Gravel Ride Up Spruce Knob (GRUSK) p/b Lauf Cycles

Gravel Ride Up Spruce Knob

Gran Fondo

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Event Director:  Travis Olson

 

Visit our website here for info, videos and pictures.

*** Operating under Special-Use U.S. Forest Service Permit ***

 

GRUSK is an adventure-cycling ride on and around the highest peak in West Virginia...Spruce Knob!  The ride travels gravel and dirt roads through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the East. The road conditions on course will vary from pavement, to smooth dirt, to chunky gravel, to unmaintained, double-track forest roads. 

This ride is a true challenge for the adventurous spirit within every cyclist

and one you don't want to miss.

This event helps support the work of the Experience Learning, Inc.'s Spruce Knob Mountain Center, which focuses on developing an understanding and appreciation for the complex interaction between community, culture, and conservation through education and sustainable community initiatives.

The ride will have several distance options (see below for course info).

Venue:

The ride will start and finish at Experience Learning, Inc.'s Spruce Knob Mountain Center (SKMC).  Click here for directions.

Camping is drive-in, primitive camping in open meadows we have mowed just for the event.  We unfortunately don't have showers for the large number of campers we have.  The venue runs off a well, and there isn't enough supply to cover 500+ people.

Format:

GRUSK will be a non-competitive, timed Gran Fondo format in 2024. 

We want to manage a safe event and with the increasing number of riders and tourists visiting the area, we want everyone to focus on having an incredible ride without the pressure to race some of the more congested parts of the course.

 

Categories:

GRUSK is part of the WV Gravel Series in 2024.  While our categories don't match the WVGS Series classes, you'll have a chance to indicate which Series class you're in during our registration process.

 

Spruce Highlights Tour 27 or 32-Mile Course (July 13th, 10:35am):         

No categories (E-Bikes welcome)27 or 32 mile course

MEDIO 50-Mile Course (July 13th, 10:00am):         

Men OpenMen 40+Women OpenWomen 40+Non-BinaryTandemE-Bike

TALL 80-Mile Course (July 13th, 9:00am): 

Men OpenMen 40+Men 50+Men 60+Women OpenWomen 40+Women 50+Women 60+Single SpeedClydesdaleNon-BinaryTandem

GRANDE 105-Mile Course (July 13th, 9:00am):         

Men OpenMen 40+Women OpenWomen 40+Non-BinarySinglespeed

GRUSK VENTI 220-Mile, LUNGO 260-Mile, TRECENTO 318-Mile Courses:         

3-Day Gravel Adventure lightly-supported RideRiders can depart between 6am and 9am on Thursday, July 11th.Grande Depart Timed Rides (1-2 day rides)TRECENTO 318 riders will depart at 10am, Thursday July 11th.VENTI 220 & LUNGO 260 riders will depart at 6am, Friday July 12thAid stations on July 13th will be considered neutral support and are open to ITT riders.

Registration:

**** Online Registration closes July 5th at Midnight ****

Medio, Tall and Grande Entry Fee - $140 (See below for early registration discounts); No day-of-event registration$100 - Dec 23$110 - Dec 24 - Feb 29$120 - Mar 1 - Apr 28$130 - Apr 29 - Jun 23$140 - June 24 - Jul 5The Spruce Highlights Tour (27 mile) – $125$85 - Dec 23$95 - Dec 24 - Feb 29$105 - Mar 1 - Apr 28$115 - Apr 29 - Jun 23$125 - Jun 24 - Jul 5GRUSK VENTI & LUNGO Entry Fee - Same pricing as Medio, Tall, and Grande, plus Trackleaders.com registration fee and SPOT rental (if rental is needed).  ***MUST REGISTER BY JULY 4th IF RENTING A TRACKER***All VENTI & LUNGO riders must own/rent a SPOT (or other brand) satellite tracking device and register with Trackleaders.com (link coming soon)SPOT Rental is $85 paid to Trackleaders.  Registration and Rental info is here.Trackleaders Device Registration is $30 for riders who own their own device.Food Package - $20/$15 each (3 Meals, Friday evening, Saturday morning, Sunday morning)Meals are pre-purchase only.  Meal option closes at midnight July 5th.Dorm Lodging - $30 per night per person. Please reserve these early as space is limitedCamping- $15 per person (This covers all nights of camping)

Refund/Transfer Policy:

We understand life happens and you may not be able to attend the event for often life-changing events, so we highly recommend purchasing insurance to cover your fees if a qualifying situation happens prior to race day.

We DO NOT carry over registrations to the next year.On/Before Jan 31 – 75% refund. (Includes full refund of camping, dorm and food package also)Feb 1 - April 30 - No Refund - Free Transfer of registration to another rider; full refund of camping, dorm, food package and merchandise.After May 1 - June 30 - No Refund - Free Transfer of race fee to another racer; free transfer of camping, dorm, food package.  Merchandise can be transferred at no charge, or shipped for $10 shipping fee.After June 30- No Refund - $10 Transfer fee to another racer for registration (camping, dorm and food package can transfer to the other racer)NO WEEKEND TRANSFERS!

