April Fools Gravel Camp

RIDERS!  April Fools Gravel Camp 2023 has been organized in order to allow a gravel adventure on the scenic gravel roads of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.  This year we have a casual 30 mile (27.7 mile) adventure ride & a 60 mile adventure route. Your ticket price includes a light breakfast and midday meal in the Kenlake State Park Tennis Center, maintained trails, bike check and SAG service, party zone, plus a swag bag.  All riders are automatically entered to win extra swag. Our 2023 sponsors are: Kona Cycles, KUATRACKS, Salsa Cycles, RBICI, Sram, Velocity, Lezyne, & Murray Ophthalmology.   We will be raffling a 2023 KONA Lava Dome Mountain Bike.  $10 will get you one chance to win. You can pay when you register or CASH ONLY the morning of the ride!

*NOTICE 2/4 Due to Specialized's recent restructuring, the Specialized demo van is no longer in operation for our area, so we will NOT be offering demo bikes at the event.  We are disappointed, but if you NEED a bike to ride, please contact the shop at 270-761-2453 & we will try to work with you from our personal fleet.

1. Like prior years, there will be be Strava segments available.  If you want a chance at the KOM/QOMs of this ride, then give this segment a go!  https://strava.app.link/RJX2zylSJeb

2. The routes will be marked and there will be a mass group start. 9AM (60 mile) & 10AM (30MILES). You will be encouraged to download GPS route info (RIDE with GPS links are provided below). 
3.  There will be AID STATIONS along the routes, and roaming party vans.  There WILL be a SAG vehicle if needed.

NOTICE TO ALL RIDERS! Registration closes March 29th.  Please register early for the event so we can plan for the food. Pricing is as follows:
60 & 30 mile rides:
11/1 - 2/14 $55 
2/15 increases to $75
3/15 increases to $100
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RAFFLE: 
KONA LAVA DOME / $10 chance / Pay online at registration or CASH ONLY! at event.

LODGING:
KenLake lodge WILL BE available for lodge rooms &/or cabins.  Call the number below & let them know that you are with the Gravel Camp ride.
(270) 474-2211
https://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/kenlake/

We have approximately 20 sites blocked off for camping around the top near the bathrooms.  Let them know that you are with Gravel Camp for a discount.  Have any interested parties call the park at 270-474-2211 and ask for Jesse and he will get them sorted, or email at jesse.sirls@ky.gov

Area Hotels:

Early American                                       270-474-2000  

Aurora’s Kentucky Lake Cottages          270-474-8000

Fin and Feather Resort                           270-474-2351

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ROUTE LINKS:
30 mile adventure ride link below:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35518155

60 mile adventure ride link below:
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/21402428

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SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, MARCH 31st:
Evening meal on your own. Please consider one of the local Aurora eateries:  The Pond, The Brass Lantern or Belew's Dairy Bar (if open, seasonal). If you choose to drive 20 minutes southwest to Murray we enjoy Mugsy's Hideout, Jasmine thai & sushi, the Big Apple Café, Tap 216, The Willow Bistro, & Rudy's on the Square.  Always check ahead with restaurants or their social media.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1st:

8:00am - 9:30am: Grab-n-go light breakfast at Kenlake Tennis Center, packet pick-up, sign in & bike check.  
9:00am:  60 mile mass start.
10:00am: 30 (27.7) mile mass start. 
1:00 - 4:00pm: Lunch provided at Tennis Center. Riders are free to eat & relax inside the tennis center when they complete their ride.  Various & random awards will be given. Restrooms & showers will be available.  

****RAFFLE WINNER WILL BE DRAWN AT NOON--IF YOU ENTERED TO WIN, PLEASE CHECK WITH US WHEN YOU RETURN FOR LUNCH!*******

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ADDITIONAL LINKS & INFO:

Campground:
Kenlake Campground
https://www.google.com/maps/ place/Kenlake+Campground/@36.%207725149,-88.1312168,2278m/%20data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:%200xffd678e496842e55!8m2!3d36.%207719091!4d-88.1381419

Food and beverage in Aurora, KY: 

Aurora's Landing
https://www.google.com/maps/ place/Aurora+Landing/@36.%207593744,-88.1374912,333m/data=%20!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!%201s0x887af82f783f8a49:%200x6bee00708c5f6109!8m2!3d36.%207594569!4d-88.1383646

