Chucky's Challenge

What's Up Chuck?

2012-02-13T11:29:00.003-06:00

Up chuck??? Yikes, that reminds me of a Cheerios incident from a local rider a few years back on a group ride. Too much info? Oh, I've spent so much time to type it and the backspace key is a quite a finger stretch away!

Congrats to the 6 brave souls that made their way to Jamesport, MO for the annual Chucky's Challenge this past Saturday. Here is the "All Time Chucks" listing:

Chucky’s Challenge-All Time “Chuck List”

Doug Long 2008’,09’,10’,11’,12’
Tim Riekena 2008’,09’,10’,11’,12’

Damon Hennen 2008’,09’,10’,11’
James Shiflett 2008’,10’,11’,12’

Mitch Bernskoetter 2008’,09’,10’
Tim Greene 2010’,11’,12’
Raymond Mulnix 2008’,09’,10’
Dan Venner 2008’,11’,12’

Stoney Cranmer 2009’,10
’Cale Gondringer 2009’,10’
Brent Kline 2009’,11’
Mark Jenkins 2008’,09’
Mike Langwell 2010’,11’
Rolfe McCoy 2009’,10’
John Williams 2010’,11’

Ben Bolin 2011”
Michael Born 2009’
Richard Bowman 2009’
JP Brocket 2011’
Dave Crook 2010’
Jim Cummins 2009
’Don Daly 2011’
Mark Fiorino 2009’
Addison Fuller 2010’
David Hoel 2009’
Mark Krause 2010’
Brian Lasswell 2010’
Michael Leamer 2010’
Chris Locke 2010’
Andy Lucas 2009’
Fritz Menninger 2012
’Austin Norris 2010’
Doug Obershaw 2009’
Jan Pyrtle 2011’
Lyle Riedy 2010’
Stan Saunders 2011
’Brad Schrock 2008’
Andy Schuete 2009’
Brett Shoffner 2011’
Steve Songer 2009’
Randy Tracy 2010’
Clay Wells 2010’
Rich Willett 2009’

2008 Route- 40 miles (2- 20 mile loops). Cloudy, temps in 30-40’s. Mostly dry.2009 Route- 62 miles. Sunny, mild temps. Very hilly with some flats.
2010 Route- 54 miles. Epic snow ride. Fairly flat route. Cloudy, temps in 30’s.2011 Route- 43 miles.
“Blizzard of 2011-snow epic”. Hilly. Partly sunny, 20’s.
2012 Route- 52 miles “Frigid Chucky” Clear and 10 degrees at start, 15 mph winds with wind chill below zero. Flat start/hilly finish

Thanks again to those that showed up to brave the weather and to everyone that hoped to come enjoy our Green Hills, check back with us as we will be hosting this ride again next year.

2012 Frigid Chucky Route

2012-02-10T22:03:00.002-06:00

Here is a link from Doug of the official route.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/68635108/

That's right the course if marked and ready to go, remember "lime" is left and "red" is right. If your "blue"....you better keep moving!

BBBRRRRRING YOUR GGGGLOVES!!!

2012-02-10T13:43:00.002-06:00

Make sure to dress for a chilly ride tomorrow, we are going to have some cold temps but don't stay away as we are going to have a good time on some Green Hills Gravel.

Have you ever seen an Amish Groundhog??? Who knows you might see one tomorrow.

1. Proper clothes for cold conditions which include: winter gloves for frigid conditions, booties for feet, headliner for helmet and/or face protection. We are talking riding clothes that will stop wind and work as a thermal layer. Speaking of layers, I suggest using multiple wicking layers and stay away from cotton. Poly, fleece, and wool are all good choices.

2. Have your bike in good working condition with proper air pressure, etc... Surfaces are going to be hard. It's one of those situations where you have to decide air pressure to roll and take shock, but where is the line between comfort and flat protection. This is where a good set of tubeless road or mtn tires might come in handy. Talc on tubes does help them slide a little in the tire casing and helps, to some existent, prevent flats. Changing tubes or dealing with mechanical issues with frigid conditions is not a good scenario. There is nothing worse than being warm and then having to stop and be inactive while dealing with a mechanical. Not a bad idea to have glove liners to help protect hands in the event of a mechanical. Chemical hand and feet warmers in the pocket or bike bag should be on your prep list.

3. Hydration can be problematic. Keeping water bottles and camel back lines unfrozen can be a challenge. If you were you camel back under your jacket you still need to keep the line from freezing. Lucky you if you have an insulated line. Some riders will keep their water bottles under their outer jacket in their back jersey pockets.

