The Filthy Times - 2016 Edition

K YOU THANfor riding with us

TiMES

ST EWAR TV ILL E,

MINNESOTA

2016

EDition

FROM YOUR DIRECTOR Welcome to the FOURTH annual Filthy 50! There are days when I think about how this ride began and cannot believe what an experience it has become. For many of our riders, it’s become a day to breath in the fall colors, scenic vistas and beautiful landscapes of southeastern Minnesota. For many of our racers it’s become a physical and mental battle against the clock, the terrain, and a chance to share the road with some of the fastest cyclists in the midwest. For my family, The Filthy 50 has become a family reunion and something that we are all genuinely thankful for.

When you arrive on Sunday morning, visit my sister Maryna and get checked in. After that, grab a free coffee from our friends at JustRideMN, then say hello to my mom and get your tickets for our famed “Meat Raffle”. Never fear vegetarians, this primarily consists of non-meat related bike items donated by our incredible sponsors. Though you could win something from Fareway’s award winning meat counter, you are more likely to walk away with a new Raleigh fat bike from Bicycle Sports, a wheel set from HED, a trainer from Kurt Kinetic, a poster from Adam Turman, or something equally as rad from Banjo Brothers, The Hub, Penn Cycle, The Racery, Rochester Cycling or Twin Six. Though The Filthy 50 is a free event, it is family run and funded out of my pocket. To keep the event free, we rely on our sponsors to donate goods and services, and we rely on our riders to purchase a raffle ticket or three for a chance to win. Once you have purchased your raffle tickets, get your bike ready to roll and drop a low five on my dad at the start. He will be the guy asking you about your tire choice for the day and educating you on the advantages of running lower PSI. Lastly, chat up my cousin Nathan if you’re lucky enough to share some miles with him out on the course.

Oh, and while you’re out there, Mark, Laura or Jenny, might be capturing a photo of you suffering, changing a flat, or just enjoying the ride. Remember, The Filthy 50 wouldn’t happen without the aforementioned sponsors or volunteers and it definitely wouldn’t happen without you.

Once you complete your ride, join your friends in the finishing area to share stories and recover with “The Filthy Party”.

Food trucks will be on site with barbecue, tacos, and my brother Jackson and niece Emma will be grilling up meat and vegetarian options over at the Rochester High School Mountain Bike Team tent. Ben Weaver will be playing songs for you and there will be free beer and rootbeer courtesy of Surly Brewing Co. and Bicycle Sports. After that, you might want to stop in to see if you won that fat bike from the “Meat Raffle” or maybe just grab something from the swag table.

Four years! That’s a presidential term in Washington in the White House! Four more years? We will leave that up to you.

Hey, did you know that there is a little berg named Washington near mile 38 on The Filthy 50 course? Did you know that in that little berg, there is a white house next to an old electrician’s shop? This is true, but when you roll through on October 9th, don’t blink, because you might miss it. Until then, my family and I will anxiously be awaiting your arrival in Stewartville. Remember, you have a choice. Race it and set a record or ride it and take in the beauty. Either way, get filthy.

Kind Regards, Trenton

2/3

FROM YOUR DIRECTOR Welcome to the FOURTH annual Filthy 50! There are days when I think about how this ride began and cannot believe what an experience it has become. For many of our riders, it’s become a day to breath in the fall colors, scenic vistas and beautiful landscapes of southeastern Minnesota. For many of our racers it’s become a physical and mental battle against the clock, the terrain, and a chance to share the road with some of the fastest cyclists in the midwest. For my family, The Filthy 50 has become a family reunion and something that we are all genuinely thankful for.

When you arrive on Sunday morning, visit my sister Maryna and get checked in. After that, grab a free coffee from our friends at JustRideMN, then say hello to my mom and get your tickets for our famed “Meat Raffle”. Never fear vegetarians, this primarily consists of non-meat related bike items donated by our incredible sponsors. Though you could win something from Fareway’s award winning meat counter, you are more likely to walk away with a new Raleigh fat bike from Bicycle Sports, a wheel set from HED, a trainer from Kurt Kinetic, a poster from Adam Turman, or something equally as rad from Banjo Brothers, The Hub, Penn Cycle, The Racery, Rochester Cycling or Twin Six. Though The Filthy 50 is a free event, it is family run and funded out of my pocket. To keep the event free, we rely on our sponsors to donate goods and services, and we rely on our riders to purchase a raffle ticket or three for a chance to win. Once you have purchased your raffle tickets, get your bike ready to roll and drop a low five on my dad at the start. He will be the guy asking you about your tire choice for the day and educating you on the advantages of running lower PSI. Lastly, chat up my cousin Nathan if you’re lucky enough to share some miles with him out on the course.

