Registration for gravel events across the country is opening up to help provide good early-season training goals. Some events such as the Ossian Giant Gravel Grinder in western New York also provide the opportunity to ride with Jeremy Powers, who was recently seen finishing second at the 2018 U.S. Cyclocross Nationals in Reno. Read for more information and head to the event’s registration page to get signed up.
Registration is now open for the Ossian Giant Gravel Grinder and this year the event will feature four-time Elite National Cyclocross Champion Jeremy Powers of Aspire Racing.
The race will he held on April 14, 2018 at Swain Resort followed by a group ride with Powers on April 15 to benefit local Junior development.
“We are thrilled and humbled to welcome Jeremy to the event,” said Race Director Tony Sylor. “We see this race as an opportunity for new and longtime fans to meet him, race with him, and see him compete in a unique, competitive and exciting format while also bringing attention to one of the fastest growing areas of the sport.”
Registration is now open for the Ossian Giant Gravel Grinder. photo: Marnie Soom
Beginning and ending at Swain Ski Resort, cyclists will challenge the backwoods of rural Western N.Y. on gravel, seasonal use and state forest roads, creating a course with more than 80 percent dirt that ends the legendary finish up the ski mountain.
Distance options include 17, 35 and 55 miles and will offer on-course neutral mechanical support and post-race party at the lodge.
For this year’s Elite race, which will feature Powers and last year’s winner Dan Timmerman (formerly of Stans’ NoTubes Elite), the event will also offer “Heckle Wagons,” roving party buses that will usher fans around the course to watch the race.
With the shorter races finishing before the Elite races begins, the Heckle Wagons will be a great way for racers and spectators alike to experience Elite Gravel Racing up-close and personal with a legion of other fans.
“We are very excited about the Heckle Wagons,” Sylor said. “It will allow us to take the 17 and 35 mile racers, as well as other fans, out to some of the more exciting sections of the course where they can watch the Elite Race, creating a rolling cyclocross-style party at a gravel road race.”
Jeremy Powers will be attending both days of the Ossian Giant Gravel Grinder. photo: Meg MacMahon
As part of the weekend, Powers will attend a group ride on Sunday — limited to 75 people — where riders will traverse a 50-mile gravel route almost entirely different than the race course the day before.
“This is the first year we have held this end of the event, and we are looking forward to hosting a bit of a different feel,” Sylor said. “The course is challenging and fun, and the format will allow riders to interact with Jeremy both on and off the bike while being fully supported and helping us give back to local Junior racing through the Livingston Cycling Club.”
The group ride is non-competitive, offers on-course mechanical support, rest stops, a pre-ride breakfast and a post-ride lunch all included in the cost.
All proceeds from Sunday’s group ride will go to local Junior race development.
The Ossian Giant is the first of the three races hosted by the Mudslinger Gravel Series. Follow the Mudslinger Gravel Series on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter @onceagainracing.
More info: ridelcc.com
Registration: Bikereg.com
