Time is approaching for the 3rd riding of the Westside Dirty Benjamin and time was taken to recon the course yesterday. What started as an ambitious quest to validate the cue sheets and log miles on the gravel, ended in a lesson of suffering and cue sheet attention.
I meant to start the day a bit earlier but didn't get riding till almost 9:30 am. The wind was present and the heat was starting. After a 40 miles, it was much windier and hotter!! The Dirty B spends much time next to fields and generally out in the open so I was glad I remembered to put on the 50 sunscreen on my legs and face. Not long into the ride, I realized that I forgot to cover the arms. Ouch! They are redder than a neck in the hills of Tex-arkana. So I write this after a session with wet, cold towels cooling them...momentarily. Word of advice, bring the sunscreen and don't scimp!!
Around mile 91 or 94, I made a wrong turn, I turned on 102nd St before turning on Highway 5. Not a good idea unless you want to add 10+ miles to your ride. I write this detail so you don't make the same mistake. While you most likely not, the head is in a challenged place after 90+ miles and adding more to the final tally is just not going in the right direction. So cue sheets should be minded.
Other worthy news is the BRAPP!! section. It is rideable but soft so if the weather remains wet, some tread on the tire is recommended otherwise the tread on your shoe may get some mud on it. TBD on that so a game time decision may be necessary depending on the weather.
So in conclusion, it is recommended to bring
Sunscreen
Plenty of water
Your thinking caps
A good attitude
Sunglasses
A buddy to switch off drafting duty
Sunscreen again and water
That nifty cue sheet holder from Banjo Bros clipped on your handlebars
Oh yeah, if you plan on not riding, PLEASE LET US KNOW so we can open up spots to others that want to ride
Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Latest and Greatest
I just added the latest round of names to the registration list so check it and be stoked cause you are gonna have a great day on June 16!!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Registration Is Closed!!
We have received over 200 postcards so the address has been removed. If your name is on the list, you are in!! You are awesome!! If I receive a postcard with a post date of Feb 17 or earlier, you in. I will get your name on the list and you are awesome too!
I see over 200 good people on the list and we are really stoked for a great day on June 16!!
I see over 200 good people on the list and we are really stoked for a great day on June 16!!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Riders
Got around to entering the names of those who got on it with the quickness and sent a postcard in. There are some great ones. Not only are there super pictures, but also flowing prose:
With this postcard I bought in Spain,
I hope to join the Dirty Ben train.
But I confess I'm no Indurain,
rather a humble cyclist in search of pain.
Word!
Check for your name here or hit the nifty 2012 Riders tab above.
With this postcard I bought in Spain,
I hope to join the Dirty Ben train.
But I confess I'm no Indurain,
rather a humble cyclist in search of pain.
Word!
Check for your name here or hit the nifty 2012 Riders tab above.
For the Record
This is our approach to the Westside Dirty Benjamin:
This is not a "race" for all that sign up for the Dirty B. This is a group event where points are scored for those that are vying for the Lord James and Lady Elizabeth cup of the AGRS. We also give away a few trophys to the tops in the categories as well as post the covetted picture of said trophy recipients on the interwebs. Them's earned some notariety. We also have tables of products donated by bicycle related/supporting businesses which you can see listed on right side of this web page. These business make it possible for those who take part in the Dirty B to bring something home. The goods don't just go to the top 3, they go as long as the goods last. When folks arrive at the end of the race, they have the option to eat, drink, be merry and peruse the tables and take an item of their choosing. Shoo, you can even play horseshoes if you got them. Word! How much energy used during the ride is all up to the individual and what goals they have set for themselves. All goals are applauded and encouraged! So, send in a postcard, get on the list, show up and have a great time. If you a greedy MF and plan on hoarding many items from the donated products tables, you should be ashamed and can keep your damn postcard and save yourself some postage monies. One choice per rider...group hug y'all.
This is not a "race" for all that sign up for the Dirty B. This is a group event where points are scored for those that are vying for the Lord James and Lady Elizabeth cup of the AGRS. We also give away a few trophys to the tops in the categories as well as post the covetted picture of said trophy recipients on the interwebs. Them's earned some notariety. We also have tables of products donated by bicycle related/supporting businesses which you can see listed on right side of this web page. These business make it possible for those who take part in the Dirty B to bring something home. The goods don't just go to the top 3, they go as long as the goods last. When folks arrive at the end of the race, they have the option to eat, drink, be merry and peruse the tables and take an item of their choosing. Shoo, you can even play horseshoes if you got them. Word! How much energy used during the ride is all up to the individual and what goals they have set for themselves. All goals are applauded and encouraged! So, send in a postcard, get on the list, show up and have a great time. If you a greedy MF and plan on hoarding many items from the donated products tables, you should be ashamed and can keep your damn postcard and save yourself some postage monies. One choice per rider...group hug y'all.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Postcards!!!