Oh, and while you’re out there, Mark, Laura or Jenny, might be capturing a photo of you suffering, changing a flat, or just enjoying the ride. Remember, The Filthy 50 wouldn’t happen without the aforementioned sponsors or volunteers and it definitely wouldn’t happen without you.

Once you complete your ride, join your friends in the finishing area to share stories and recover with “The Filthy Party”.

Food trucks will be on site with barbecue, tacos, and my brother Jackson and niece Emma will be grilling up meat and vegetarian options over at the Rochester High School Mountain Bike Team tent. Ben Weaver will be playing songs for you and there will be free beer and rootbeer courtesy of Surly Brewing Co. and Bicycle Sports. After that, you might want to stop in to see if you won that fat bike from the “Meat Raffle” or maybe just grab something from the swag table.

Four years! That’s a presidential term in Washington in the White House! Four more years? We will leave that up to you.

Hey, did you know that there is a little berg named Washington near mile 38 on The Filthy 50 course? Did you know that in that little berg, there is a white house next to an old electrician’s shop? This is true, but when you roll through on October 9th, don’t blink, because you might miss it. Until then, my family and I will anxiously be awaiting your arrival in Stewartville. Remember, you have a choice. Race it and set a record or ride it and take in the beauty. Either way, get filthy.

Kind Regards, Trenton

2/3

9

0 R E B O T C O , Y A D N U S CHECK-IN 8 AM

ROLL-OUT 10 AM

RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS 2

ride.

You are 100% on your own. There is no support for this We would appreciate it if you would REGISTER with us.

3

you will need.

This ride is unsupported. Bring EVERYTHING with you that

4

Wear a helmet.

5

Do not litter.

6

Obey traffic laws.

7

If you must urinate, please do not do it in front of the locals or other riders.

8

Ride safely and use good judgement.

9

Have fun.

1

10 You are responsible for you.

These are the rules. We think they are reasonable.

We try to keep it simple, so if you require more detail, please CONTACT US at: TheFilthy50@gmail.com

4/5

9

0 R E B O T C O , Y A D N U S CHECK-IN 8 AM

ROLL-OUT 10 AM

RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS 2

ride.

You are 100% on your own. There is no support for this We would appreciate it if you would REGISTER with us.

3

you will need.

This ride is unsupported. Bring EVERYTHING with you that

4

Wear a helmet.

5

Do not litter.

6

Obey traffic laws.

7

If you must urinate, please do not do it in front of the locals or other riders.

8

Ride safely and use good judgement.

9

Have fun.

1

10 You are responsible for you.

These are the rules. We think they are reasonable.

We try to keep it simple, so if you require more detail, please CONTACT US at: TheFilthy50@gmail.com

4/5

Yesss!

CUE sHEeTS!

up Print ‘em out...& trim ‘em

lp e sh ee ts to he U se th es e cu

you navig ate the 12, 24 or 50 mile rides .

Y The pretTy FILTH4!

be en Th es e ro ut es ha ve ED U SLY TE ST M E TI CU LO O U W IT H Y E ID V TO PRO

2

T! HY EN JO YM EN M AX IM UM FI LT

The litTLE FILTHY

12!

CUT HERE

Yesss!

CUE sHEeTS!

up Print ‘em out...& trim ‘em

lp e sh ee ts to he U se th es e cu

you navig ate the 12, 24 or 50 mile rides .

Y The pretTy FILTH4!

be en Th es e ro ut es ha ve ED U SLY TE ST M E TI CU LO O U W IT H Y E ID V TO PRO

2

T! HY EN JO YM EN M AX IM UM FI LT

The litTLE FILTHY

12!

