The Dickie Scramble is in the books. Thanks to Drew for hosting such a fine event.
In the alley behind Tailgators in Elgin, MN getting ready for the Dickie Scramble 2014.
I seem to struggle with appropriate clothing / layers when the temps are cool. The weather for the Dickie was a challenge for me - the temps were supposedly in the 50s (felt more like 40s) plus the wind was blowing pretty strong at 15-20 mph. I opted for shorts and a light jacket to hold against the wind, but the price I paid was a sweaty jersey on my skin all day. I have to believe that other people had a better performing outfit, but so it goes.
We rolled out of Elgin at 9:30 sharp and headed north as a group on pavement. After about 4 miles the course dove West & straight downhill on gravel and the race was on. The next 75 miles were a mix of gravel, pavement and a little stretch of trail more suitable to mountain biking than gravel grinding.
The scenery was beautiful all day and the gravel was for the most part fast.
Overall the route was more pavement than I expected. The mile or so of off-road riding was clearly a stand out section - rough & rocky downhill where you really had to be careful on our skinny tires followed by a fun, long & technical climb. I channeled my inner Fire Tower and managed to clean my way up & out - one of the day's highlights for me.
The wind was a challenge all day. It was blowing pretty steady at about 15 MPH out of the east and felt like it was carrying a bite. I was fortunate to find a group of about 12 -15 riders for the 1st half of the race which was huge - I didn't want to be out there fighting the wind alone. The second half was predominantly downwind, which was lucky for me, because I rode most of it alone.
As good as the riding was I would be lying if I didn't suggest that the ribs at JJ Tailgators in Elgin may have been the highlight of the whole day. Well done JJ - the ribs are awesome.
So with the 80 miles from the Dickie our total to date for the Dirty Millennium 2014 is up to 160. And the grand-daddy of the all is next, bring on the Almanzo!