2014 Funk 100\200 Registration Information.
For the 2014 edition of the Funk Bottoms Gravel the distance will be 100K\200K. Riders will have the option if riding one lap or two laps. The Funk 100\200 will be on Saturday June 28th at 8:00 at a roadside park 8587 Ohio 179 in Lakeville, OH. On each 65 mile loop riders can expect paved, chip & seal, gravel, and dirt roads with over 5,500 feet of climbing.
To enter send a postcard with your name, hometown, email address, and category (see below) for the event to:
Funk Bottoms Gravel
8609 SR-176
BVH, OH 44147-1907
Category
Funk 100
Open Men
Open Women
Funk 200
Open Men
Open Women
The Funk 100/200 is a self supported event you must be prepared for any mechanical or nutrition needs. There will be 2 parks at approximately miles 12 and 36 that will have water. The course will NOT be marked. 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.
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. The pseudo-checkpoints have been warned of your arrival and will have plenty of sustenance available for purchase. 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!
Thanks to the Pirate Cycling League for the Gravel Etiquette
