Bike Doctor Grand Fondue by Dirty Kitten Gravel- Do it, you will enjoy it, we did.

 

Bike Doctor Grand Fondue by Dirty Kitten Gravel

October 26, 2024

Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery Middletown, Maryland

25, 50, and 100 mile distances

The Nankmans highly recommend this event!  What a great time. Before, during, and after.

Not a race but a "grand fondo" is a casual yet competitive event where riders can start anytime within the allotted time slots for their event or for the day. Some riders make these fun days with friends, some use them as training rides, come opt to race them. But that is the beauty of an event like this; you make it what you want. As for the Nankmans, our goal was a good solid day on the bike, take time to enjoy yet get in some good training miles.

Being October in the mid-Atlantic region of the US there was a bit of a chill early on so we waited to arrive at the event location; the goal being to start pedaling early enough to have ample time to not rush through the ride yet give it a chance to warm-up.  The sun was shining, there was no rain in the forecast but yet the morning temperatures were in the 40s.  The plan was to allow it to warm up to the low 50s when we started; high temperatures during the ride being forecast around 60 F.

Registration was smooth and concise.  The Dirty Kitten crew had everything organized and ready to go.  Parking was ample and easy in a big open field; we found the perfect spot for the van where we could let our dog out to stretch his legs.  The DK crew is friendly, fun, and energetic- which made getting ready at the event a blast. There were tickets being given out for door prizes, snack food for participants, and DK gear for sale.  A bike shop and mechanic were on site. The meadery, Orchid Cellar, was open for bathroom use.  All the information about the routes, aid stations, and on-course support was posted and well communicated.  Joël and I made quick work of registration, chatted with other riders, and were soon on our way to ride.

Both Nankmans opted for the 50 mile route. We wanted something that would give us a challenge and have us out there for a decent amount of time but yet we also wanted to make sure we would finish early enough to enjoy some libations at the meadery and get back to our campsite to enjoy a campfire and relaxation time. We had toyed with the 100 mile route…honestly those who know us know we felt a little guilty not riding that distance but we knew we would be out there too long and thus not have the rest of the day to enjoy.  This was a weekend where relaxation and social time took precedence over putting in the miles.

We are so glad we chose the route we did.  What an amazing ride!  A mixture of terrain both on and off road- pavement, gravel, and even some double and single track trail- made up the 50ish miles.  It also made for a total of 7,162 feet of elevation. Yup, that’s a huge amount of elevation for 50 miles and our legs felt it but it was so worth it.  Traversing through the rural farm country past horse and cattle farms. Climbing the gravel back roads up and down the mountain.  Bouncing through the single track of Fredshed. It certainly was a wild ride with something exciting around each turn.  Many beautiful rural single lane roads lined by historic houses, sprawling homesteads, and farm critters.  Many gravel roads, some smooth and some chunky, traversing through both fields and forest.  The climbs and descents were punishing yet spectacular. I swear the ascents went on forever and some seemed almost vertical...but that also meant equally as fun down hills.  Challenging yet wonderful, what a way to get those climbing legs worked out. Portions of single track and double track through the Fredshed area mixed things up a bit and for the mountain bikers amongst us it was a special treat.  Overall the course was amazing. It kept things interesting, exciting, challenging, fun, and beautiful all in one ride.

A well stocked aid station met riders partially through the 50 mile route (I’m not sure where and when for the 100 milers and if there was aid for the 25 milers….).  Rolling into the aid both Nankmans were hungry and what did our eyes see?  Numerous pans filled with warm and gooey grilled cheese! The most wonderful thing ever!  Joël and I chowed down, kudos to those that made this most tasty treat.  In addition to the grilled cheese there was the usual smattering of bars, snacks, and fruit. Water and electrolyte drink were available to fill bottles.  The aid volunteers were all cheerful, helpful, and stoked to be out there.

In summary, climbs and descents, amazing gravel, beautiful country roads, and some single track all with grilled cheese in the middle made for 54.4 miles, 7162 feet of climbing, 5ish hours of riding complete!

Now after all the pedaling is there anything better and more rewarding than ending an event at a winery and meadery? Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery was the host venue supplying libations and entertainment for riders post event. All riders received a complimentary drink, and as did Joël and I many treated themselves to a few more. Event participants along with their friends and family mingled, enjoyed the firepit, listened to music, and swapped stories reminiscing about their day on the bike.

Ride done, drinks enjoyed, socialized with others and it was soon time to head back to our camp spot for the weekend at Fort Frederick State Park. Proximity to the event made for a short drive Saturday morning and easy access back to the camp ground for relaxing for the remainder of the weekend.  The state park is what all parks should be; history and outdoor activities.  An old fort with tours and interactive seminars showcases events from the last few hundred years. The park has miles of trail for hiking and cycling ranging from grassy double track to meandering single track.  There is direct access to the C&O canal path. Camp spots are relatively close (typical of state parks) but still offer privacy.  Definitely a campground worth staying at for the grand fondue and also somewhere to consider for some time away hiking and riding.

Beautiful yet challenging course, tasty mid-ride aid station food, post ride drinks at a unique location, and a well organized event-all make the Grand Fondue an event that both Nankmans enjoy and can recommend.  See you all back there again in the future.

 

-words by Jess

-input by Joël

- photos by event photographer de Luna Shoots