was donated to the Regional Food Bank) and convinced my friend Morgan to ride with me. The Gobbler started at S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau, about 35 minutes from home.

It had snowed on Friday, so I was a little concerned the dirt roads would be covered in snow, but thankfully the warmer temps just made the dirt roads wet. The ride started at 1:15, which I was thankful for, and it was split up into three rides: a 22 mile gravel, a 38 mile gravel, and a 31 mile road ride. We chose the 22 mile gravel route.

The pace was casual and the group stopped and waited for everyone every 5 mile or so. It was a great ride, despite the mud!

Some of the route was similar to the Farmer’s Daughter Gravel Grinder we rode in May. I guess mud is typical in these parts! We finished the 22 miles in about two hours and 30 minutes. Total elevation gain was about 1,700 feet!  I had neglected to put any fuel in my bike bag so I was bonking pretty hard by the end of the ride. I had no energy left the pedal up the final climb! Thankfully the brewery was just at the top of the hill.

About a month ago I switched to Crankbrothers Eggbeaters pedals. They are so easy to clip out of, which is an improvement over my road bike pedals. They also shed mud well, which is perfect for these type of conditions. I also decided the day before to purchase waterproof covers for my mtb shoes (Endura Dexter Overshoe). Despite the hefty price tag, it turned out to be a good investment because they kept my feet clean, warm (mostly), and dry.

After we changed out of our mud-covered gear, we ordered some beverages at the bar and food from the food truck outside. It was a perfect ending to a wet, muddy ride!