4. Take care of nutrition. Exercising in frigid weather requires the body to burn more calories to help with thermal regulation. You have to eat more to fill the tank and deal with fuel depletion.

5. Be self sufficient. No, I'm not telling you to ride alone. That is not fun, and in frigid conditions, can be dangerous. I suggest riding with at least one other person that is your skill and physical condition. I know this is not a race but we all have different physical limitations and while some might enjoy flying down sketchy roads full speed, others may be more conservative. We all ride for different reasons. Don't put the other(s) in your group at risk or inconvenienced because of your lack of foresight, or preparation. I generally don't carry a cell phone but I will tomorrow.

6. Everyone will have a map, use it! The course will be well marked but there will be bailout opportunities to shorten the course if need be.

See Ya Soon!

Forecast

2012-02-08T07:35:00.002-06:00

The weather for this weekend is looking perfect for Chucky's Challenge, if things stay frozen the B roads may be a possibility. We really wanted to have the ride on the original date but it was a very good call by Doug to move the date, it rained all day Friday and Friday night and continued most of the day Saturday.

We hope everyone will come on out this Saturday February 11th for our annual Chucky's Challenge, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the 4 way stop in historic downtown Jamesport, MO.

Nutrition

2012-02-03T11:33:00.003-06:00

So what do you feed your Chucky???

I recommend a steady diet of gravel mixed with some dirt and of course some hills, pavement isn't too awful bad for a Chucky though. Keep it hydrated with some creek crossings and you should be good to go!

Chucky's Moving Down The River

2012-02-02T08:14:00.002-06:00

Unfortunatly we are due to get some big weather this weekend, forecast is calling for 1.5" of rain, I think we all know what that does to gravel roads and in turn does to drivetrains. We want everyone to have a challenging ride but also to have an enjoyable time on their bikes as well, so we are going to float our Chucky's ride to the following weekend (Saturday Feb 11th). We will still be leaving at 10:00 a.m. from the 4 way stop in Jamesport, MO on Saturday Feb 11th.

If you have any further questions please contact me at bernzie508@ymail.com

Ready For Some Good Times

2012-01-31T14:18:00.004-06:00

I went our riding the other day as the temperatures were rising and I ran into this character, he said he was getting a ride in while he still could.

I figured he must have a busy schedule but when I was coming back I never ran back into him, but I saw his bike, vest, and helmet in a big puddle of water...I wonder what happened to him?

We are watching the weather to determine what route we will be using for sure, might need to avoid some B roads but we are going to try to keep them in as they are the most fun but we want this to be a good/fun experience for everyone. Keep your eyes crossed that the moisture will stay away! But don't worry we are riding no matter what.

Recon Ride

2012-01-28T23:05:00.001-06:00

Recharge

2012-01-25T16:26:00.004-06:00

How many times after a ride are you looking for something really good to eat? Jamesport has a few bakeries that have some great post ride food!

Come to Jamesport on Saturday Feb 4th for our annual Chucky's Challenge gravel grinder, leaving at 10:00 a.m. and hang around afterwards and enjoy some great amish baked goods.

I Forgot

2012-01-24T21:01:00.003-06:00

Okay I forgot to mention in the earlier post that we are making it one loop but there are a couple bail out options that will get you back to Jamesport easily if you need to cut the ride short. I apologize for not getting that posted earlier.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at bernzie508@ymail.com

Proposed Route

2012-01-24T14:06:00.003-06:00

Here is the link to the proposed route, this route is weather permitting. We have some B roads in this route that if we have bad weather will not be a good option, however we have several options to avoid these roads if need be. If you have ridden much gravel you know how much fun these B roads can be so hopefully we can leave them in the route. We will have updated maps at the ride if we do need to alter this route so don't worry about getting lost.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/65499664

We hope to see you on Saturday Feb 4th, at 10:00 a.m.

New Update

2012-01-23T08:36:00.002-06:00

We are finalizing the route options, it looks as though we will make it one loop but with bail out options for those lacking time or legs for the full chucky. If you don't have time for the whole ride please don't let that stop you from coming out to enjoy some Green Hills gravel. Once again we will start at 10:00 a.m. from the 4 way stop in historic Jamesport, MO on Saturday Feb 4th.

We will once again have a SAG vehicle on the course but be cautious, it makes wide turns.

