Funk Bottoms Gravel Blogger Site: 2014

The Fall Funk 50 will take place Sunday October 5th at 10:00. We will be starting from Lake Park in Big Prairie. Bing Maps directions to Lake Park.

There will be some new sections of gravel that may end up in next year’s funk 100\200. This will be a no drop group ride, and I will have cue sheets and maps if you feel the need to cut ride short. There will be a store in Killbuck (mile 21) with food and the natural spring in Glenmont (mile 33).

Course route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6103081

Slight L TWP Hwy 508	0.1
Turn R TWP Rd 473	2.8
Turn L TWP Rd 478	3
Turn R OH-514	4.5
Turn L TWP Hwy 503	4.7
Turn R TWP Hwy 501	5.6
Turn L TWP 217	7.5
Turn R TWP Hwy 218	7.8
Turn R Co Rd 280	8.8
Sharp L TWP Hwy 221	9.3
Cross Hwy 51	12.6
Turn R TWP Hwy 252	13.5
Turn R TWP Hwy 55	15.3
Turn L TWP Hwy 54	17.6
Turn R TWP Hwy 64	18.7
Turn L Co Rd 621	20.5
Continue W Front St	20.8
Turn R S Main St	20.8
Turn L Purdy St	21.1
Turn R Railroad St	21.2
Turn R US-62 W	21.6
Turn L Co Hwy 53	22.1
Turn R TWP Hwy 71	22.4
Turn L to stay on TWP Hwy 71	23.9
Turn R to stay on TWP Hwy 71	24.6
Turn R TWP Hwy 67	26.2
Turn R TWP 130/TWP 324	26.5
Turn R TWP Hwy 28	27.1
Turn R US-62 E	28.6
Turn L TWP Hwy 34	28.8
Turn R Co Hwy 6	30.9
Turn L Twp 29	31.1
Slight R Co Hwy 25	33.2
Turn L Galatian St	33.5
Turn L OH-520 W/Main St	33.6
Turn L on TWP Hwy 20	35.3
Turn R TWP Hwy 225	35.6
Turn L Co Hwy 50	36.7
Turn L TWP Rd 213	38.8
Turn L TWP Hwy 228	39.1
Turn R Co Hwy 22	40.3
Turn R TWP Hwy 213	41.7
Turn L TWP Hwy 466	42.7
Turn L TWP Hwy 212	42.8
Turn R TWP Rd 211	44.1
Turn L TWP Hwy 466	45.1
TWP 466 becomes TWP 465	49.1
Turn L OH-179 N	49.1
Turn R Co Rd 100	49.5
Finish	50.4

2014 Funk Bottoms 100K\ 200K Final Instructions

Important Funk Bottoms100\200 information and final instructions. The race will be 100K or 200K on each 65 mile loop riders can expect paved, chip & seal, gravel, and dirt roads with over 6,500 feet of climbing expect some new sections of gravel along with roads that have been on the Funk Bottoms race since 2011.

The race will start at 8:00 am sharp at The Lakeville Boosters Park 8587 Ohio 179 Lakeville, OH 44638

7:15-7:50 Rider check-in, map & cue sheet to be handed out. Shirts will be available for purchase at start for $12.

7:55 Rider meeting final instructions, course notes

8:00 Race starts

Awards will be given to the overall winner in Men's 100K, Women's 100K, Men's 200K, Women's 200K and Single Speed. Winner's will be given awards when they finish.

There have been a few inquiries about race day registration. Yes you can register the day of the race, please send an email to funkbottomsgravel@gmail.com if you plan on racing.

There will be additional parking in the town of Lakeville about 1/2 mile from the start.

Route information can be found http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4295685