CUT HERE

1

1

”For you I’d burn a house down I’d break a star from the sky snow in the snow oaks come sit by the fire we’ll talk about the old days and whittle out the night get dizzy in the treetops while the coyotes cry“ 10 / 11

”For you I’d burn a house down I’d break a star from the sky snow in the snow oaks come sit by the fire we’ll talk about the old days and whittle out the night get dizzy in the treetops while the coyotes cry“ 10 / 11

through the woods on the Minnesota This past Spring, I was riding my bicycle Ben and his son who were in search

River Bottoms and randomly came upon the sky, scurrying of an eagle’s nest. We talked while his boy smiled at Ben particularly that g Knowin bike. ess pedal-l through the forest on his ted in playing interes be would he if him asked I road, gravel enjoys a good he would, but that me told some songs for you at The Filthy 50 finish line. He have it any ’t wouldn we that know that he really wanted to ride it. I let him the starting taking be will riders te fortuna 800 9th, other way. So, on October playing two be s, Ben will line with the illustrious Ben Weaver. After he finishe or two and ge bevera free a musical sets for you all as you help yourselves to we are Ben, you Thank Party.

Filthy refuel with one of our food trucks at The songs. your and looking forward to your stories d touring in a car and “A while back I decided to do things differently. I stoppe the need to make felt I Soon . bicycle began carrying my instruments on my t settings I began concer nal traditio in ing perform another change. Instead of I wanted to water. around cally specifi , spaces l natura around building tours places I and people the give back, build communities, and learn more from visited.”

— Ben Weaver

bicycle advocate and Ben Weaver is a St. Paul Minnesota based songwriter, poet, as someone who enjoys father. Ben is known throughout the bicycling community adventure might become combining all of the aforementioned to simply see what enough to share in song. of it. His adventures often become stories that he is kind included his “It’s All have res adventu these of several Over the past few years, Mississippi River as well The River Tour” which followed the entire length of the of circling Lake Superior. as his “Surrounding Waters Tour” which was comprised his banjo in tow, with Ben rode every single one of those miles on his bicycle way. the playing to audiences along

“THE HILLS LOOK LIKE DIFFEREN T KINDS OF FUR IN THE MORNING DIRTY WOOL-TO RN CLOUDS BLOWING THROUGH THE CHINKS IN MY DAY NECK-DE EP IN THE BRAMBLE S HOLDING PIECES OF THE BEAST BRING THE DOGS TO THE RIVER WHERE THE SEA USED TO BE.”

12 / 13

through the woods on the Minnesota This past Spring, I was riding my bicycle Ben and his son who were in search

River Bottoms and randomly came upon the sky, scurrying of an eagle’s nest. We talked while his boy smiled at Ben particularly that g Knowin bike. ess pedal-l through the forest on his ted in playing interes be would he if him asked I road, gravel enjoys a good he would, but that me told some songs for you at The Filthy 50 finish line. He have it any ’t wouldn we that know that he really wanted to ride it. I let him the starting taking be will riders te fortuna 800 9th, other way. So, on October playing two be s, Ben will line with the illustrious Ben Weaver. After he finishe or two and ge bevera free a musical sets for you all as you help yourselves to we are Ben, you Thank Party.

Filthy refuel with one of our food trucks at The songs. your and looking forward to your stories d touring in a car and “A while back I decided to do things differently. I stoppe the need to make felt I Soon . bicycle began carrying my instruments on my t settings I began concer nal traditio in ing perform another change. Instead of I wanted to water. around cally specifi , spaces l natura around building tours places I and people the give back, build communities, and learn more from visited.”

— Ben Weaver

bicycle advocate and Ben Weaver is a St. Paul Minnesota based songwriter, poet, as someone who enjoys father. Ben is known throughout the bicycling community adventure might become combining all of the aforementioned to simply see what enough to share in song. of it. His adventures often become stories that he is kind included his “It’s All have res adventu these of several Over the past few years, Mississippi River as well The River Tour” which followed the entire length of the of circling Lake Superior. as his “Surrounding Waters Tour” which was comprised his banjo in tow, with Ben rode every single one of those miles on his bicycle way. the playing to audiences along

“THE HILLS LOOK LIKE DIFFEREN T KINDS OF FUR IN THE MORNING DIRTY WOOL-TO RN CLOUDS BLOWING THROUGH THE CHINKS IN MY DAY NECK-DE EP IN THE BRAMBLE S HOLDING PIECES OF THE BEAST BRING THE DOGS TO THE RIVER WHERE THE SEA USED TO BE.”

