GRUSK Venti ITT
Gravel Ride...Race Up Spruce Knob
220 miles of gravel with 19,000 feet of climbing
including the highest peak in West Virginia, Spruce Knob
July 8-9, 2022
Davis area, West Virginia
After taking part in the 2021 140 mile version of this event, Joël and I were looking forward to returning in 2022 for the 220 mile version. The 140 mile course was everything we expected out of West Virginia, “wild and wonderful”, with massive climbs, beautiful scenery and breath-taking views. Certainly easier on the eyes than on the legs but we were looking forward to coming back to ride farther and longer this year. That’s how much we enjoyed the course, we wanted more. As far as the event it’s self, it can’t be beat for those looking for a weekend of camping, food, beer and distilled spirits, music, and just plain old fun riding bikes and partying with old and new friends.
Officially the 2022 version was not a race, it was a organized ride, and Gran Fondo. It was being considered an ITT, individual time trial, in which racers race against the clock, not other racers. In addition, using GPS functions, riders in certain distances (100, 80, 50, and highlights divisions) riders were timed at various “segments” along to course to see who was the fastest at certain points. So sure, riders were not really racing each other in the typical format, but were still competing against the clock. Different from the other distances, the venti, 220 mile distance, was self supported. The course was not marked, riders had to have the route programed into their cycling computer to follow. In addition, no true race supplied aid stations were set-up. Riders were given a list of gas stations, stores, bike shops, spigots, and yes even a distillery along the way that could be used to restock food and supplies. Some riders opted to do the Venti as a bikepacking event, meaning they stopped to sleep overnight along the way via a campsite or hotel, others opted to ride straight through.
The 220 mile ITT event started on a Friday at
6am. For riders wanting to do the 220
miler as a bikepacking weekend, they could start Thursday at 6am. Joël and I along with many others were going
for the no-sleep option. Friday morning
started off beautifully, dry and temperatures in the 50s F. Riders gathered around eating breakfast and
drinking coffee together until official ride start time and then we were all
off. All riders looked so happy and so
excited to be there, one could tell we all just enjoyed being on our bikes and
were looking forward to all those miles ahead.
There was so much to this course; and I honestly can’t remember it mile by mile. In fact, many of the features, roads, vistas, and highlights I didn’t even recall until watching the video footage and reviewing photos Joël and I took. This course was amazing, beautiful, challenging, and fun. I am not going to go into much detail, watch the video to see the specifics. But here are some of the awesome and amazing experiences along the course.
-Green Bank Observatory-very huge, amazing, radio telescopes.
-the grassy downhill and single track after Green
Bank; so much fun and perfect for the mountain bike enthusiasts
-all the amazing views and vistas from atop the
mountains; 19,000 feet of climbing gives way to so many mountain tops
-animal encounters along and on the route: cattle,
horses, snakes, toads, salamanders, black bear, owl, eagle, beavers, Sasquatch; luckily
no Moth Man
-so many unique and historic bridges to cross; some of
them rather sketchy
-the church pavilion, random spigots, Dollar
General, distillery, Davis bike shop and even someone who set-up an aid station
in their driveway that were the food and water refueling stops along the way
-the multiple mile (maybe seven, or even nine) gravel,
chunky, grown in incline railroad bed; talk about speed and energy sucking
-the beautiful gravel roads along rivers, lakes,
waterfalls, and mountain forests
-the chunky double track trails that may have been
better suited for a mountain bike; challenging and fun none the less
-the wicked fast descents
-the huge puddles along the super rocky “road” just
after Davis
-seeing all the riders in Davis, some who were stopped
for burritos and dinner; it was like a GRUSK Venti party there
-riding up to the summit of Spruce Knob, the highest
elevation in West Virginia, in the dark, rain, and fog
-the friendliness and comradery amongst the fellow riders;
we were all in the adventure together
-the sketchy foggy descent down from Spruce Knob, this
would be a super fast and super fun when it’s dry and light out, a bit slow and
scary when it’s dark and foggy and raining
-the welcoming lights and volunteers at the finish
line; it was so awesome to see this happy and chipper oasis of people cheering
for us at 4am
The other aspect of this event that makes it top notch
is not just the awesome riding but the spectacular venue. The Experience Learning
center has all needed for a weekend of not just riding but also a festival-like
atmosphere. Great field camping with
amazing sunrise and sunset views; there are also cabins and bunks
available. Flush toilets and hot
showers. The after party includes local
beer and alcohol, a band, and post-race meal for riders. A full meal plan for the entire weekend and
for non-riders can be purchased. The
race organizers and volunteers are so helpful engaged, encouraging, and really
want riders to have a good time. This
event is not just about the pedaling, it’s about a weekend of fun and comradery
with fellow cyclists. Only downfall to this event…no dogs. Clifford had to stay
at home.
So what about the personal experience of both
Nankmans, how did Joël and I fair at this event. Well…let’s just say doing
three ultra-endurance events in five weeks is not advised. 380 miles of UNBOUND XL in Kansas followed in
three weeks by 24 Hours of Summer Solstice solo 24 hour mountain bike race
followed two weeks later by GRUSK leaves legs tired, bodies sore, and minds not enthusiastic about riding. GRUSK for the Nankmans was a “one pedal stoke at a time” sort
of event; to be honest there was also a fair amount of walking and even just
stopping to sit and enjoy the views. The riding was amazing, we were just tired
and sore and wanted a break. But we will definitely be back, hopefully on
fresher legs and less tired minds, because this event is so freaking amazing!
Want to know what got us through?
Jess bike Liv Devote
Joël bike Merlin Sandstone
Lupine Lighting systems for both of us
Honey Stinger nutrition along with food and snacks
from stores and stops along the way
Gatorade, water, and Cokes to drink
Support by Saucon Valley Bikes
Words by Jess
Photos by race organizers and video/photos by Joël