Leg	Dir	Notes	Total
0.9	←	Slight L to stay on Co Rd 100	1
1.1	→	Sharp R on TWP Rd 508	2.1
2.7	→	R on TWP Rd 473	4.8
0.2	←	L on TWP Rd 478	5
1.6	→	R on OH-514 S	6.5
0.1	←	L on TWP Rd 503	6.7
0.9	→	R on TWP Rd 501	7.6
1.8	←	L on TWP Rd 217	9.4
0.5	→	R on TWP Rd 218	9.8
1	→	R on Co Rd 280	10.8
0.5	←	L on TWP Rd 221	11.3
3.3	↑	Cont on TWP Rd 251	14.6
0.8	↑	Cont on TWP Rd 36	15.4
0.1	→	R on TWP Rd 252	15.5
1.9	→	R on TWP Rd 55	17.3
2.3	→	R on TWP Rd 54	19.6
0.6	→	R on OH-520 W	20.3
1.5	←	L on TWP Rd 31	21.8
0.8	→	R on Co Hwy 6	22.6
1.7	→	R on TWP Rd 29	24.2
2.1	←	Sharp L on Co Rd 25	26.4
2.1	←	R on Co Hwy 6	28.4
0	↑	Cont on Co Rd 25	28.4
1.7	↑	Cont on TWP Rd 13	30.2
	←	L on Co 5 for 100 yards	31.2
		TAKE PATHON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD
1.1	→	R on Holmes County Trail	31.3
4.8	←	L on Clifton St	36.1
0.1	←	L on Galatian St	36.2
0.1	←	L on OH-520 W/Main St	36.3
0.4	←	L on TWP Rd 14	36.7
2.8	→	R on TWP Rd 32	39.5
0.5	→	R on Co Hwy 75	40.1
0.2	←	L on TWP Rd 17	40.3
1.8	→	R on Co Rd 77/Brinkhaven Rd	42.1
1.3	→	R on OH-514 N/Nashville Rd	43.4
0.5	→	R on Heaton	43.9
0.7	↑	Cont on TWP Rd 15	44.5
0.7	←	L on TWP Rd 16	45.2
1.3	→	Slight R on OH-520 E	46.6
0.6	←	L on TWP Rd 20	47.2
0.9	←	L on TWP Rd 225	48.1
1	→	R on Co Rd 50	49.1
1.1	←	L on Co Rd 52	50.2
2	←	L on TWP Rd 224	52.2
1.6	→	R on Co Rd 50	53.8
1.1	←	L on TWP Rd 213	54.9
0.3	←	L on TWP Rd 228	55.2
1.2	→	R on Co Hwy 22	56.4
0.7	→	R to stay on Co Hwy 22	57.1
0.6	→	R toward TWP Rd 213	57.7
0.1	→	R on TWP Rd 213	57.8
0.9	←	L on TWP Rd 466	58.7
0.1	←	L on TWP Rd 212	58.9
1	→	R to stay on TWP Rd 212	59.8
0.3	→	R on TWP Rd 211	60.1
1	←	L on TWP Rd 466	61.2
4	←	L on OH-179 N	65.1

The Funk 100/200 is a self supported event you must be prepared for any mechanical or nutrition needs. No outside support is allowed. There will be a park at approximately mile 36 in Glenmont that will have water. The course will NOT be marked, and open to normal vehicle traffic. Expect to encounter cars, trucks, horses, farm equipment and ATV's along the course at any time. Any racer doing the 200K race starting the second lap after 7 hours must have lights with them. A cue sheet will be distributed prior to the event. All riders are required to have a cyclocomputer that can track mileage - Yes, we will verify that you completed the entire distance at the end. Additional course notes, videos, maps can be founds here.

Questions, comments, concerns? Post here or send me an email funkbottomsgravel@gmail.com

Gravel Etiquette & Safety

This is common sense stuff, but needs to be mentioned. There are several things folks must do on a gravel ride that will keep themselves and others safe which will ensure a fun and rewarding experience.

Stay to the right and don't ride in the opposite lane especially up climbs/rollers! If I catch or even hear of anyone riding in the opposite lane up a climb, they will be disqualified. No questions asked. Why? If a vehicle comes blasting over the top, you and/or everyone behind you will most likely get hurt and/or killed. Not cool. Stay to the right. Stay to the right. Stay to the right.
Remain attentive to your surroundings! Please keep your head up and be sure to be on the look out for traffic, dogs/animals, loose gravel, wheel sucking ruts or cracks in bridges, soft sand, large white rock, or anything else that can potentially take you or someone else down. Look at your cue sheet when it is safe. If you need to stop to view the cue sheet, stop. There's no time limit on this bad daddy.
Call things out! If you see or go through something sketchy be sure warn your colleagues by calling it out and pointing to it if you can safely do so. Yes, you can say "car up" on a gravel ride. In fact, it's the courteous thing to do. Also when passing, please do so at a safe juncture and kindly and loudly proclaim "on your left". If you plan on slowing or stopping be sure the folks behind you are aware prior to taking action.
Stop if someone needs help! This is all about fun folks. So if you see someone stopped or in need of assistance, please ask if they need help and offer a helping hand if possible. The bike Gods will smile upon you if you do.
Let the dust settle if you get dusted! If you get dusted by a vehicle, and this is highly likely right now do to the lack of moisture recently, slow down and let the dust settle. First off this will prevent a potential collision from another vehicle traveling through the dust cloud who is unable to see you until it's too late. Secondly it's a lot better on your lungs, trust me.
Keep a straight line and call out/signal when changing position! If you find yourself in a group or even with another rider, please keep a straight line and avoid dramatic lines changes. Also signal with your hand or call out when you plan on making changes in your line. The crushing of gravel is louder than you think and you may not hear a rider behind or even beside you on occasions.
Don't be a dick! If I hear of any dickish behavior by any rider, they will be disqualified. Remember this ride is about fun.
Obey the traffic laws!Please obey all traffic laws. That includes stopping at stop signs, signaling when turning.
Come prepared!First off, be sure to have everything you need to ensure you can deal with a mechanical issue (broken chain, flat tire, etc.). Secondly, plan your food and fluid consumption needs prudently. So bring some cash along! The minimal things you should have on you during the ride include: helmet, eye protection, , a minimum of two water bottles or a hydration pack, snacks, cyclocomputer, tools, tubes, cell phone, cue sheet holder, your wits and climbing legs!