Rodeoer Mike Smith aka “Donkeyslayer” has put together a great open invite ride in his native territory and we are helping to spread the word.

    (questions should go to mike at wwmd (at) comcast.net)

    May 4, 2019

    Location:  Dahlonega, GA

    Ride Start:  Jake Mtn. Parking Lot

    Ride Time 8:00am

    The Gravel Reaper welcomes you to the Chattahoochee National Forest in Dahlonega, Ga to ride 66.6 miles with us on our favorite gravel roads in the areas of Blue Ridge, Coopers Creek and Duncan Ridge. The course begins and ends at the Jake Mtn. Parking Lot and in between, riders will cry tears of pain as they tackle the highs and lows of north Georgia Mountain Gravel. The course has no bailout for those with some sort of excuse or not a clue. The rally is simple, we lay out a course, give you directions via GPX/TCX files and it’s up to you to find your way from the start to the finish. Ride with a group or go as fast as you like. No one is coming to change your flat tire. Everything you do is up to you. It’s like a really long group ride. No support. No sag. No aid stations, except Coopers Creek Store. Just you, your bike and the gravel in front of you. There is no entry fee. None.  You are responsible for you.  Join us for a post ride social in the parking lot – bring a lawn chair and a red Solo cup….

    This is NOT an easy route – approx. 6+hr ride time.

    Nitty Gritty:

    • Entry Fee – $0
    • Start Time- 8:00am
    • This is not a race – it is a Rally – Duh!
    • The route is 66.6 miles with 7300ft gain
    • Recommended tire width >35 tubeless
    • This is a self-supported ride.
    • After-Party – Bring a lawn chair and a Solo cup if you want to hang out after

    Route File:

    Ride With GPS – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28326430

    Strava – https://www.strava.com/routes/16868346

    Awards:

    We will hug you and make fun of you at the same time and reward the first place and last place rider with a prize.

     

    Fine Print:

    There will be no visible markers for the course – not marked at all.  Do your homework ahead of time and load the course to a gps device.

    GPS error, off course, etc. is part of the experience most devices/mapping software are reliable but they all have quirks.  Have a plan B.