Gravel Race Up Spruce Knob

[TwoWheelsDC]

Anyone doing it this year? I’m planning to, but our car will be at the beach in NC so I’m not entirely sure how I’m gonna get out there. Anyway, I’m thinking I’ll do the 52 mile route, but the 72 mile route looks tempting. I’m also not sure if I’ll get a bed for just the night before, or for both nights. Curious what others might be thinking.

https://www.bikereg.com/32184

Topic

[hozn]

I know a few folks from these parts are going, so hopefully you can hitch check a ride.

I was excited to do it this year, but will be on travel. (I’m doing Hilly Billy Roubaix as my long gravel race this year instead.). I heard GRUSK was awesome, though! You should do the 72; it sounds like it was a pretty quick course.

[Sunyata]

GRUSK is awesome! I did it last year and loved it (free range cows!). I am doing it again this year, but unsure of my lodging arrangements as of right now. Last year, I stayed at a friend’s cabin and was planning to do the same this year, but not sure if that is going to work out. If it does not work out and I end up staying at the venue, I would be happy to give you a ride (but we would have to leave early-ish on Friday, I hate driving at night).

[Sunyata]

Also… I heard it through the grapevine that Judd is going to be talked into doing this race. 😎

[Birru]

I… could maybe get talked into this.

[TwoWheelsDC]

@Sunyata 160419 wrote:

GRUSK is awesome! I did it last year and loved it (free range cows!). I am doing it again this year, but unsure of my lodging arrangements as of right now. Last year, I stayed at a friend’s cabin and was planning to do the same this year, but not sure if that is going to work out. If it does not work out and I end up staying at the venue, I would be happy to give you a ride (but we would have to leave early-ish on Friday, I hate driving at night).

Alright, I registered for the 72 miler. I also signed up for two nights at the dorms. Worst case, I’ll just rent a car and drive out there, but if I can catch a ride with you, that would be ideal. I’ll actually be on vacation that week down in NC, so my plan is to come back (on my motorcycle) on Thursday night. So I’m happy to leave as early on Friday as you like.

[Steve O]

@TwoWheelsDC 160425 wrote:

Worst case, I’ll just rent a car and drive out there, but if I can catch a ride with you, that would be ideal. I’ll actually be on vacation that week down in NC, so my plan is to come back (on my motorcycle)

So you have a motorcycle?
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[Sunyata]

@Birru 160423 wrote:

I… could maybe could get talked into this.

YES. You absolutely should let me talk you into this.

Based on you absolutely demolishing my 153 mile route on Saturday, this will be a piece of cake for you. AND… There is delicious food and even better beer at the end.

[Judd]

@Sunyata 160420 wrote:

Also… I heard it through the grapevine that Judd is going to be talked into doing this race. 😎

Not enough climbing for me.

The best part about this race is that I’d be competing in the “Clydesdale” category.

[hozn]

@Judd 160450 wrote:

Not enough climbing for me.

The best part about this race is that I’d be competing in the “Clydesdale” category.

Come do HBR! (I am not sure there is more climbing, but I hear the hills hurt more.)

How is that bike build going?!

[Harry Meatmotor]

@hozn 160451 wrote:

Come do HBR! (I am not sure there is more climbing, but I hear the hills hurt more.)

How is that bike build going?!

HBR is freaking BRUTAL. And lots of fun!!!! DO EEET!!!

[Birru]

@Steve O 160440 wrote:

So you have a motorcycle?
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Plus, now it’s a drag bike.

[vvill]

GRUSK and HBR are both great events – I’d go back to do both if I had the chance. HBR is unquestionably tougher imo. I’d consider bringing spare brake pads if it’s rainy.

[TwoWheelsDC]

I’m sure HBR is great*, but only GRUSK gives you the option (practically a requirement) of sleeping in a mountaintop cabin at the race start point!

*I will probably plan to do HBR next year

[Birru]

@vvill 160463 wrote:

GRUSK and HBR are both great events – I’d go back to do both if I had the chance. HBR is unquestionably tougher imo. I’d consider bringing spare brake pads if it’s rainy.

This confirms that GRUSK is a better place to start for someone at my level.

[Tania]

GRUSK is lovely. The aid stations were a little hard to find last year but when I mentioned I’d missed the last aid station and was almost out of water to some volunteers (who I think were there to make sure people didn’t miss a turn), they called the race organizer who actually drove out onto the course, found me, and offered me water. How cool was that?!?

The final climb up to the Spruce Knob summit is paved and while not crazy steep it feels interminable . The views are nice but honestly it was a head down is-this-ever-going-to-*#(&%(#&%-end segment for me. This is a pic of me coming back DOWN from the summit. Major change in ‘tude for sure. After that it was mostly downhill. Mostly. The driveway climb up to the start/finish is pretty rough.

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[Author]

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