12 / 13

SPANIsH GONZaLES

Minneapolis, Minnesota 1ST PLACE SINGLE SPEED WOMEN - 2015

oming into the 2015 edition of The Filthy 50 I wasn’t even sure if I was Cgoing to be able to ride it, due to my beloved bike being stolen just weeks prior. I had made a post on Minneapolis Women’s Cyclocross page on Facebook asking if anyone had a tiny bike that I could borrow. To my surprise a total stranger, Melanie, offered her bike to me!

A

s soon as I could ride on two wheels the bicycle has been many different things to me, hobby, passion, career, all combined with moments of pain and suffering. In my 20 plus years of riding I have competed in road, mtb, cyclocross, BMX, and track races, but the most refreshing race was the inaugu ral Filthy 50 in 2013.

This event presents opportunities for those looking to win and those striving just to finish. Trenton and his team put in so

much work to make this event appeal to every ability.

I wanted to kick my own ass last year, so the night before the race I set up the bike Single Speed.

PAT LemiEUX

St. Paul, Minne sota 1ST PLACE OPEN MEN - 2015

(Filthy 50 course record holder)

The Filthy 50 energizes the cycling community. I have renewed faith in the future of cycling every time I attend this event. Last year there were over 700 racers and I only recognized 100, you could feel the energy in the parking lot as everyone was getting ready to race. While I have had my own success in this race, the smile that I have when sharing my experiences to others is more about the accessibility to all cyclists versus only the elite.

Morning came and I started the race with some friends, Jamie, Jeremy and Jess. We hung together through the whole ride, and about halfway came my crash. Slid out on a right hand turn at the bottom of a descent and chewed up my knee. Next came the outpouring of support from fellow racers, from offers of beers to drink, whiskey to wash out the wound. I pushed on, leaving a trail of blood drips in the dirt until I finished with the group I started with. 1st place Female SS!!!! The pressure is on this year to defend my title!

See ya on the road! Thank you, Bob for being my biggest supporter!

— Spanish

I look forward to competing in the The Filthy 50 for many years to come.

Please take a moment to thank Trenton and his team and please do not take this race for granted!

— Pat

14 / 15

SPANIsH GONZaLES

Minneapolis, Minnesota 1ST PLACE SINGLE SPEED WOMEN - 2015

oming into the 2015 edition of The Filthy 50 I wasn’t even sure if I was Cgoing to be able to ride it, due to my beloved bike being stolen just weeks prior. I had made a post on Minneapolis Women’s Cyclocross page on Facebook asking if anyone had a tiny bike that I could borrow. To my surprise a total stranger, Melanie, offered her bike to me!

A

s soon as I could ride on two wheels the bicycle has been many different things to me, hobby, passion, career, all combined with moments of pain and suffering. In my 20 plus years of riding I have competed in road, mtb, cyclocross, BMX, and track races, but the most refreshing race was the inaugu ral Filthy 50 in 2013.

This event presents opportunities for those looking to win and those striving just to finish. Trenton and his team put in so

much work to make this event appeal to every ability.

I wanted to kick my own ass last year, so the night before the race I set up the bike Single Speed.

PAT LemiEUX

St. Paul, Minne sota 1ST PLACE OPEN MEN - 2015

(Filthy 50 course record holder)

The Filthy 50 energizes the cycling community. I have renewed faith in the future of cycling every time I attend this event. Last year there were over 700 racers and I only recognized 100, you could feel the energy in the parking lot as everyone was getting ready to race. While I have had my own success in this race, the smile that I have when sharing my experiences to others is more about the accessibility to all cyclists versus only the elite.

Morning came and I started the race with some friends, Jamie, Jeremy and Jess. We hung together through the whole ride, and about halfway came my crash. Slid out on a right hand turn at the bottom of a descent and chewed up my knee. Next came the outpouring of support from fellow racers, from offers of beers to drink, whiskey to wash out the wound. I pushed on, leaving a trail of blood drips in the dirt until I finished with the group I started with. 1st place Female SS!!!! The pressure is on this year to defend my title!

See ya on the road! Thank you, Bob for being my biggest supporter!

— Spanish

I look forward to competing in the The Filthy 50 for many years to come.

Please take a moment to thank Trenton and his team and please do not take this race for granted!

— Pat

14 / 15

Mario

ta Rochester, Minneso

Muro OPEN MEN - 2015

and I discovered some of the coolest roads n August some friends got me out riding gravel cycling friends told me that if I liked riding These e. imagin can one y and most beautiful countr I did and all I can say is, The Filthy 50 is Well, 50.

