Georgia State of Gravel Training Group
I’ve been spending a lot of time researching localish events for 2020, not because I have any ambitions of becoming a podium finisher at gravel races, but because I need some personal challenges. I enjoy the process of training, of seeing my body respond to hard work and having an event on the calendar. I love race day energy - the nervous excitement as you line up at the starting line. I love finishing something that puts me a little or a lot outside of my comfort zone and the camaraderie at the finish line. And I really love being at an event with a crew. It makes the day more fun when you’re giving each other a ‘good job’ on the course or cheering people in at the finish line.
As I was researching local races, I noticed HOW FEW women participate. I even found one that had 11 women in the 2019 results and FIVE pages of men’s results.
So since I like to train for an event and I like to have all of my friends at an event with me, I’m excited to announce the first Girl’s Gone Gravel Target Event. This first event is local to Georgia but don’t worry, we’ll be branching out in the future!
Girls Gone Gravel Target Event
The Event: Georgia State of Gravel in Union Point, GA
I actually did the 29-mile at this event last year and it’s a perfect course for our first event. The course isn’t technical, the roads are in good shape, and it doesn’t have a ton of climbing (about 1500 ft for the 29-mile and about 3500 for the 60). The event is hosted by Topview Sports, a very experienced race directing company and has great rest stops and fires up the grill at the end of the event to serve lunch to all participants. Depending on where you live, it’s only about 1:10-1:30 from Atlanta and the event doesn’t start until 9 am!
Training & Preparation
In addition to our monthly Dirty Sheets rides, we’ll add 1-3 additional group rides in February and March (weather permitting).
Atlanta Cycling has also agreed to host a Sunday bike maintenance clinic for all participants. This is designed to help you be comfortable with anything that might happen on course from flats to dropped chains.
Race Day prep session with Kathryn, Trish, and Lauren
Lots of high-fives and hugs at the start and finish line!
Cost:
The 60-mile route is $50 and the 29 mile is $40. There is no cost associated with the program but if you’re interested in one-on-one cycling or strength coaching for cyclists, you can find out more by emailing me!
It’s Not About the Race
The goal is up to you! Maybe you want to finish your longest gravel ride to date or maybe you want to train and see how fast you can go. Maybe you just want the delicious cookies at the rest stops and a fun day out on the course. Whatever the goal, women’s participation in these events matters and we’re going to have a blast doing it!
Join the list to get more information or join me at Halsa on 2/9 at 10:00 am (before our Dirty Sheets ride) to grab a coffee and learn more.