If you find yourself falling off of a group don't worry there is still a good chance you will come upon a "draft" horse on the course, just tuck in on it's tail and let him/her pull you! Watch out for the steaming piles of gravel though, I crap you not...you'll be glad you did.

Don't let your winter weight stop you from coming to Chucky's Challenge, remember this is Clydesdale country!

Chucky's Start Time

2012-01-19T09:34:00.002-06:00

Don't forget to plan to come to historic Jamesport, MO on Saturday February 4th for the Green Hills Trails Associations annual Chucky's Challenge Gravel Grinder. We will once again be rolling out from the 4 way stop in Jamesport (this is at the intersection of Hwy 190 & Hwy F) at 10:00 a.m. There is a small parking lot about a block South of this intersection but it fills up quickly, there is a lot of parking on the streets around town (this is still in close proximity to the start).

A Few Hills

2012-01-17T08:37:00.002-06:00

There might be a few hills in the route and they might take your breath away, but I'm sure they won't be this shocking!

Working On The Route

2012-01-16T20:11:00.003-06:00

Well we are planning on running (2) 30ish mile loops for our Chucky's Challenge route this year to accommodate anyone who may only have time for part of the festivities or doesn't feel their fitness level will get them the full Chucky. We are plotting some routes now and hope to have them posted on this site soon.

Getiing Closer

2012-01-11T08:12:00.001-06:00

Route updates soon to follow!

Adding Trail

2012-01-03T21:15:00.003-06:00

Just a heads up that the Green Hills region has more to offer than just gravel, Pappy Chuck has been hard at work adding some new trail to the trail system at Indian Creek Lake (Poosey Conservation Area). This new section crosses the dam at parking lot #17 and has been thought out very well, this trail will be very flowy and has great use of contours. Bikers and hikers alike will enjoy what has already been established and what will be completed later this year.

Make plans to visit our trail systems this spring and summer to see what us Chucks have been up to!

Weather

2012-01-03T20:51:00.004-06:00

What will the weather be for our annual Chucky's Challenge? No matter what the weather is be ready for a great time on your bike. We have had normal cold temps that February can bring but have also had a year of very mild weather where I know one rider did the whole day in shorts and a short sleeve jersey...then there was the snowy day ride that we had last year. Whatever the weather is plan to be in Jamesport MO for Chucky's Challenge Saturday February 4th.

Things Can Change

2011-12-29T18:33:00.002-06:00

Well as the title says "Things Can Change" but as of right now there are some lightning fast gravel roads in our area right now. Of course some roads have thicker gravel but most of the roads have some great lines that are smooth and ready for some knobby tires!!!

Stay tuned as we are working on our 2012 route, get ready to head to Jamesport for a fun day on the bike.

What Day Is It???

2011-12-18T05:25:00.002-06:00

Oops, I should have updated this before I started hibernation but my tummy was full, my den was cozy and my eyes got heavy...you get the point. I did wake up here for a short bit to let you know that our 2012 date for Chucky's Challenge is Saturday Feburary 4th. Make plans now to join us in historic Jamesport, MO for some of North Missouri's Green Hills gravel.

More details to come...

2011 Chuck's

2011-02-09T08:06:00.005-06:00

Picture courtesy of the Jamesport Tri-County Weekly

A Winter In Missouri

2011-02-09T08:03:00.002-06:00

It's winter in Missouri
And the gentle breezes blow,
70 miles per hour at 52 below!
Oh, how I love Missouri
When the snow's up to your butt;
You take a breath of winter air
And your nose is frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful,
You may think I'm a fool.
I could never leave Missouri ,
Cause I'm frozen to the stool.

Chucky's 2011 - Fun Snow Matter What

2011-02-07T17:12:00.004-06:00

Well 15 Chuck's came out to brave what Mother Nature had thrown at us the week prior, of the 15 participants 6 of them were first time Chuck's. One of those first time Chuck's was Ben Bolin, an avid cyclist and dedicated trail steward, and he took a great picture of his rig and some of what it had to tackle (Thanks for picture Ben).

Doug did an amazing job of picking the route, he really did his homework on which roads to use. He knew which roads were rideable and which ones you could really fly on, he opted for a route a little shorter than previously expected but wanted it to be an all out good time...and from what I hear he hit the nail on the head.

A special Thank You once again goes out to Mark Dujmovic for driving the SAG vehicle and for playing pet taxi for the for the 4 legged Green Hills member that wanted to "run the route". Also a huge Thank You goes out to Doug Long for all his hard work and time that goes into this event, North Central Missouri wouldn't have the cycling it does without him.

