The Godfather Cup

Filling of the Coveted Godfather Cup. Blurry Photo by Jeff Scott

The First Annual Godfather Cup Gravel Grinder has come and gone. What a great day on the bike. 13 contenders braved the threatening rains for a brutal 60 miles of Buffalo Valley roads and 6 brutally contested gravel KOM climbs. Stanley "The Godfather" and I got a few extra miles from our search party expedition for Scott "I tend to wander off" McConnell, while everybody else b-lined it back to the homestead to feast on chilli and beer. Henceforth a new rule has been bestowed upon the Gravel Grinders, we'll call it the McConnell Clause: At the start of a gravel event each grinder shall choose a buddy. If at any turn/intersection your buddy is not present - well, you get the idea.

These types of rides are what keep me addicted to cycling. Initially intended to be an all out race, it was decided a gentleman's group ride would be more fun but to keep it competitive 6 gravel climbs were to be raced for points. 1 point for first, 2 for second and so on down the line (cards were handed out at the top of each climb to keep tally). At the end of the ride the person with the lowest number of points wins. Sign sprints, shenanigans, and downhill races were encouraged, as well as Steven putting me to the rivet before delivering us to hurtful climb number 4 (BTW, Thanks again for that Steven). At the end of the day I ended up with 3 aces and 2 deuces, enough to claim the coveted cup. (KOM 6 was thrown out due to the rescue party expedition splitting the group).

Special thanks out to the Myers family for putting it all together and opening their home to us. Thanks to Stanley and Steven for the perfect route. Thanks to all our hardy friends who showed up and made it worthwhile riding in the rain. I can't wait till next year, though I think it should to be a 2 day stage race next year. Maybe that way we'll properly float the keg.