SilverRubicon

Has anyone participated in the Georgia "State of Gravel" event? Interested in riding in the 29 mile adventure "fun" ride and I'm curious as to what to expect. Whether it's predominantly fun to ride dirt roads or less fun to ride chunky gravel and rocks.

Info can be found at the website for topviewsports (I'm not allowed to post urls).

Spoonrobot 

I had thought this was the first year?

I've ridden some of the various routes back in 2012/2013 and my recollection is it's a nice blend of dirt/gravel. I wouldn't expect you'd need anything more than 40mm tires. Not chunky in my opinion, very similar to the Red Clay Ramble/Fried Clay 200k routes but with longer smooth dirt sections.

SilverRubicon

It could very well be the first year. There's very little info available on the website. I've only done one gravel event and that was the BeltGrind in Atlanta and I'm not sure I would be up for 29 miles of the gravel on that route. If it's more dirt roads then the "State of Gravel" looks like it would be a fun way to spend a day.

Spoonrobot 

It's going to be much smoother than the beltgrind. The southeast section of the beltline dirt/gravel is not typical of gravel roads in georgia as that section has significant bumps and over-sized washboarding from the heavy vehicles used to remove the tracks and ties. The other sections with railroad ballast or sidetrail are very different as well. Basically only comparable part of the beltgrind might be the super smooth but mildly sandy section North of the horse track checkpoint.

State of gravel is going to be on dirt roads that cars and trucks can comfortably drive at 30+ miles an hour. Should be about perfect for bikes at 12-17+ mph

ironnerd

So... how was it?

SilverRubicon

I did not make it out. With the cold spell and the rain the previous day, drained my enthusiasm. Anyone else show up?