Filthy The for gravel, I just had to sign up the weather was great and the course zed, organi well was my all time favorite ride. The race g out having some wood fire pizza hangin just was ne was spectacular! After the race everyo my best day on the bike. to ending t perfec the and smokin BBQ. It made for back!

This was my first Filthy 50, but........I'll be — Mario

I

St. Louis Park, Minnesota 2ND PLACE OPEN WO

MEN - 2015

Mario’s goal for 2016 is to see if he can break the 3 hour mark. We will be pulling for him.

PHOTO CREDIT: Todd Bauer | tmbimages.com

Note:

Ali Parsons

I entered The Filthy 50 in 201 5 as a total bike racing novi ce, sure I’d be out of my element in a gravel race. From the moment we rolled out, thou gh, I was hooked.

Unseasonably warm fall air, hundreds of tires crackling on gravel, whirring pedals powered by riders ranging from world class pros to kids to 70 year olds to hipsters beer-drinking day trippers to to couples on tandems...I was totally captivated. We wound through gorgeous southeastern Minnesota countryside, the kind you’d appreciate a lot more if you weren’t so busy shredding your legs on the hills. The ride unfolded and the kind of raw, silent camarad I felt erie that shared suffering crea tes as I hammered up hills with small clumps of people, pulled people, caught people, got dropped by people and choked on their dust. I finis hed sweaty and dusty and surp rised, even a bit empowered.

For me, The Filthy 50 opened the door to the unadulterated , no-frills world of gravel racing. I can’t wait to do it again!

— Ali

16 / 17

Mario

ta Rochester, Minneso

Muro OPEN MEN - 2015

and I discovered some of the coolest roads n August some friends got me out riding gravel cycling friends told me that if I liked riding These e. imagin can one y and most beautiful countr I did and all I can say is, The Filthy 50 is Well, 50.

Filthy The for gravel, I just had to sign up the weather was great and the course zed, organi well was my all time favorite ride. The race g out having some wood fire pizza hangin just was ne was spectacular! After the race everyo my best day on the bike. to ending t perfec the and smokin BBQ. It made for back!

This was my first Filthy 50, but........I'll be — Mario

I

St. Louis Park, Minnesota 2ND PLACE OPEN WO

MEN - 2015

Mario’s goal for 2016 is to see if he can break the 3 hour mark. We will be pulling for him.

PHOTO CREDIT: Todd Bauer | tmbimages.com

Note:

Ali Parsons

I entered The Filthy 50 in 201 5 as a total bike racing novi ce, sure I’d be out of my element in a gravel race. From the moment we rolled out, thou gh, I was hooked.

Unseasonably warm fall air, hundreds of tires crackling on gravel, whirring pedals powered by riders ranging from world class pros to kids to 70 year olds to hipsters beer-drinking day trippers to to couples on tandems...I was totally captivated. We wound through gorgeous southeastern Minnesota countryside, the kind you’d appreciate a lot more if you weren’t so busy shredding your legs on the hills. The ride unfolded and the kind of raw, silent camarad I felt erie that shared suffering crea tes as I hammered up hills with small clumps of people, pulled people, caught people, got dropped by people and choked on their dust. I finis hed sweaty and dusty and surp rised, even a bit empowered.

For me, The Filthy 50 opened the door to the unadulterated , no-frills world of gravel racing. I can’t wait to do it again!

— Ali

16 / 17

john INGHAM M

Minnetonka, Minnesota OLDEST RIDER (74) - 2015

ary and I were back in the Fareway parking lot for just a few minutes when, what do you know, Trenton and his dad Joel pulled in. Noticing our bikes, they asked if we were “gravel racers.” “Well, sort of” I allowed.

We had just done a late August pre-ride of the Filthy Fifty course. They were impressed. At 74, I was the oldest person yet to do the course, and we had done it despite fresh gravel, oppressive heat, and 20 mph winds gusting to 35 mph. Seeing a posting when they saw one, they had us pose for their web page! On race day, I started late but was soon passing other riders, although not for long. Riders up ahead were pulling away and others were passing me. Some were trim spinning machines and some were packing beer bellies, but all of them were younger and stronger. One of them, believe it or not, was loaded down with a boom box but went breezing by me anyway. Still more riders dropped me on the descent to Highway 5. I was being cautious about bombing steep downhill runs, no doubt wisely given my age and lack of experience. I also had enough sense to avoid beer and whiskey at Fillmore. I was pleased about staying on the bike for the steep climb out of the river valley, and I felt even better when I happened upon Doug, motoring along on his Salsa Fat Bike. I started drafting him, perhaps a bit too closely, but try as he might, he could not drop me. After a few competitive minutes, we settled into friendly conversation and cooperative pace lining. And with wind finally at our backs, we were really flying. It was exhilarating, actually, and I felt almost young again. Turning onto 20th St NE, with the finish in sight, I cranked it up even more, although a tad too soon. With a quarter mile to go, I was running out of gas.

