I recently put up a post on the MN Gravel Enthusiasts Facebook Group requesting gravel training routes around the state that I could share with those that want to start their training early this year. I received several recommendations and I've contacted some of my gravel riding friends for their routes to share also. I'm sure more will continue to come in. Below I will have maps and links to these rides sectioned by areas of the state.
Some of these routes have been submitted by users and not tested by me, so ride at your own risk. Bring everything with you that you will need to be self-supportive to get you back to your starting point. Also, bring plenty of food and water as there may not be any places along the way to get these items. Please do not litter. If nature calls during your ride, do not answer it in front of the locals. You may experience aggressive dogs on country roads so be prepared and know how to handle the situation.
I will add more gravel rides to share in future posts as they become available.
The Filthy 50 returns in 2016 for its fourth year and has become a tradition for many gravel enthusiasts. Cyclists come from all over Minnesota and neighboring states to the small town of Stewartville to race on the rolling gravel roads of Olmstead and Filmore Counties. The scenery along the route is amazing and at the end of the race you will know why it was named The Filthy 50.
The Filthy 50 has introduced many to the joys of riding gravel and for some, it was their first gravel race. This will be my fourth Filthy 50, of which I have done it on a different bike each year and so the tradition will continue in 2016. October gravel is amazing with the Fall colors, scenery and weather this area offers to those that take the challenge. I highly recommend that you register and experience this race that is very special to me and many others that continue to do it year after year. Below are the details and rules direct from race organizer Trenton Raygor.
The Details
The Filthy 50 will take place on Sunday, October 9th, 2016.
The event will start and end on the north end of Stewartville, MN. The start will take place at 10am and the riders will have until 4pm to officially finish.
Registration will open on Sunday, March 20th and can be completed quickly online. Visit http://the-filthy-50.com/registration and complete the form before the 800 rider cap is reached. We trust that you will register and make it a priority to show up and ride on October 9th. If you're not sure that you can make it, we kindly request that you hold off on registering until you are certain.
Thanks to our sponsors, registration for The Filthy 50 continues to be a FREE and first come will be first served.
This event is completely unsupported. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU. Individuals should bring EVERYTHING that they need for the ride and expect absolutely NOTHING to be provided to them on the day of the event.
GPX and TCX files, as well as cue sheets, will be made available for download to all riders who end up on our official roster. Navigating the course is critical, so we will do our best to prepare you for that.
Elevation profiles of the course will be provided through Filthy 50 social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) prior to Sunday, October 9th.
Days before the ride, those on the official roster will be sent event day logistics as well as some other crucial information about what to expect.
The Rules
It is of utmost importance to us that everyone stays safe and enjoys The Filthy 50. These are the rules. We think they are reasonable.
You are 100% on your own. Take care of yourself.
We would appreciate it if you would REGISTER with us.
This ride is unsupported. Bring EVERYTHING with you that you will need.
Always wear your helmet.
Respect the course and keep it clean. Please do not litter.
FAREWAY - An economical food store located in Stewartville, MN.
HED - The best wheels on the planet. Seriously.
THE HUB BICYCLE CO-OP - Worker Owned and Operated
KURT KINETIC - Making the BEST indoor trainers from Minneapolis, MN.
PENN CYCLE - Your Twin Cities bike shop.
MICROSTAT LABORATORIES - ESD Specialists
RIDING GRAVEL.COM - The gravel enthusiast’s resource
ROCHESTER CYCLING - A Rochester, MN bike shop for all of your bike needs.
SUNSHINE SANITATION - Sanitation professionals from Stewartville, MN.
SURLY BREWING - Give a damn. Do good. Drink beer.
2 WHEEL WEATHER - Where cycling and weather come together.
Despite this being a free event, it wouldn’t be able to happen as intend without the support of these amazing sponsors and incredible volunteers. If you are interested in sponsoring this year, please send an email to thefilthy50@gmail.com. You can also show your support by donating to The Filthy 50 here. For those not racing that would like to volunteer you can do so by sending an email to the above address.
News Release From Trenton
The Filthy 50 will be returning to Stewartville, Minnesota for our fourth year and we couldn't be happier. For those of you who have committed to ride with us for the past three years, soon there will be a special tribute to you. You and everyone who has committed to ride with us year after year since 2013 has made The Filthy 50 what it is. You have made this ride yours and we are honored to be a part of what you have helped create. For our sponsors and those who have participated in our infamous "meat raffle" or donated anonymously, thank you for helping us make The Filthy 50 extra special for everyone. Lastly, to my family and friends who have volunteered their time and skill sets to helping us pull this thing off, we couldn't do it without you, nor would we want to, so thanks for coming back and making us do it again for one more year.
This year, there will be some added action. Alternative family friendly routes [12 and 24 mile routes] will be available upon request. We would love to see more young people out there. Just email us at thefilthy50@gmail.com after signing up if you are interested. Minneapolis based musician, Ben Weaver, will be performing live musical selections during the post ride party. In addition, Minnesota's Surly Brewing Company has joined the ranks of our sponsors and is looking forward to providing post ride libations to you all. There will also be a few mid ride surprises, so make sure to look around and don't blink.
After you register, as always, we highly encourage you to go ride your bike. The only ride you will regret is the one that you don't go on. Trust us.
I recently put up a post on the MN Gravel Enthusiasts Facebook Group requesting gravel training routes around the state that I could share with those that want to start their training early this year. I received several recommendations and I'm sure more will continue to come in. Below I will have maps and links to these rides sectioned by areas of the state.
Some of these routes have been submitted by users and not tested by me, so ride at your own risk. Bring everything with you that you will need to be self-supportive to get you back to your starting point. Also, bring plenty of food and water as there may not be any places along the way to get these items. Please do not litter. If nature calls during your ride, do not answer it in front of the locals. You may experience aggressive dogs on country roads so be prepared and know how to handle the situation.
I will add more gravel rides to share in future posts as they become available.
Practice riding starts at 10:00am and racing at 11:30am. Race format will be 4 racers with single elimination with the top two riders advancing. Entry fee is $30 or $10 with a non-perishable food donation. After the racing is completed there will be an open free ride until 4:30pm. This will be your last chance to ride Winter downhill in the Twin Cities before Spring. Don't miss it. See the flyer below or visit the Facebook Event Page for full details.
Montevideo, Minnesota, welcomed Uruguayan teacher Victoria Dieste for a cultural exchange program where she visited each of the area's public schools. The Montevideo American-News profiled Victoria here. Victoria also attended a Minnesota-Uruguay Partners board meeting hosted at the Wilder Foundation, as well as a chapter event featuring live-streamed Candombe music, among many other activities.
Victoria shoveling snow on a glorious February day.