Race Date: June 16, 2012
Registration Dates: Registration begins February 1! We have decided to keep the registration open for that fine month. If by the end of the month, we do not have 200 riders, we will keep it open for as long as it takes to get 200 people signed up. How's that sound? We had 140 or so riders start last year so if you aren't gonna start, don't send in a postcard...simple as that. In line with the other fine events of the AGRS, a postcard is required. Please write the following information:
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Rider Limit: As stated above...up to 200 bikes. Word!
Start: Schimelpfenig Park in Chaska, MN at 8:00 am. There is a shelter, playground equipment, kitchen with refrigerator, limited parking, VFW across the street...in other words, it has what is essential for a great day. Directions will be posted at a later date.
Classes:
Open Women
Open Men
Singlespeed
50+ Masters
Course: The route last year ended up being 107 miles; there is 7% tax applied to gravel centuries held in June. While the course will be similar to last year, there are a few changes and additions we are working into it. Maybe we'll drop some of that info as we lead up to the race but probly not.
Registration Dates: Registration begins February 1! We have decided to keep the registration open for that fine month. If by the end of the month, we do not have 200 riders, we will keep it open for as long as it takes to get 200 people signed up. How's that sound? We had 140 or so riders start last year so if you aren't gonna start, don't send in a postcard...simple as that. In line with the other fine events of the AGRS, a postcard is required. Please write the following information:
- Name
- Class (see below)
- If under 18 at time of race, let us know.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Rider Limit: As stated above...up to 200 bikes. Word!
Start: Schimelpfenig Park in Chaska, MN at 8:00 am. There is a shelter, playground equipment, kitchen with refrigerator, limited parking, VFW across the street...in other words, it has what is essential for a great day. Directions will be posted at a later date.
Classes:
Open Women
Open Men
Singlespeed
50+ Masters
Course: The route last year ended up being 107 miles; there is 7% tax applied to gravel centuries held in June. While the course will be similar to last year, there are a few changes and additions we are working into it. Maybe we'll drop some of that info as we lead up to the race but probly not.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
2012 Race Announcement
Wow! I've really been slacking on getting this posted. This is the one stop shop for all the details with shouts on Facebook and Twitter (@WestDirtyBen).
Race Date: June 16, 2012
Registration Dates: Registration begins February 1! We will keep registration open for as long as it takes to get 200 people signed up. How's that sound? We had around 140 riders show up last year out of the 200 who signed up, so if you want to race, send a postcard. If you don't want to race, don't send a postcard. Simple. In line with the other fine races of the AGRS, a postcard is required and the address to send them to will be posted at the end of the month. Postcards will need the following information:
Name
Class (see below)
Email
If under 18 at time of race, let us know.
Rider Limit: As stated above...up to 200 bikes. Word!
Start: Schimelpfenig Park in Chaska, MN at 8:00 am. There is a shelter, playground equipment, kitchen with refrigerator, limited parking, VFW across the street...in other words, it has what is essential for a great day. Directions will be posted at a later date.
Classes:
Open Women
Open Men
Singlespeed
50+
Course: The route last year ended up being 107 miles; there is 7% tax applied to gravel centuries held in June. While the course will be similar to last year, there are a few changes and additions we are working into it. Maybe we'll drop some of that info as we lead up to the race but probly not.
Race Date: June 16, 2012
Registration Dates: Registration begins February 1! We will keep registration open for as long as it takes to get 200 people signed up. How's that sound? We had around 140 riders show up last year out of the 200 who signed up, so if you want to race, send a postcard. If you don't want to race, don't send a postcard. Simple. In line with the other fine races of the AGRS, a postcard is required and the address to send them to will be posted at the end of the month. Postcards will need the following information:
Name
Class (see below)
If under 18 at time of race, let us know.
Rider Limit: As stated above...up to 200 bikes. Word!
Start: Schimelpfenig Park in Chaska, MN at 8:00 am. There is a shelter, playground equipment, kitchen with refrigerator, limited parking, VFW across the street...in other words, it has what is essential for a great day. Directions will be posted at a later date.
Classes:
Open Women
Open Men
Singlespeed
50+
Course: The route last year ended up being 107 miles; there is 7% tax applied to gravel centuries held in June. While the course will be similar to last year, there are a few changes and additions we are working into it. Maybe we'll drop some of that info as we lead up to the race but probly not.
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