Here is an updated All Time Chuck list:

Damon Hennen 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Doug Long 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Tim Riekena 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Mitch Bernskoetter 2008, 2009, 2010
Raymond Mulnix 2008, 2009, 2010
James Shiflett 2008, 2010, 2011

Stoney Cranmer 2009, 2010
Cale Gondringer 2009, 2010
Tim Greene 2010, 2011
Brent Kline 2009, 2011
Mark Jenkins 2008, 2009
Mike Langwell 2010, 2011
Rolfe McCoy 2009, 2010
Dan Venner 2008, 2011
John Williams 2010, 2011

Ben Bolin 2011
Michael Born 2009
Richard Bowman 2009
JP Brocket 2011
Dave Crook 2010
Jim Cummins 2009
Don Daly 2011
Mark Fiorino 2009
Addison Fuller 2010
David Hoel 2009
Mark Krause 2010
Brian Lasswell 2010
Michael Leamer 2010
Chris Locke 2010
Andy Lucas 2009
Austin Norris 2010
Doug Obershaw 2009
Jan Pyrtle 2011
Lyle Riedy 2010
Stan Saunders 2011
Brad Schrock 2008
Andy Schuete 2009
Brett Shoffner 2011
Steve Songer 2009
Randy Tracy 2010
Clay Wells 2010
Rich Willett 2009

2008 Route 40 miles (2 20 mile loops). Cloudy, temps 30-40's. Mostly Dry.
2009 Route 62 miles. Sunny, mild temps. Very hilly with some flats.
2010 Route 54 miles. Epic snow ride. Fairly flat route. Cloudy, temps in 30's.
2011 Route 43 miles. "Blizzard of 2011-Snow Epic". Hilly. Partly sunny, temps in 20's.

Chucky's Route...Final Answer

2011-02-04T18:08:00.003-06:00

Okay it's official, the 2011 Chucky's Route is marked and ready to roll. Doug and another local cycling enthusiast, Mark Dujmovic, has been out all day getting the course marked for tomorrows adventure. A big thank you in advance to Mark for driving the SAG vehicle for the ride tomorrow. Doug says that the road graders have cleared the roads to the dirt in many areas and most of the snow covered sections are hard packed and super fast. There still are a few sections of loose snow for you to test your bike handling skills!!! The course is 42 miles in length and ready for eager "Chucks" to get their gravel/snow on.

Again, make sure to arrive early enough to get signed in, get your map and be ready for some good times. Ride rolls out at 10:00 a.m. from the 4 way stop in historic Jamesport, MO. See ya then.

A ride mapped on 02/03/2011

Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Jamesport, MO

Chucky's Update

2011-02-04T10:27:00.002-06:00

Okay scratch the map below, due to the road conditions there has been some alterations to the route. Doug is out marking the course right now and it will be 42-46 miles in length, he is using roads that are in better condition than last year. There will be a SAG vehicle available and 2 locations for aide stations so there will be an option for a drop bag to go with the vehicle.

The course will be marked with red tape for right turns and lime tape for left turns, there will also be orange spray paint on the roads at the turns. Please arrive early enough to get signed in and to get a map, the ride will leave at 10:00 a.m. from the 4 way stop in Jamesport.

2011-02-01T16:50:00.002-06:00

I just got an update from Doug, he will be in the Jamesport area Wednesday and Thursday to check the status of the roads to help determine the route. The stretch through Poosey, that was originally planned, will not be part of the route as it is closed due to weather. If we get as much snow as has been predicted then the route will be shorter than originally expected. The route will be determined and posted on Friday so stay tuned for details.

We will start at the 4 way stop in downtown Jamesport. There is a parking lot next to the Jamesport Tavern and also one downtown. Again, stay tuned for details and we will look forward to seeing you this Saturday for our 4th annual Chucky's Challenge.

Proposed 2011 Chucky's Route

2011-01-19T09:08:00.003-06:00

The 4th annual Chucky's Challenge is on Saturday February 5th and will once again start and finish in the Amish community of Jamesport, MO. Start time is at 10:00 a.m.

Jamesport is a small town nestled in the rolling hills of Northwestern Missouri. The town flourished in the 19th century until the main railroad route across the heartland drove through Kansas City, leaving towns like Jamesport off the beaten path and slowly fading into history.

Today Jamesport is reinventing itself and blossoming into a tourist destination that features a nostalgic slice of agricultural history.