Later, Trenton said, “You my friend, you totally crushed it.” I don’t know about that, but it was one of my better efforts, and maybe not too shabby for a first season of gravel racing within days of turning 75. It certainly seemed like an improvement on the week before when I finished the Heck of the North, lanterne rouge, the last hour in cold and darkness on a rough double track, with a useless light and all too close to what was starting to feel like hypothermia.

Some gravel races are more challenging than others, but they are all demanding, and one never knows. Weather and road conditions can turn any course into an epic struggle. Friends and relatives wonder why we do it, and we may wonder too. Gravel roads are usually less dangerous than paved roads. And the settings for gravel races are often exceptionally beautiful. Yet, there is surely more to the story. In an era of virtual realities, passive entertainment, and contrived fears and wants, managing real risks and hanging in there despite pain and suffering can be profoundly satisfying. What is more, the focus required by gravel grinding resembles meditation and, like meditation, it probably makes us happier and more relaxed. And as Doug Robinson tries to show in The Alchemy of Action, adventure athletes may be particularly prone to visionary perception and moments of euphoria, and thus more likely to develop a deeper and more satisfying connection with the natural world. The Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota is picturesque to be sure, but Robinson’s take suggests that some of the stunning beauty that inspires the gravel grinder as she races along Morgan Road is probably in the mind of the beholder, an artifact of the neurochemistry of risk taking and intense effort. In any event, after all the hard work, shared adventure, and joy, she and the rest of us are left with gratitude for what Trenton, his parents, and their volunteers have given us, and gratitude too for what we have given ourselves by showing up and truly being there.

— John

18 / 19

john INGHAM M

Minnetonka, Minnesota OLDEST RIDER (74) - 2015

ary and I were back in the Fareway parking lot for just a few minutes when, what do you know, Trenton and his dad Joel pulled in. Noticing our bikes, they asked if we were “gravel racers.” “Well, sort of” I allowed.

We had just done a late August pre-ride of the Filthy Fifty course. They were impressed. At 74, I was the oldest person yet to do the course, and we had done it despite fresh gravel, oppressive heat, and 20 mph winds gusting to 35 mph. Seeing a posting when they saw one, they had us pose for their web page! On race day, I started late but was soon passing other riders, although not for long. Riders up ahead were pulling away and others were passing me. Some were trim spinning machines and some were packing beer bellies, but all of them were younger and stronger. One of them, believe it or not, was loaded down with a boom box but went breezing by me anyway. Still more riders dropped me on the descent to Highway 5. I was being cautious about bombing steep downhill runs, no doubt wisely given my age and lack of experience. I also had enough sense to avoid beer and whiskey at Fillmore. I was pleased about staying on the bike for the steep climb out of the river valley, and I felt even better when I happened upon Doug, motoring along on his Salsa Fat Bike. I started drafting him, perhaps a bit too closely, but try as he might, he could not drop me. After a few competitive minutes, we settled into friendly conversation and cooperative pace lining. And with wind finally at our backs, we were really flying. It was exhilarating, actually, and I felt almost young again. Turning onto 20th St NE, with the finish in sight, I cranked it up even more, although a tad too soon. With a quarter mile to go, I was running out of gas.

Later, Trenton said, “You my friend, you totally crushed it.” I don’t know about that, but it was one of my better efforts, and maybe not too shabby for a first season of gravel racing within days of turning 75. It certainly seemed like an improvement on the week before when I finished the Heck of the North, lanterne rouge, the last hour in cold and darkness on a rough double track, with a useless light and all too close to what was starting to feel like hypothermia.

