Autumn Splendor

Even though I had a sweet tailwind, I had to stop and enjoy the fall colors.  They are really quite spectacular right now.

The Filthy 50

The second running of The Filthy 50 took place sunday morning, Oct. 12th. and, from what I experienced, was a smashing success.  The starting line was full of energy and excitement, riders clamoring to buy their "Meat Raffle" tickets, and the weather, chilly, but promising.  Only looking to best my course time from last year's running, I awaited the roll out at the back of the field and near the youngest gravel grinder, a six year old perched on a trail-a-bike, ready to push his dad along the hills of Fillmore County.  Already looking forward to my gravel grind with my child in tow.

Roll out happened without delay and the grinding began shortly.  Teased with a short, northbound stretch, and tailwind, we quickly turned east and realized what we would be up against for the next 30 miles or so.  A blustery wind from the southeast would be slapping us in the face at 10 - 15 mph, sapping the energy from our legs and drawing out the time to warm-up.  The saving grace of the wind was that we were almost assured of a tailwind coming home.

The most spectacular section of this race is preceded by a hair raising, white knuckled, 40 mph decent into the valley of the Middle Branch Root River.   We then turned onto one the most scenic lanes in SE Minnesota which should be ranked high within the most scenic roads in the US, in my humble opinion.

Anyone recognize this rider?  Would love to get you a copy of this shot.

Morgan Road travels over 5 miles from Fillmore County 5 to the small town of Fillmore along the rolling banks of the Middle Branch Root River.  As you undulate along the river bank you succumb to nature and bear witness to the change of season and realize that harmony between man's needs and nature's can coexist.   I hope that I am not alone with these feelings, but this is why I appreciate The Filthy 50.  This spot happens at exactly the right time for me to recharge my mind and spirit, and helped to push me forward.

Morgan road terminates in the quaint town of Fillmore where the first/only offically-unofficial rest stop is located.  I would like to give a special shout-out to Penn Cycle and the Fillmore Free Methodist Church for providing sodas, water, and bathrooms.  Also, thanks for entertaining my toddler while she was waiting to see me and cheer me on.

Leaving Fillmore, the course traveled down another beautiful river valley road.  Nature Road lead us to the climb of the day where you blast (rather, grit your teeth and crawl) out of the river valley back to the wide open spaces of SE Minnesota farmland.  This climb quickly rises 200 feet at an average grade of 6% with a couple of shoulders that, according to strava, top 30%!

Thankfully, on this day, the wind hadn't shifted and my now anaerobic muscles received a welcome push back to Stewartville.  At the finish, the awesome crew from Belch Gear had tapped a keg of cold brew and congratulated all the riders with a full Red Solo cup.  I mention this company, because they weren't out gouge us with expensive ride souvenirs.  Filthy 50 jerseys were only $50 and T-shirts a meager $10, plus, they gave me a free beer.

A bit of bad acting at the finish, nevertheless, after 50, I was Filthy.

I think a great race/ride/event was had by all and, we owe Trenton and the Raygor family a big thanks for all their hard work and dedication to cycling events that are thoroughly enjoyable and free of distraction and pretention.  

My Filthy:

2014 Cue Sheets:

Olmsted County 31

Olmsted Couty 31 heads NE from Olmsted County 3 with almost three miles of continuous gravel to the small town of Oronoco. This road is actually the road you turn on initially to access New Haven Rd and, is easily accessible from the Douglas Trail.   This nicely wooded lane protects you from the wind as you head northward and over a couple of rollers.  The first of which starts about a half mile from County 3.  Named 'lil kicker' on Strava,  it instantly pops at 9% and the levels out to finish at 5-6%.  

The gravel ends near the intersection of Hwy 52, which there is a brand new, well protected crossing.  Althoughthis stretch is paved, there are many more miles of gravel to explore and grind on the East side of Hwy 52.  Happy grinding and see you at the Filthy 50 soon.

New Haven Road

I would rate New Haven Rd as another 'Classic Gravel Grind' in Olmsted County.  This is a great road to link Rochester and Pine Island via gravel grinding.  Access is found just off the Douglas Trail at the intersection of Co Rd 3.  As you round the first bend in the road you are greeted with nice climb that kicks up to almost 8% and rises 150 ft.  From there the road undulates its way to Pine Island crisscrossing the Douglas Trail multiple times.  

Intersection of New Haven Rd and Co Rd 31.

Looking back at Co Rd 3.

This is my first post utilizing Gravelmap.  If you haven't seen this site yet, it is fantastic.  Very easy to use and will be the primary resource for finding Gravel Grinds anywhere and everywhere.

85th Street NW

Genoa Gravel!