Jamesport is also home to Missouri's largest Amish community and hosts a large number of both Amish and English shops and activities that cater to tourists wanting to return to days gone past. Come step back in time and join us here in our heartland paradise.

The plan is to access Poosey Conservation Area for part of the route, this remote area is known for it's rugged and steep hillsides and rocky outcroppings. Some may choose to ride in a group through this section because one particular area isn't called "Panthers Den" for nothing!!! Remember, you don't have to be the fastest rider...just not the slowest!

A ride mapped on 01/18/2011

Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Jamesport, MO

Remember to mark you calenders and we hope to see you in Jamesport for the 4th annual Chucky's Challenge on Saturday February 5th. Oh, and don't forget your CLIMBING LEGS!!!

2011 Update

2010-11-05T19:55:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let you know to mark your calendars for the 4th annual Chucky's Challenge on Saturday Feb 5th. Doug is already working on the route and I promise this will be a ride that you will want ot be a part of.

Stay tuned for more updates as they come in.

All Time Chucks

2010-02-10T07:44:00.002-06:00

Tim Riekena 2008, 2009, 2010
Raymond Mulnix 2008, 2009, 2010
Doug Long 2008, 2009, 2010
Damon Hennen 2008, 2009, 2010
Mitch Bernskoetter 2008, 2009, 2010

Stoney Cranmer 2009, 2010
Cale Gondringer 2009, 2010
Mark Jenkins 2008, 2009
Rolfe McCoy 2009, 2010
James Shiflett 2008, 2010

Michael Born 2009
Richard Bowman 2009
Dave Crook 2010
Jim Cummins 2009
Mark Fiorino 2009
Addison Fuller 2010
Tim Greene 2010
David Hoel 2009
Brent Kline 2009
Mark Krause 2010
Mike Langwell 2010
Brian Lasswell 2010
Michael Leamer 2010
Chris Locke 2010
Andy Lucas 2009
Austin Norris 2010
Doug Obershaw 2009
Lyle Riedy 2010
Brad Schrock 2008
Andy Schuete 2009
Steve Songer 2009
Randy Tracy 2010
Dan Venner 2008
Clay Wells 2010
Rich Willett 2009
John Williams 2010

2008 Route: 40 miles (2 loops). Cloudy, temps 30-40's. Mostly dry.
2009 Route: 62 miles. Sunny, mild temps. Very hilly with some flats.
2010 Route: 54 miles. Epic snow ride. Fairly flat route. Cloudy, temps in the 30's.

2010 Chuck Of The Year

2010-02-07T14:38:00.004-06:00

It has been decided to have a Chuck of the Year award and after a meeting with the Council of Chucks it has been decided that the winner is Mike Langwell. Mike is a second year rider with the Green Hills gang and this was his first epic ride, he might tell you every Monday night is an epic ride but don't let him fool you.

Mike was the only rider to ride in Jeans on Saturday, he also wore his bike shoes without any covers and I'm sure that he was cold. He toughed it out and completed his first Chucky's Challenge, I believe that was Mike's longest ride and to do so under those course conditions is no small task.

Congratulations Mike!!!

Chucky III Recap

2010-02-07T14:13:00.002-06:00

For those of you the joined us for Chucky's Challenge last year we were definitely spoiled with warm weather and fast course conditions. This year was more of a mix of snow and slowwwwwwer conditions but that didn't stop over 20 riders from coming out to brave the weather. Doug opted to shorten the route and take the big climbs out and I think everyone was glad that he did, the course still demanded concentration and good bike handling skills.

There are only 2 Grand Chucks remaining after the 3 year span, Doug "Pappy" Long, and Tim "29er" Riekena. These two have participated and finished in all 3 Chucky's Challenges, neither of these two guys are a stranger to riding gravel. I think everyone in the lower 48 know Doug but if you don't know Tim, he is an avid cyclist who has competed in the Cup O Dirt Challenge as well as many other events and is one of the Green Hills Trails stewards. Way to go guys!!

A big thank you to all that came out to play in the snow, I know Doug is very appreciative of all of you. Thank you to Chris Locke for taking pictures during the event, I borrowed some from his blog to post on here (I hope he doesn't mind!!). Just remember that we will be doing it again next year, maybe it will be more epic than this year.