Some gravel races are more challenging than others, but they are all demanding, and one never knows. Weather and road conditions can turn any course into an epic struggle. Friends and relatives wonder why we do it, and we may wonder too. Gravel roads are usually less dangerous than paved roads. And the settings for gravel races are often exceptionally beautiful. Yet, there is surely more to the story. In an era of virtual realities, passive entertainment, and contrived fears and wants, managing real risks and hanging in there despite pain and suffering can be profoundly satisfying. What is more, the focus required by gravel grinding resembles meditation and, like meditation, it probably makes us happier and more relaxed. And as Doug Robinson tries to show in The Alchemy of Action, adventure athletes may be particularly prone to visionary perception and moments of euphoria, and thus more likely to develop a deeper and more satisfying connection with the natural world. The Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota is picturesque to be sure, but Robinson’s take suggests that some of the stunning beauty that inspires the gravel grinder as she races along Morgan Road is probably in the mind of the beholder, an artifact of the neurochemistry of risk taking and intense effort. In any event, after all the hard work, shared adventure, and joy, she and the rest of us are left with gratitude for what Trenton, his parents, and their volunteers have given us, and gratitude too for what we have given ourselves by showing up and truly being there.

— John

18 / 19

NiKkI MuNvez & Andy LAGeson Twin Cities, Minnesota

1ST PLACE TANDEM - 2015

L

ast year’s Filthy 50 was actually our first tandem race ever. Andy had signed up to race in the men’s category, and I hadn’t signed up at all. I broke my wrist in early September that year and underwent surgery to get some plates and screws installed to make the wrist functioning again. I was having a really tough time being off the bike. Filthy 50 falls on the weekend of my birthday, and as the weekend approached, I didn’t even feel like celebrating.

Cycling is the best way I know how to have fun and celebrate life, but I just wasn’t far enough along in the healing process to ride a bike. I remember thinking “I would give anything to pedal a bike on my birthday!”, and it occurred to me that, I definitely could still pedal a bike, I just couldn’t handle the front end quite yet. I consulted Andy with my crazy idea to captain the tandem for me, and he agreed (YES!).

Next step was to find a tandem. I posted on the Twin Cities cycling trading post in hopes of renting one from a stranger, but our community is so incredible, something like 10 people offered to lend their tandems for free.

We picked up the closest tandem a couple days before the race, practiced a little bit around the city, e-mailed Trenton to switch to tandem category, and went for it! Race day was all clear blue skies and unseasonably warm for October. I felt like mother nature was for cheering me. I was SO STOKED to be riding a bike, but really surprised at how out-of-shape I was. Every time we went up hill I felt like I was going to die. In fact, I think some other riders can attest to it that I was literally screaming in pain. On one particularly difficult section, our friend Matt noticed us struggling and gave us a huge push. It’s hard to remember, he might have even grabbed onto the bike and pulled us uphill for 20 feet. An absolute angel. I think I yelled “thank you!” at him on repeat about 30 times. Sometime in the second half of the race, Andy and I both started to feel real good. Maybe it just took us a while to warm up.

We were flying. Just passing people. They’d hop on our wheel and we’d have a string of 15 riders drafting us, and then we’d drop them and the same thing would happen when we approached another group. It was awesome. Andy had some insane goal for us, like to finish in the top 10 or something, but I’m really proud of our tandem champ title and our top-50 finish. Most importantly, we had a blast, and became totally addicted to riding tandem.

We bought our own tandem this summer and are totally pumped to come out and defend our title.

— Nikki

W

e were both really stoked and nervous to race Tandem at The Filthy 50 last year. We had just started riding tandem and this would be the first test on gravel. I was stoked to be there with so many rad folks from the cycling community and team Sh!tgoose. I think we had almost all of our team represented last year. I was also stoked that our teammates Corey and Ashley decided to ride tandem as well. After the best speech in all of gravel racing was over, we were off. I realized within the first 2 miles that this was going to be much more difficult than if I was just up in the front of the lead pack riding solo. We were trying to stay with the lead pack, but just started getting passed within the first 8 miles or so. I noticed that we were having a tough time with some of the hills in the first part of the course and they weren’t even that steep. About half way through we started to get warmed up and set a pretty aggressive pace and started making up some time. I had a blast riding with Nikki as we could actually have a conversation the entire time that we were riding if we wanted. With the last 15 miles to go, we really stepped it up and got some help from the wind. In the flats we started pacing about 27 mph and folks tried to jump into our draft. We’d look back and they were gone. When we needed more gas, I’d just yell back at Nikki to stoke and we’d pick up a ton of watts in an instant, she's a locomotion on crack. I remember that one of the toughest things to get down is just straight up communication.

