6th Annual Gravel Rouser Classic

March 19-22, 2009
Athens, Ohio

What's that you say? Is it time for the Gravel Rouser again? Yes! The first day of spring is just three weeks away and the 6th annual Gravel Rouser Classic is upon us. New race courses and familiar favorites will highlight this early season celebration of cycling. Come one, come all, but leave your bullhorn at home 'cuz we can hear you just fine without it.

The dates fo this year’s event are Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22. Thursday's racing will take place in Athens city proper but we won't be taking the main drag. Super D will be the format as we rip back alleys, backyards, and steep streets to start the long weekend of racing.

As always, you can choose to participate in all four Gravel Rouser events or pick and choose as you please. For recaps, results and photos from last year's Gravel Rouser, click here.

Thanks to our Sponsors

Athens Bicycle is grateful to Trek, Cannondale and Kerr Distributing for sponsoring the Gravel Rouser in 2009. Trek, Cannondale and O'Betty's Red Hot Dogs and Sausages are providing excellent prizes for Thursday and Friday evenings' podium awards ceremonies, and on Friday Kerr Distributing will make sure riders have plenty of refreshing beer straight from the tap.

2009 Gravel Rouser Classic Calendar of Events

Event #1: Athens City West Side Super D
Date: Thursday, March 19
Start Time: 5 p.m.
Meeting Place: 11 Garfield Ave., Athens

• Start at the top of town, end at the riverbed. Mostly downhill with one large grassy run-up. Approximately 3-4 miles, mountain bike recommended. Podium awards/prize table sponsored by Trek and Cannondale.

Event #2: Grab & Git City Scramble
Date: Friday, March 20
Start Time: 5 p.m. sharp
Meeting Place: Athens Bicycle, 14 W. Stimson Ave., Athens. Registration begins at 4:30.

• Ride aound town (about 10-12 miles total) to find five checkpoints, then head to the finish for a party and podium awards ceremony! The Gravel Rouser rocks the best podium in the tri-state area. 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! Food and beverages at the finish line. Podium awards/prize table sponsored by Trek and Cannondale. Grand prize of Hot Dog Dinner provided by O'Betty's Red Hot Dogs and Sausages. Keg party sponsored by Kerr Distributing.

Event #3: Gravel Rouser
Date: Saturday, March 21
Start Time: 10 a.m.
Meeting Place: Toscano's restaurant, 4 Depot St. in Athens (just off Union Street)
Parking Information: Toscano's has two parking lots, one on either side of the restaurant. Park in either lot, but DO NOT park in any of the numbered spaces.
Gravel Rouser Survivors Barbecue: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Toscanos.

• Hilly, gravel-encrusted group ride to Lake Hope State Park and back. 40-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. Either race or spectate before heading home. Snacks will be provided at Lake Hope State Park.
• After the day's ride, enjoy the Gravel Rouser Survivors Barbecue at Toscano's restaurant. Pork BBQ sandwiches, cole slaw, potato salad and beverages await riders, and is included with your $10 registration donation. And your first beer is on us -- enjoy one draft beer compliments of the Gravel Rouser Planning Committee (cash bar available as well). You are welcome to change out of your riding clothes in the bathrooms at Toscanos. Individuals who are not participating in the Gravel Rouser can pay $10 and enjoy the BBQ buffet.

Event #4: Strouds Run Death Loop
Date: Sunday, March 22
Start Time: 10 a.m.
Meeting Place: Athens Community Center parking lot (far end by Ponderosa)

• So you thought your legs were cooked after Saturday? Well throw 'em back on the barbie cuz they’re not done yet. Twenty-ish miles of our best singletrack should really cook your goose.
  

General Information

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

> The Gravel Rouser Committee will accept donations to offset costs for organizing the event and feeding participants. Suggested donation: $30 for the entire four days of racing or $10 per event. Contribute as you see fit. Please give your donation to any of the Gravel Rouser Committee members: Joey Boyle, Peter Kotses or Meredith Erlewine.

Back to Info page