Uncategorized

Put some rocket sauce on that drive train and let’s get ready to rally in the valley!

On our most recent 75-mile (windy and uphill, both ways of course) training ride on the SV100 route, it was obvious that townships throughout the area have been busy spreading miles and miles of “fluffy” off-white gravel for all to enjoy. Equipment suggestion: Check your tires n tubes, and check ‘em twice, as Hero Gravel will be the exception this year. The abundance of gravel reminded me of the first rider tip exclaimed to me by a fellow rider during my first gravel race, the 2015 edition on the historic route. His tip came as We were navigating a tight left-hand turn at the bottom of a downhill where I found myself being sucked into a windrow of gravel that tossed me to the shoulder and brought me to an abrupt stop seconds after racing elbow-to-elbow with a large group of fellow riders: “steer where you are and not where you’re going!”; advice I will never forget. If you are planning to join us and you haven’t registered yet, please take some time to do so in advance, it’ll help with bib distro by our volunteers the night before and morning of the event. Did I just say bib numbers at a free race? But of course, who wouldn’t like some wall art to add to their collection as a reminder of one of the most epic 100-mile gravel races on two wheels. We are looking forward to your arrival. Safe travels.

As race day fast approaches, this photo, taken recently at Masonic Park, reminds me to remind you that Spring Valley Minnesota is where “The Prairies meet the Bluffs.” Prairies to the west and Bluff Country to the east… the entire route, less start and finish, is east of the City of Spring Valley, who doesn’t love a good hill climb… or 21? When your epic SV100 journey takes you to the majestic bluff pictured, you can get ready to celebrate your personal victory as this bluff marks the base of the last major hill climb of the day. As always, we are looking forward to seeing you at the SV100 Start Line on the 5th of June, 8 a.m… bring a friend. Cheers!

Here’s what you and your supporters need to know about Forestville. At the 67-mile mark of the SV100 route is Forestville State Park where you’ll find modern restrooms and plenty of shade. In past years, but not always, miracle coolers appear here, but don’t bank on it. First time visitors need to be aware there is no vehicle access to the picnic pavilion from the Historic Village North entrance, the bridge is perpetually closed and only open to foot/bike traffic; motorized vehicles planning to park at the picnic pavilion to cheer on their rider(s) will need to enter the Park from the South entrance. Please note: All vehicles must display a valid State Park Sticker/Pass to enter the State Park, one-day passes are available for $5 at the Ranger/Information Station at the South entrance. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon. Be safe!

We’re 40 days and a wake-up away from the SV100 rollout from downtown Spring Valley. For those who are unfamiliar with the route, let me help manage expectations by stressing one of the cornerstones of the event, it is a self-supported race. This “pop” machine pictured at mile 76 in Cherry Grove is the only one you’ll see on the entire route, there are no convenience stores or gas stations for re-provisioning on the route without taking a detour along the way. The historic Forestville Village in the State Park, including the Village Store at mile 67, is under renovation and doesn’t reopen until July 1st. For those veterans of the event, you know gravel racers at this event can be a generous bunch, so if you miscalculated your nutritional needs, say something to a fellow rider before it becomes a crisis.

Spring Valley 100 race report from the race tri-chairs: The graders have been out grooming and fluffing up the gravel on the route; the 65 miles we rode were fantastic; who doesn’t love 45 mph downhills on two wheels over misshapen marbles? We are looking forward to seeing you all at the start and finish lines on June 5. Training tip: find a hill with a >10% grade and climb it, and climb it again, and again, and again. Be Safe, CrushinGravel