Country Bike Rally in Michigan 2015

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Marc Irwin

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Dec 4, 2014, 6:05:21 AM12/4/14
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Along my travels the past few years a few people have asked about a bike rally in Michigan.  Of course there are a lot of places many people would like along the lakeshore, but I realized that two things which have reached international importance are right out my back door and I do it every year.  Every year around the end of Sept I ride up to Yankee Springs Campground and spend the weekend where I ride through the forest along the route of the Barry Roubaix gravel race and spend the following day riding (or driving/riding, depending on the weather) to Grand Rapids for the Art Prize competition.  
I thought I would throw that out there and invite anybody who wishes to tag along.  It would be the last weekend of September 2015.  

Marc

Tim Gavin

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Dec 4, 2014, 8:45:49 AM12/4/14
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That sounds fun, Mark.  I'm definitely interested, and Lil probably will be too.

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Geoffrey

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Dec 4, 2014, 9:56:45 AM12/4/14
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That sounds pretty cool.  How long of  a ride is it?

Palmer

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Dec 4, 2014, 11:09:35 AM12/4/14
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Sounds great Mark. I am in the Muskegon area and would gladly participate. I like the Barry Roubaix idea better. Artprize can get pretty crazy in car and on foot even. Grand rapids isn't the most bike friendly in my experience 10 years ago, may be much better now.
Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, near Muskegon MI

Jeffrey Marco

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Dec 4, 2014, 12:57:11 PM12/4/14
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Finally! an event in my State! Count me in!

Marc Irwin

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Dec 4, 2014, 4:08:04 PM12/4/14
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Keep it on the calendar Tim.  I put it up there so people could consider it for their 2015 plans.  I will no doubt be able to get some people locally to come, but am hoping some from other areas will set the date aside.

Marc

Sean Cleary

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Dec 4, 2014, 10:15:23 PM12/4/14
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I'm very interested to see your part of the Midwest Mark, particularly after riding a few Country Rallys with you here in MinneSnowta. If stars align next September, Homer Hilsen and I are in.

Sean

dougP

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Dec 4, 2014, 11:13:10 PM12/4/14
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An upside to winter is people start noodling on next years adventures.  If Marc & Jim Thill coordinate their events, some of us from Distant Lands may be able to convince ourselves to travel to the heartland. 

dougP

Allingham II, Thomas J

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Dec 5, 2014, 10:11:08 AM12/5/14
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Marc:

 

I ‘ve put it on my calendar.  Sounds great.

 

Tom

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Marc Irwin

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Dec 5, 2014, 1:19:41 PM12/5/14
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Actually, I do both, that weekend.  Saturday, I ride the gravel roads of the Barry Roubaix and go up to spend a few hours at Art Prize on Sunday.  Of course, either or both are an option for visitors.

Marc

Sean Cleary

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Dec 5, 2014, 10:33:18 PM12/5/14
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I should know better than to call you Mark, Marc. Sorry, mate.

Sean

Marc Irwin

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Dec 6, 2014, 4:44:30 PM12/6/14
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I can put together as long a ride as you like, but Saturday I was looking at 25-30 to have lunch in Hastings and a different 25-30 back.  Sunday, to ArtPrize, it's a 30 mile ride to downtown GR and day of knocking around and back, but I figured a lot of people would caravan to a common location, and make that a stop before the drive home.  But logistics and details can always be worked out.  There are hotel and casino accommodations nearby as well.

Marc

Marc Irwin

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Dec 25, 2014, 8:52:36 AM12/25/14
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I thought I would pass on the counts so far.  Of course, I've been doing this myself for a few years so it will happen regardless who else shows.  I have 4 from this site who have put it on their calendars and another 4 locally, with me that's nine who are planning on it.  I've two other forums where I will list this so it looks like a party!

Marc

Geoffrey

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Dec 25, 2014, 11:10:48 AM12/25/14
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I'm in NW Indiana so just as long as nothing work wise steals this weekend away from me, I'll likely be showing up as week :)

Montclair BobbyB

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Dec 29, 2014, 10:51:58 PM12/29/14
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Will mark it on the calendar, Marc, and try to convince a few other East Coasters to join.