I had to yell out all of our turns, when we were shifting and when we needed to coast (“coasties”), when I needed Nikki to stoke us up a hill, and when it was time to crush.

I learned a ton about myself, bike handling and how to better communicate with a super rad person. I thank the Filthy 50 for the great event every year, one of the best in all of gravel and for the chance to become closer with the person I love.

Much love and respect — Andy

NiKkI MuNvez & Andy LAGeson Twin Cities, Minnesota

1ST PLACE TANDEM - 2015

L

ast year’s Filthy 50 was actually our first tandem race ever. Andy had signed up to race in the men’s category, and I hadn’t signed up at all. I broke my wrist in early September that year and underwent surgery to get some plates and screws installed to make the wrist functioning again. I was having a really tough time being off the bike. Filthy 50 falls on the weekend of my birthday, and as the weekend approached, I didn’t even feel like celebrating.

Cycling is the best way I know how to have fun and celebrate life, but I just wasn’t far enough along in the healing process to ride a bike. I remember thinking “I would give anything to pedal a bike on my birthday!”, and it occurred to me that, I definitely could still pedal a bike, I just couldn’t handle the front end quite yet. I consulted Andy with my crazy idea to captain the tandem for me, and he agreed (YES!).

Next step was to find a tandem. I posted on the Twin Cities cycling trading post in hopes of renting one from a stranger, but our community is so incredible, something like 10 people offered to lend their tandems for free.

We picked up the closest tandem a couple days before the race, practiced a little bit around the city, e-mailed Trenton to switch to tandem category, and went for it! Race day was all clear blue skies and unseasonably warm for October. I felt like mother nature was for cheering me. I was SO STOKED to be riding a bike, but really surprised at how out-of-shape I was. Every time we went up hill I felt like I was going to die. In fact, I think some other riders can attest to it that I was literally screaming in pain. On one particularly difficult section, our friend Matt noticed us struggling and gave us a huge push. It’s hard to remember, he might have even grabbed onto the bike and pulled us uphill for 20 feet. An absolute angel. I think I yelled “thank you!” at him on repeat about 30 times. Sometime in the second half of the race, Andy and I both started to feel real good. Maybe it just took us a while to warm up.

We were flying. Just passing people. They’d hop on our wheel and we’d have a string of 15 riders drafting us, and then we’d drop them and the same thing would happen when we approached another group. It was awesome. Andy had some insane goal for us, like to finish in the top 10 or something, but I’m really proud of our tandem champ title and our top-50 finish. Most importantly, we had a blast, and became totally addicted to riding tandem.

We bought our own tandem this summer and are totally pumped to come out and defend our title.

— Nikki

W

e were both really stoked and nervous to race Tandem at The Filthy 50 last year. We had just started riding tandem and this would be the first test on gravel. I was stoked to be there with so many rad folks from the cycling community and team Sh!tgoose. I think we had almost all of our team represented last year. I was also stoked that our teammates Corey and Ashley decided to ride tandem as well. After the best speech in all of gravel racing was over, we were off. I realized within the first 2 miles that this was going to be much more difficult than if I was just up in the front of the lead pack riding solo. We were trying to stay with the lead pack, but just started getting passed within the first 8 miles or so. I noticed that we were having a tough time with some of the hills in the first part of the course and they weren’t even that steep. About half way through we started to get warmed up and set a pretty aggressive pace and started making up some time. I had a blast riding with Nikki as we could actually have a conversation the entire time that we were riding if we wanted. With the last 15 miles to go, we really stepped it up and got some help from the wind. In the flats we started pacing about 27 mph and folks tried to jump into our draft. We’d look back and they were gone. When we needed more gas, I’d just yell back at Nikki to stoke and we’d pick up a ton of watts in an instant, she's a locomotion on crack. I remember that one of the toughest things to get down is just straight up communication.

I had to yell out all of our turns, when we were shifting and when we needed to coast (“coasties”), when I needed Nikki to stoke us up a hill, and when it was time to crush.

I learned a ton about myself, bike handling and how to better communicate with a super rad person. I thank the Filthy 50 for the great event every year, one of the best in all of gravel and for the chance to become closer with the person I love.

Much love and respect — Andy

K YOU THANfor riding with us

TiMES

ST EWAR TV ILL E,

MINNESOTA

2016

EDition