The Pond
https://www.google.com/maps/ place/The+Pond+Restaurant/@36.%207735409,-88.1434385,1118m/%20data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!%201s0x887af78124a55ca7:%200x1943d19ed8e76c8f!8m2!3d36.%207754729!4d-88.1432274

Belew's Dairy Bar
https://www.facebook.com/BelewsDairyBar/

Equipment, Food & Beverage Murray, Ky:
Gear Up Cycles
https://www.google.com/maps/ place/Gear+Up+Cycles/@36.%206114768,-88.322954,606m/data=!%203m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:%200xd0da9032b0917630!8m2!3d36.%206100968!4d-88.3215923

Mugsy's Hideout
https://www.mugsyshideoutmurrayky.com/

The Big Apple Cafe
https://www.google.com/maps/ place/Big+Apple+Cafe+Inc/@36.%206195538,-88.3112906,778m/data=%20!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:%200xc008862fa8787caa!8m2!3d36.%206185849!4d-88.3128282

Jasmine
https://www.google.com/maps/ place/Jasmine+Thai+Cuisine+%20and+Sushi+Bar/@36.6195538,-88.%203112906,778m/data=!3m1!1e3!%204m5!3m4!1s0x0:%200x34bd6112e883d952!8m2!3d36.%20618381!4d-88.3138719

The Willow Bistro
https://www.google.com/maps/ place/The+Willow+Bistro/@36.%206114768,-88.322954,606m/data=!%203m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:%200x93c7287c1af49989!8m2!3d36.%206108482!4d-88.3215588

TAP 216
https://www.google.com/maps/ place/Tap+216/@36.6114768,-88.%20322954,606m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!%203m4!1s0x0:0x837d5f4dc4e2563f!%208m2!3d36.6122299!4d-88.3215373

Rudy's on the Square
https://rudysonthesquare.com/

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Important rider info:

The EVENT SPONSORS, ORGANIZERS, PROMOTERS, STAFF and anyone having anything to do with this event ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY OR WELL BEING. We cannot stress this strongly enough… YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU!

Each participant is considered to be on a private excursion and remains solely responsible for any accidents in which he or she may be involved. No responsibility can be accepted for participants becoming lost, stranded, injured… or worse.

Participants must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will not bring discredit to themselves, or to the event.

Participants will be responsible for printing their own set of course maps and/or cue sheets prior to the event. These documents will be the rider’s primary means of navigation. In addition, the course WILL HAVE LIMITED markings to reassure participants they are on route. DO NOT RELY ONLY ON COURSE MARKINGS FOR NAVIGATION. USE THE MAP AND/OR CUE SHEETS!!! Participants ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO load the route into their GPS prior to the event, to assist in navigation

The courses will utilize a semi out and back format. Although some blacktop roads will be necessary from time to time, the vast majority of the course will be on gravel and dirt roads. Some of these roads receive little to no maintenance throughout the year and can be quite primitive in nature. In the event of inclement weather, gravel and dirt roads can become mud roads. Riders are therefore encouraged to prepare their bikes, their bodies, and their minds to be ready for any and all possible conditions.

Participants must wear a properly approved helmet while operating their bicycle.

Participants must obey all city, county, and state laws, and “Rules of the Road.”

Use your head. Watch for and yield to traffic. All roads are open to public traffic

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

We strongly recommend that each participant carry with them (on their body, or on their bike) every item on this list:

1. Cycling computer or GPS device.  (To track your mileage.)

2. Red tail light. (60+ mile course)

3. Front light. (60+ mile course)

4. Minimum of two liters of water or sports drink.

5. Two spare inner tubes.

6. Air pump or inflation system.

7. A cell phone to contact the “outside world” should you need help.

ADDITIONAL Supplies You Should SERIOUSLY Consider

1. A GPS system to communicate your exact location to support or rescue personnel in the event of an emergency.

2. Small rucksack / hydration pack

3. Waterproof / windproof jacket

4. Food – energy bars, gels, chocolate, etc.

5. Tire levers

6. Puncture repair kit

7. Chain tool

8. Allen wrench set

9. Spoke wrench

10. First aid kit

11. Chamois Butt’r

12. Chain lube

13. Cash, debit card or credit card. (To purchase food, water, supplies.)

IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES, DIAL 911