November 4, 2022
Imagine Grinnell’s Prairie Burn group is holding 4, no-cost, 60-minute educational clinics about gravel biking, and hosting a Gravel Gobbler event on Thanksgiving coinciding with the annual Turkey Trot run. The Burner Gravel Clinic series, for all aged 14 or older, will focus on biking basics, from safety to pro tips. These clinics and the Gravel Gobbler lead up to the group’s annual Prairie Burn 100 in June, a gravel bike fundraising event supporting Imagine Grinnell.
The first of the Burner Gravel Clinics on November 10th, “Back to Basics,” will meet at Hometown Heroes. It will discuss what gravel biking is, the gear necessary for gravel biking, and what bike may be best for you. As with all the clinics, appetizers will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase. All clinics will run from 6:00-7:00 PM.
Between the first and second Burner Gravel Clinics will be the Second Annual Gravel Gobbler event on Thanksgiving (November 24th). Participants arrive at Merrill Park at 8:15 AM for an 8:30 AM 20K (12 mile) mixed surface in-town bike ride. All ages and abilities are welcome and are to wear helmets and appropriate clothing for a winter ride. Jason Dillon, one of last year’s inaugural Gravel Gobbler riders, says “We had a great group of riders last year for the first event and look forward to the fun, easy ride for Thanksgiving morning.”
On December 8th, the second Burner Gravel Clinic, “Cold Weather Riding,” will take place at Hometown Heroes. It will discuss proper attire for chilly rides and share ideas on the best bikes and tires for cold weather riding. The third clinic, “Keeping it Safe,” will be at Grinnell Craft Brewhouse on January 12th. From where and when to ride to how to care for one’s bike, attendees will leave the session prepared to ride confidently and safely. Finally, “Changing a Tire and More!” will be the fourth and final clinic, taking place at The Periodic Table on February 9th. The session will focus on need-to-know gravel bike lessons and ensure individuals are ready to begin biking in the spring.
Individuals who attend all four Burner Gravel Clinics will have their entry fee waived for the Prairie Burn 100 on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, a fundraising event for Imagine Grinnell with 25, 50, and 100-mile ride routes. Proceeds from the Prairie Burn 100 will go to Imagine Grinnell’s various sustainability and health efforts, ensuring continuous improvement of the Grinnell community.
In March, the group will restart their daylight-dependent weekly Tuesday 5:30 PM gravel rides, starting at Bikes To You and lasting for about 20 miles (12 kilometers). For more information about Prairie Burn 100, the Burner Gravel Clinic Series, and gravel biking itself, visit prairieburn100.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@prairieburn100).
Imagine Grinnell, the overseer of the Prairie Burn group, is a partner program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF). Supporting the growth of Grinnell through parks and recreation, education, and health, CDAF works to increase current and future Grinnellians’ quality of life with its partner program.