Peace,
BB 


On Thursday, December 4, 2014 6:05:21 AM UTC-5, Marc Irwin wrote:

Marc Irwin

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Dec 30, 2014, 9:53:53 AM12/30/14
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Great Bobby, Tom has said he will try to make it also.  There has been quite an interest from the start.  If everybody's calendars hold up, we will have quite a party!

Marc

CapNMike

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Dec 30, 2014, 8:16:04 PM12/30/14
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This is in my back yard. Count me in.
-Mike 

Marc Irwin

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Jan 4, 2015, 9:08:00 AM1/4/15
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Great to hear it MIke.  That puts us into double digits already.  I'll be posting more information as time goes on.  Hopefully people will be able to finalize some plans early in the summer so we can reserve campsites and/or rooms.

Marc

Marc Irwin

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Jan 31, 2015, 12:37:17 PM1/31/15
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Just a little bump for this, there are currently 14 of us planning to attend in September.

Marc

Marc Irwin

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Apr 26, 2015, 7:24:53 AM4/26/15
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I thought I should add some life to this thread. Right now I have seen interest from 14 people who tentatively plan to come. The logistics and itinerary will look something like this: In August I will be asking for commitments so I can reserve the proper campsites (hopefully together so we don't feel like midgets lost in a trailer park), Friday will be a casual meet and greet with snacks provided by yours truly there is nice single track MTB course near for the early ones, also a bar around the corner), Saturday will be a casual ride of 40-60 miles on the roads that host the legendary Barry Roubaix gravel race, Lunch at a restaurant/brewpub in Hastings at the halfway point, Sunday we break camp in the morning and caravan up M-37 to the Woodland Mall in Kentwood where we can stage out for a casual ride through E. Grand Rapids to the downtown to enjoy Art Prize we can lunch together somewhere and ride back before returning to the cars which will have easy access to the interstates for everybody's return home.

Marc

Michael Fleischman

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Apr 26, 2015, 9:23:40 AM4/26/15
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Not far at all from Indaianapolis. Count me in.

Michael

Marc Irwin

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Apr 26, 2015, 10:59:28 AM4/26/15
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That makes 15 and I haven't even recruited locally yet!

cyclotourist

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Apr 26, 2015, 11:18:25 AM4/26/15
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Marc, looks like you're putting together something pretty special!
Should be a blast! Have fun out there!
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BenG

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Apr 28, 2015, 12:14:22 PM4/28/15
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Only 2hrs from Fort Wayne, fall camping in Michigan, and I'd like to meet each of you. Please count me in if room allows. I will probably bring a long bike with a horse headbadge. Thanks for sharing your ride with us!

Marc Irwin

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Jul 19, 2015, 1:51:33 PM7/19/15
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Time is drawing near, so I thought it best to give this a boost to remind everybody. It will be held Sept. 25 through 27th. We will be staying at the Yankee Springs modern campground outside Middleville, Mi. I will be taking a committed head count in late August to reserve the necessary sites together. Of course, people who live near are welcome to drive up for either of the rides. The itinerary will be; Friday casual meet and greet at the campsites (there are some nice single track trails for those who are early and want to stretch their legs), Saturday a 30 -50 mile ride through the Yankee Springs forest on the roads made famous by the Barry Roubaix gravel race with lunch at the turn in Hastings, Sunday, we'll caravan to GR and take a relaxing late morning ride through East Grand Rapids downtown and visit the Art Prize venues after which everybody can disperse and head home on their own schedules. Those who have expressed an interest or intention will be contacted individually to confirm.

Marc

Michael Fleischman

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Jul 22, 2015, 12:34:05 AM7/22/15
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Still good. Looking forward to it. Those roads look great.

Avery Wilson

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Jul 22, 2015, 8:32:49 AM7/22/15
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I'm most definitely interested. Just one thing - talking to my wife about it, and she assumes it's going to be a bunch of dudes, their bikes, and camping. I'm fine with that for myself, but is her assumption true? Would there be other ladies in the group? If so, we may both come, if not, it may be just me and I'll hitch a ride with Michael from indy.

