Pawnee National Grasslands-Pawnee Buttes Gravel
Details
We will meet at Briggsdale High School at 7:45 AM for everyone to sign the club ride waiver, and will roll out at 8:00 AM SHARP.
There are two course options: the 82 mile route and the 119 mile route. Both options are extremely remote and are self-supported. The "short" course will likely take 5 hours of ride time, and it may be a 6- 7 hour day with stops. The "long" course, well ...
The short route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35054577
The long route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35054578
Your bike should be in sound mechanical condition and tubeless tires with FRESH sealant is highly recommended. Also a good idea to bring at least a couple of spare tubes- prepare for the worst!
The 82 mile and 119 mile routes are identical for the first 55 miles. After Grover the 119 mile route will head northeast to the Tri-State marker where the Colorado-Wyoming-Nebraska state lines meet, then turn around and head back to Grover where you'll need to resupply for the final push back to the start.
-Bring a headlight and taillight
-Bring enough water and food to get you 55 miles- but maybe more is even better. The only store along this route is the Grover Market at mile 55 (short) and mile 95 (long). Plan accordingly and bring enough nutrition and water!
-The courses have varying degrees of gravel: there is hard-packed gravel, sandy wash-board, and in years past we've encountered golf ball-sized deep and chunky gravel. The few miles of "B" roads, i.e. double-track in the middle of the prairie, have been both dry and rutted and muddy and sloppy. IMO this is the best part of the route!
-I recommend nothing less than a 35mm tire but nothing more than a 40mm.
-Did I mention fresh sealant and some spare tubes? Plan on having a flat and be prepared.
-The "B" roads ... download the RwGPS file for navigation through these roads. It's probable that the road (double track) markers are still missing and it can be confusing as to where you need to go.
Early April weather on the plains can be nasty- always plan for inclement weather even if the forecast looks favorable. It can get very cold out on the plains late afternoon/early evening even when the daytime temps are moderate. You CAN count on wind. NOTE: if the forecast calls for inclement weather ahead of time, the ride will be canceled due to the remoteness of the area and for everyone's safety.
This IS one of the best gravel routes east of I-25 in the state! Don't let the drive time dissuade you from coming out and enjoying a ride with people who share a passion of adventure, riding bikes, and exploring some of the less traveled roads!
Non-dues-paying members are welcome and invited to join us on any ride! After three rides we do ask that you join the club:
https://www.rockymountaincyclingclub.com/rmcc-membership-application-form
I will likely be riding the long course, so it would be nice to have a ride leader for the short course. Text me if you'd like to help lead the ride. 303-956-0634