Holiday Ramble Gravel Grinder

Happy Holidays from the Spinistry crew!

You need a gravel fix and we are here to deliver in style. Options range from an "easy" 50K to a to a full weekend of bike packing and exploration for the adventurous folks out there. There are no SAG/sweep vehicles to retrieve broken down or lost riders. Riders must be capable and self sufficient to deal with any issues which might arise.

This is a FANTASTIC all weather route through the Cross Timbers Forest areas between Gainesville and Denison. This will be about as close as we can get to watching the season turn in Texas. This area truly does get autumn colors, usually in December. There are lots of rolling hills and twisting roads and very few flat and straight sections. While the hills aren't huge, some are long (both up and dow) so plan accordingly if you are doing a longer route.

50K and 100K options will be fully marked with signage with swings through civilization for resupply. Be sure to carry enough with you to go at least 50 miles just in case. We also always recommend having a GPS on hand for backup purposes as well. These options are over 90% dirt roads which are not subject to mud even in the worst conditions.

The 100 mile option will only be marked on the sections which are share with the 100K route. The rest is meant to be self navigated by GPS. Please do not attempt this route without a GPS and knowing how to use it. This route is meant for experienced endurance riders and will go through several areas which allow for self resupply. The route is mostly dirt roads but with more pavement than the shorter options. This route is one of a kind and highly recommended for experienced gravel grinders.

The bike packing option is meant to be 100% self supported and self navigated. This will be a qualifying event for the 2016 Ride Across Texas if you need to get some multi day experience on your "resume". This route is still being finalized but should work out to 150-175 miles total over two days. Suggested overnight will be in the Denison, TX area which has hotel/motel options as well as camping at Eisenhower State Park.

Staging wil be at: Fireworks World
7475 E US Highway 82, Gainesville, Texas 76240

This is actually well east of Gainesville and in a small town known as Oak Ridge. Be sure to go this address which is on the North side of US 82. There is another Firework store down the road on the South side of 82 which is NOT our staging area.