Palmer

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Jul 22, 2015, 9:04:38 AM7/22/15
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Hi Marc,
I am still in. Looking forward to it. Is anyone bringing a mountain bike to ride Friday?? Yankee Springs is a very nice mountain bike trail.
Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, MI

Marc Irwin

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Jul 22, 2015, 10:41:32 AM7/22/15
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I'll let you know later next month after I get some confirmations.  I know of two women who expressed an interest and we may have some locals show up for the rides.  We'll just have to see.  Later in August I will PM each person to confirm so I will have some viable numbers.
Marc

Tim Gavin

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Jul 27, 2015, 11:03:58 AM7/27/15
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Avery (and Marc) -

My girlfriend, Lillian, and plan to attend.  Add 1 to the female count.

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BenG

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Jul 28, 2015, 12:16:59 PM7/28/15
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Hi Marc. I checked out the Barry Roubaix site. Race-oriented, naturally, so it looked tough to me. What would our picture look like?

Marc Irwin

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Jul 28, 2015, 3:45:51 PM7/28/15
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I was going to suggest that to anybody who shows up Friday.  The trail is not far away and a good ride, it can be negotiated on 40-50 mm tires and will be a good diversion to anybody with a little time to kill.

Marc

Marc Irwin

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Jul 28, 2015, 3:48:18 PM7/28/15
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It's not that bad.  If you are racing, it is really challenging, but I intend to avoid some of the really testy sandy climbs that make it tough.  I literally lived on the course for 15 years and these are the roads I used to use to go the grocery store and Walmart.  I actually couldn't believe they were making a race course of it.

Marc

Marc Irwin

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Jul 28, 2015, 3:50:32 PM7/28/15
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There you go Avery!  Tim's girlfriend Lillian is showing up for sure.  I think you have to bring your wife so Lillian won't have to put with a testosterone parade.

Marc

On Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 8:32:49 AM UTC-4, Avery Wilson wrote:

Marc Irwin

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Aug 8, 2015, 7:32:48 AM8/8/15
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The way things stand 6 weeks out we have about 15 people intending to come. I plan to reserve 4 adjacent campsites at the modern campgrounds in Yankee Springs Sept 25th & 26, they are Large sites made for RV's and should provide us with room for everybody to have their privacy and still be able to hang out without searching around for each other. The sites allow up to 6 people per site so we will have room for last minute people. Cost will be around $20 per person for the weekend. Plus whatever food you might decide on.
The itinerary looks like this:
Friday meet and hang out for snacks and beverages. MTB trails are nearby for anybody inclined with the time.
Saturday, around 10 am take a casual gravel road tour of the forest to Hastings where we can lunch at the Walldorff Brewpub, return again on a different route through the forest. I guessing 40-45 miles round trip.
Sunday, after packing up, those inclined can caravan up to GR where we will stage out and take a ride through E GR to downtown and enjoy the spectacle of Art Prize.


All that being said, I have been invited to extend an invitation to join a C&V contingent at the Barry Roubaix Fall Fondo which is being organized. I just heard of this yesterday and we would all have to agree to change the date to Oct.9-10th and pay an extra $20 registration fee. I imagine it will be a typical gravel grinding gathering with a small CV group participating. I am inclined to say no, since most have already planned their time, but thought it only decent to throw it in front of the group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mich.heroic.vintage.bikes/

Marc


Tim Gavin

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Aug 8, 2015, 9:47:32 AM8/8/15
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Marc- 

The BRFF gravel ride sounds fun, but I'd much rather do the original plan.  Lill is excited for Art Prize.

Tim

Marc Irwin

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Aug 8, 2015, 10:20:48 AM8/8/15
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I agree, the Barry Roubaix, having the reputation it does, is bound to draw a lot of spandex hamsters determined to prove something. The 11th is the official end of Art Prize.

Marc

Jeffrey Marco

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Aug 10, 2015, 8:47:57 AM8/10/15
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+1 for sticking with the originally planned weekend. Already got the ok from the boss. I'm planning on riding in from lansing. anyone care to join? pm me for details.

Marc Irwin

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Aug 24, 2015, 10:47:03 AM8/24/15
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I got back from last week's ride along the Michigan lake shore. I will be waiting until later in the week to make reservations for the rally on the 25th of Sept. So far I have only received 2 confirmations in the mail. According to the responses I've had, I expect 10-12 for the weekend. $20 each should take of camping for the weekend, it can be sent to me by mail or through Google wallet (it's easy and free). Here is a link to the route I have put together:http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/813742175
It is a relatively moderate route and I checked out the roads which are in very good condition. It's about 60% gravel with both of the climbing sections on asphalt. Hope to see you all there.

