GGR3

The 3rd Annual Godfather Gravel Ride happened this past weekend. Once again I was lucky enough to be able to join in the fun and had 4 (3 new to the event, and a returning Monster McConnell) others in tow to experience this great event. Steven Myers is the mastermind behind this not to be missed event and so far the entry fee is showing up.

What is the Godfather Gravel Ride you ask? Well...

"It is a 60ish mile Gentleman's Ride on gravel or the roughest roads I [Steven] can find with 5 to 7 king of the mountain sprints.  The plan is to ride together at a comfortable pace to the base of each climb and then race to the top where we will regroup and you will be given a playing card ranging from ace through king, with ace receiving 1 point all the way to the king getting 13 points based on the order of arrival at the top.  Lowest number of points wins the coveted Godfather Cup!"

But really it is much more than just a friendly ride and some stiff hill sprints. It's:

"because we all love a good hard ride and we don't get to see each other quite enough."  

But more importantly:

"It is a little celebration for Stanley Wills "The Godfather" and all that he does for cycling.  He loves to see and ride with everyone more than any of you will ever know, so i hope all of you will come."

You can't really argue with that. 

This years course followed much of last years with some new double/single track thrown in for good measure. I always enjoy the course, but the added bonus of trail this year really kicked it up a notch or two in stoke factor. The trail ran along the river and rolled up and down for miles. No better way to start a long hard ride really.

Near the end of the trail the girls met us on a short steep climb. Ruthie was passing out red solo cups which we thought were filled with beer. Great, beer hand-ups! Steven was leading with me following and we both grabbed a glass and slammed it's contents as we preceded to grunt up the following steep hill. Only the contents didn't contain beer but rather tequila. I came to a stop, track standing in place as my legs and my throat started to burn before finally getting my breath and finishing up the climb. Perfect analogy for the rest of the ride as each section held it's own little twisted surprise.

The weather was perfect. Bluebird skies with temps starting out in the mid 30's and rising into the low 60's. Sun all day and fall colors in full effect as 15 riders made their way along the river. The group had a few GGR veterans and several new riders. Some I've known and others I'd just met. That is the beauty of this ride, it brings like minded riders out for some adventure and creates tales that live on long after the event. Right Scott "wrong turn" McConnell?

Yes, that is correct. The Scott McConnell Buddy Rule was in full effect. Last year Scott fell off the back to take a nature break without informing the group. Several turns later we realized he wasn't among the ranks. Stanly and I headed out for 20+ extra miles in search of Scott while the others headed back to warmth, food, and beer (it rained last year). Scott actually 'accidentally' somehow made his way back to the house and sat inside staring out the window eating and drinking hoping we'd return soon so he could "fully" enjoy his feast. By the time we got back, Stanley and I were pretty much eating alone and reheating the food. Yes kids, these are the magic moments that keep us coming back.

So now everyone picks a buddy at the start. If we get to a turn and your buddy isn't present you speak up and inform the group. If after several turns you fail to speak up or if someone else realizes your buddy is gone, it is up to you to retrieve your lost buddy. I chose Stanley.  I figured we could keep up with one another AND he knows all the roads and about half the widows in the area. ;-) Scott Grissom would be another good buddy to choose as he is the one who always carries matches.

The pace was a bit more aggressive than last year, making it truly a good hard ride. I attempted to win the first KOM but thanks to some loose rocks and deep leaves lost traction and stalled out a bit allowing Matt to kick past me in the final stretch. 2nd would be my best finish for the day. The second climb I tried for as well but lost interest near the top and finished a close third. After that I just opted to finish near the front without killing myself. It was more fun talking smack and messing with people than duking it out with fitter, younger folks at the front.

We finished up as the sun was setting over Buffalo Valley. The view from the Myers house is amazing and the perfect way to end such a marvelous ride. Chili and other homemade goodness awaited us at the house as well as some local Calfkiller brew and coffee. Sitting around rehashing stories and recounting the days events lasted a good few hours until it was time to load up and head back to the real world.

Thank you Steven and Ruthie for feeding us and putting on this great event year after year. Thank you also to Stanley "The Godfather" Wills for all that you do and for keeping this sport so entertaining and the adventures refreshing. Thanks to Patrico, Mark, and Scott for the fun camaraderie over the weekend as we prepared for and headed to the event. Also thank you out to all who showed up. It was great riding with you all.