First Ever! Stokesville Strade Gravel Grinder.

My Trek Domane, the most comfortable spring classic ride. 

A new spring classic was born this past Saturday, the Stokesville Strade Gravel Grinder. This event was another great production by the folks at Shenandoah Mountain Touring. Unlike most other events at Stokevilles this one was based out of Stokeville Lodge instead of the campground making for a more intimate feel (and less of a climb at the end).

The Tandem that would become my rabbit.

The ride started out with a steady pace as the lead vehicle paced us out of Stokesville back towards Sangerville on our way to the first of many gravel/dirt sections. As we entered the first dirt section it was obvious the heavy rains from the previous day were going to make for perfect tracion, but add up later on.

Ben Martin, always super fun to ride with!

Lindsey C, my favorite power house PULP rider.

Unlike the gravel roads used another spring classic, The Harris-Roubaix, the Strade roads has significantly more dirt then gravel making for muddy conditions. Like most spring classics corrrect tire choice is vital. My 28c Bontrager All Weather Tires proved bomb proof once again but 25c would have been the best selection due to tire clearence.  Around mile 25 I decided to stop to do come cleaning of the brakes. I did not realize how packed my bike was of mud until I had to take my wheel out and use a road side stick to chip away at the drying crust!

With less mud and resistance on my bike the final 7 miles flew by while we traveled the scenic roads on the east side of Lookout Mountain. A majority of my time was spent trying to chase down one of the several tandems on the ride, my hopes for some good wheel sucking never materialized as the duo rider train stayed ahead to the train depot house.

At the finish line the riders where treated to warm relaxing conditions, great food and drinks. SMT always makes sure every rider from first to last is treated like a king or queen, even if they did not win the crown. Thanks Chris, Jade and the rest of the family at SMT for another memorable ride. I can't wait until next year's Strade. Make sure to put it on your 2016 ride calendar!