2013 Gravel Rouser Classic

We can hardly believe it. We've watched this baby grow up before our very eyes, and now we're into the double digits. A 10-year-old bicycling party is a milestone to celebrate with more bicycling! Get ready, fun hogs, for the 10th Annual Gravel Rouser Classic.

Please read this year's event information closely because there are quite a few changes. Ohio University's switch to semesters means that not only will school be in session out on the trails, but in the City of Athens too. Look for changes in event line-ups, starts, finishes and more.

Attend all four events or pick and choose as you like. To see recaps and results from last years Gravel Rouser, scroll through the "Notes" tab on our main Facebook page.

Event #1: Debutante Ball on Hollow Point Trail

Date: Thursday, March 14
Start Time: 5 p.m., registration begins at 4:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: Strouds Run Group Camp Site.
Directions to camp site from Athens: Follow Strouds Run Road into park. Turn left onto road that leads to campground (State Park Road). Group camp site and parking area are about a quarter mile down the road on the right.

> Practice your curtsies because it'll be polite society all the way for this timed trail race. Join us at a coming-out party to debut Hollow Point Trail, the newest trail at Strouds Run State Park. Approximately 6 miles of timed singletrack racing. Feel free to ride at parade pace and enjoy the beauty of the woods if you aren't race ready. Ball gowns optional.

Event #2: Big Jim's Trail Buffet & DJ Party

Date: Friday, March 15
Start Time: 5 p.m., registration begins at 4:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: 11595 Simms Road, Athens

> Last year Jim and Ellen proved they can throw an off-road time trial while blasting some of your favorite rock classics over the PA system. Who wouldn't want to cross this finish line again? Get ready to race around the garage, through the dog yard and into the depths of the woods on this private trail system full of challenges for you and your bike. Expect 1-2 miles of timed racing.

Event #3: Gravel Rouser Classic

Date: Saturday, March 16
Start Time: 10 a.m. sharp (Registration begins at 9 a.m.)
Meeting Place: Kiser's Barbecue at Eclipse Company Town near The Plains, Ohio (map)
Parking Information: Look for directional parking signage at Kiser's
Gravel Rouser Survivors Barbecue: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Kiser's Barbecue at Eclipse (map)

> Hilly ride to Lake Hope State Park and back. 40-ish-mile (round trip) ride plus optional 10-mile singletrack mountain bike race at the mid-point. Course will be marked and maps provided. Ride at your own pace to and from Lake Hope. After riding to Lake Hope, either race or spectate before gorging at the Biggest Aid Station Ever and then riding home. Suggested donation of $25 covers marked course, map, major snack options at Lake Hope, buffet dinner afterward and special 10th anniversary Gravel Rouser keepsake item.

> After the day's ride, enjoy the Gravel Rouser Survivors Barbecue at the new Kiser's Barbecue at Eclipse. Buffet dinner included with your registration donation. You are welcome to change out of your riding clothes in the bathrooms at Kiser's. Individuals who are not participating in the Gravel Rouser can pay $15 and enjoy the BBQ buffet.

> Please note new starting point -- registration, start, finish all located at new location this year (map).

Event #4: Grab & Git City Scramble and St. Patrick's Day French Toast Party

Date: Sunday, March 17
Start Time: 10 a.m. sharp. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
Meeting Place: Athens Bicycle, 4 W. Stimson Ave., Athens

>Aye lassie you are gonna need the luck o the Irish on this day if you wanna get on the podium. Find yourself a four leaf clover and get your leperchaun butt over to Athens Bicycle to start this one. At race start you get a map to find your way around our fair city as fast as you can, but tiptoe your way through campus as not to wake any sleepy Bobcats. Ride around town (about 10-12 miles total) to find five checkpoints, then head to the finish for a brunch party and podium awards ceremony! This event has almost as much to do with luck as it has to do with fitness. Basically, it’s a crapshoot, so forget the performance anxiety and come join the fun. Any kind of bike will do for this event (not an off-road event). Food, beverages and podium awards sponsored by Trek and Athens Bicycle at the finish line.

GENERAL INFORMATION

> Enjoy all four days of racing or pick and choose as you wish

> There is no fee to race or ride but the Gravel Rouser Committee will accept donations to offset costs for organizing the event and feeding participants. Suggested donations as follows:

• Thursday: Free
• Friday: $15 includes food and beverages afterward
• Saturday: $25 *includes Gravel Rouser Survivors Barbecue plus a special 10th Anniversary parting gift!
• Sunday: $15 includes French Toast party afterward
• Or pay $50 for the whole shebang

Please give your donation to any of the Gravel Rouser Committee members: Joey Boyle, Peter Kotses or Meredith Erlewine.