Marc

Mike Line

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Aug 24, 2015, 11:00:36 AM8/24/15
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Hi Marc,

I rode much of the round last weekend road conditions are great. I haven't decided if I will be camping or just driving over each day. Hoping to bring a few like-minded cyclist with me.

-Mike

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Marc Irwin

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Aug 24, 2015, 12:21:11 PM8/24/15
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Great!, let me know.

Marc

Marc Irwin

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Sep 1, 2015, 10:23:21 AM9/1/15
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Based on the replies I have had, I reserved two campsites at Yankee Springs for the weekend of 9/25-27.  One is reserved for Sunday as well in case anybody besides me needs to stay an extra day.  There are 5 of us camping for sure with a couple more possible.  The campsites can accommodate one more vehicle and as many as 4 more people comfortably.   Several people plan to drive in for the ride on Saturday which will start around 10AM from the parking lot at the day use area adjacent to the campground.  I'm looking at a group of 10-15 on the Saturday ride, I'm not sure what to expect for the Art Prize option on Sunday.  
  There are several small stores, restaurants and bars in the immediate area. I am planning to cook scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  Saturday night I plan to have some roasted brisket and turkey breast for dinner.   If everybody could bring a side we could have an old fashioned potluck for dinner that night.  Beer, of course, is intertwined with bike culture and unavoidable for an event like this.
Looks like fun!

Marc 

Marc Irwin

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Sep 13, 2015, 11:41:23 AM9/13/15
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It's less than two weeks away!   A reminder, there are 5 of us camping and there is room for two more if anybody makes last minute plans.  We have 4 or 5 joining us who are driving in for the ride on Saturday.  I expect to have a great weekend.

Marc 

Marc Irwin

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Sep 20, 2015, 7:31:55 PM9/20/15
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It's less than a week away now, the long term weather forecast makes it look like a perfect weekend for cycling and I expect about 10 from the responses I have gotten. We are looking forward to it and welcome any late comers to join in if you are withing range. We'll be meeting in the Day Use are of Yankee Springs State Park between 9:30 and 10 on Sept. 26.

Marc

Marc Irwin

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Sep 25, 2015, 6:12:48 AM9/25/15
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Here is a link to the route if anybody wants to download it before driving to the start: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/813742175

Marc

Montclair BobbyB

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Sep 25, 2015, 11:59:42 AM9/25/15
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Hey Marc: Sending good vibes to you and all the CBR Michigan riders for a spectacular weekend of riding. Be safe, post pics and enjoy the ride!!!
Peace,
Bobby

Jeffrey Marco

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Sep 28, 2015, 11:04:05 AM9/28/15
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Hey Marc,
Thanks again for setting this up! It was really nice to meet you and the the others that came out. You couldn't have asked for nicer weekend. The weather was perfect, the roads were fantastic and the company was great. Got a chance to ride a lot of Riv's in different sizes which for me wouldn't be possible unless I went to Walnut Creek.  I'm looking forward to doing it again next year.

Big shout out to Mike for hooking me up with the derailleur cable off your Hunq. You're a life saver. PM me your contact info so I can mail you one. 








On Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 6:05:21 AM UTC-5, Marc Irwin wrote:
Along my travels the past few years a few people have asked about a bike rally in Michigan.  Of course there are a lot of places many people would like along the lakeshore, but I realized that two things which have reached international importance are right out my back door and I do it every year.  Every year around the end of Sept I ride up to Yankee Springs Campground and spend the weekend where I ride through the forest along the route of the Barry Roubaix gravel race and spend the following day riding (or driving/riding, depending on the weather) to Grand Rapids for the Art Prize competition.  
I thought I would throw that out there and invite anybody who wishes to tag along.  It would be the last weekend of September 2015.  

Marc

Marc Irwin

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Sep 29, 2015, 11:29:16 AM9/29/15
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  We had a great weekend.  The recap of the weekend is here.

Marc
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