Course Is Ready To Roll

2010-02-05T15:14:00.003-06:00

Snow? What snow? We don't care about the snow, we are hardcore!!! The course is flagged and ready to rock and roll, even with a little precip the course should still be fast. Doug will have maps for everyone before the start and he has flagged the course with lime colored flags for left hand turns, red colored tags for right hand turns, and pink flags to continue straight ahead (in any possibly confusing areas).

See you there!!!

2010 Chucky's Challenge Route

2010-02-04T21:25:00.001-06:00

Chucky's Challenge 2010
Find more Bike Rides in Jamesport, Missouri

Short Night Recon Ride

2010-01-28T15:26:00.003-06:00

Well Timmy 29er and I headed out last night to do some after hours gravel grinding, we headed out to North Poosey for a climbing workout but the road that leads into the parking lot was still covered with snow and had not been plowed. I only have a 2 wheel drive pickup so I didn't want to chance getting stuck so we opted to head over to the campground near the boat launch at Indian Creek lake.

We dropped in on some singletrack and rode the campground loop, the newest edition to the trails at Indian Creek, it was good to get back on the dirt. Cold temps had the ground firmed up so we were able to ride and not leave tracks, some of the switchbacks were a little tough with some snow and ice build up.

After the short loop we headed out to ride some of the gravel roads, the roads had very little to no gravel on them and were super fast. There were patches of snow and ice with frozen ruts that made things interesting at times. We were able to find some good hills to climb before we turned around to head back, it was a short ride but still a good time.

2009 Chucks

2010-01-26T09:22:00.002-06:00

2009 included higher rider numbers and higher temperatures than the previous year, with gravel grinders becoming more popular and the Green Hills members spreading the dirt we were able to more than double the rider list from the prior year. Riders included: Rich Willett, Steve Songer, Andy Schuette, Tim Riekena, Doug Obershaw, Raymond Mulnix, Rolfe McCoy, Andy Lucas, Doug Long, Brent Kline, Mark Jenkins, David Hoel, Damon Hennen, Cale Gondringer, Mark Fiorino, Jim Cummins, Stoney Cranmer, Richard Bowman, Michael Born, and Mitch Bernskoetter.

The warmer temps were a welcomed addition to the ride, especially with a route deserving the name "Beast, Beauty, Beast". The ride started out with a good warm up and then headed right into the climbing that North Central Missouri is known for. After miles and miles of rollers we worked our way to the "aggie flats" for some much needed recovery. This section proved to be less than simple with some new gravel that was put down after the last recon ride. Then it was back into the hills to finish the route back in downtown Jamesport.

2008 Riders

2010-01-26T09:12:00.003-06:00

In our first year we had 9 riders: Dan Venner, James Shiflett, Brad Schrock, Tim Riekena, Raymond Mulnix, Doug Long, Mark Jenkins, Damon Hennen, Mitch Bernskoetter.

This ride was some typical February weather, we had some light snow cover and cold temperatures. The route was shorter but still a challenge, especially with a "very short" section of mud road. The course was well marked but you still didn't want to be the one that was "left behind"!!!

Climb Out Of That Burrow

2010-01-25T19:41:00.009-06:00

Join the Green Hills Trails Association for our 3rd annual "Gravel Grinder" from historic Jamesport, Mo.

Why this ride? Chucky says "Lighten up dude, I wanna see my shadow! After being in a hole for 4 months I'm ready to break some ice, hang out with my friends, and get the riding season started. The ride drew 20 riders in 2009.

Starting time is 10:00 a.m. and we will be departing from the 4 way stop downtown next to Gingerich’s Dutch Pantry . It’s “show-n-go” so there is no participation fee. Just show up and we will provide route maps and all the gravel riding you can handle. This will not be a race but don’t let that frighten you back into your den.

The 2010 route will traverse the hills and hollers of the Green Hills region with some “aggie flats” thrown in for recovery. Riders can choose either the “Full Chucky”-60 mi. or the shorter “Lil Chuck”. Most of the route will be on smooth crushed limestone suitable for cross or mountain bikes. The route will be posted and blazed the week of the ride so we can hopefully stay away from any fresh gravel maintenance “large gravel” and pick the best route.

Jamesport is an Amish community, so expect to see horse and buggies and prepare to take a little step back in time. There is a small grocery, some restaurants, and a “watering hole’ for post ride libations.

Please contact me at: dlong@windjammercable.net if you are coming so we’ll have plenty of maps and so I can forward the route to you via email.

Anyone can ride a trainer on a cold February day, but it takes some courage to brave the weather. Will you come join the fun? Or are YOU Afraid of your shadow?????