What you’ll get with your entry:

Event t-shirt (Must register by June 10th at Midnight to have a guaranteed t-shirt).Post-race Dinner (non-racers must purchase a dinner ticket)One (1) Gallon-size Ziploc Drop Bag to send out to an aid station Stocked aid stations on the course to refuel and get refreshed enough to finish out the day VENTI, LUNGO & TRECENTO bikepackers will have access to Aid Stations on Saturday until 4pm.A well-marked course (*** GRUSK VENTI, LUNGO & TRECENTO Courses are not marked, riders must have their route loaded into a GPS to start ***)Some of the best gravel riding in the state of WVSponsor and other event swagPost-ride party (food, live music, beer tent)

Course Info:

The ride will start and finish at The Mountain Institute’s Spruce Knob Mountain Center (SKMC).  Click here for directions.  The course will cover some of the most scenic country in the state of West Virginia and will take riders up huge climbs, down fast descents, through deep valleys and across high ridges.  Amazingly, racers will navigate across the eastern continental divide and through the watersheds of the mighty Cheat, Greenbrier, and Potomac Rivers. 

Please visit our RideWithGPS Event page for additional course info here:  Course Info

Click HERE to join our RideWithGPS event and have access to downloadable maps.

 

Spruce Highlights Tour 25-Mile course

Start Time:  10:35amShortest CourseLength:  25 milesEleveation Gain:  2,195 ft.RidewithGPS Highlights CourseAid Stations:Mile 12.3 - Summit Aid Station

Spruce Highlights Tour 33-Mile course

Start Time:  10:35amShort CourseLength:  33 milesEleveation Gain:  3,151 ft.RidewithGPS Highlights CourseAid Stations:Mile 12.3 - Summit Aid Station, SnacksMile 27.3 - Spruce Knob Lake Aid Station

MEDIO 50-Mile Course

Start Time: 10:30amLength:  54 milesElevation Gain:  4,477 ft.RidewithGPS MEDIO CourseAid stations: (subject to change)Mile 12.3 - Summit Aid StationMile 36.2 - Whitmer VFD - Full Aid Station, Drop BagsMile 48.8 - Spruce Knob Lake - Full Aid Station

TALL 80-Mile Course

Start Time: 10:00amLength:  84 milesElevation Gain: 7,379 ft.RidewithGPS TALL CourseAid stations: (subject to change)Mile 12.3 - Summit Water Station, SnacksMile 30.1 - Laurel Fork Campground - Full Aid Station, Drop BagsMile 43.7 - Wildell/FR35 - Full Aid StationMile 59 - Little River Road - Full Aid StationMile 70 - Laurel Fork Campground - Full Aid Station, Drop BagsMile 78 - Spruce Knob Lake Aid Station

GRUSK GRANDE 100-Mile Course (Course is still being finalized) - Course WILL NOT be fully marked, riders MUST have the course loaded on their GPS Unit.

Start Time:  9:00am Length:  105 MilesElevation Gain:  8,711 ft.RidewithGPS GRANDE 105 CourseAll riders must have this loaded into their GPS to start.Aid Stations:Mile 12.3 - Summit Water Station, SnacksMile 30.1 - Laurel Fork Campground - Full Aid Station, Drop BagsMile 43.7 - Wildell/FR35 - Full Aid StationMile 59 - Little River Road - Full Aid StationMile 70 - Laurel Fork Campground - Full Aid Station, Drop BagsMile 87 - Whitmer VFD - Left side of road, Drop BagsMile 99.5 - Spruce Knob Lake Aid Station (may be self-serve after 5pm)

GRUSK VENTI 220-Mile Course - Course WILL NOT be marked, riders MUST have the course loaded on their GPS Unit.

Start Date and Time: Thursday, July 11, 6:00am - Grande Departe - 3-Day, Noncompetitive Riders or ITTFriday, July 12, 6:00am - Grande Departe - ITTLength:  220 MilesElevation Gain:  18,828 ft.GRUSK VENTI Course - All riders must have this loaded into their GPS to start.Cue SheetAll Riders must register with Trackleaders.com and own or rent a SPOT device.Registration/Rental link hereSPOT Rental is $85 paid to Trackleaders approximately 1 month out from event.Trackleaders Device Registraion is $25 for riders who own their own device.

GRUSK LUNGO 260-Mile Course - Course WILL NOT be marked, riders MUST have the course loaded on their GPS Unit.

Start Date and Time: Thursday, July 11, 6:00am - Grande Departe - 3-Day, Noncompetitive Riders or ITTFriday, July 12, 6:00am - Grande Departe - ITTLength:  262 MilesElevation Gain:  22,325 ft.GRUSK LUNGO Course - All riders must have this loaded into their GPS to start.Cue SheetAll Riders must register with Trackleaders.com and own or rent a SPOT device.Registration/rental link hereSPOT Rental is $85 paid to Trackleaders approximately 1 month out from event.Trackleaders Device Registration is $25 for riders who own their own device.

 

GRUSK TRECENTO 319-Mile Course - Course WILL NOT be marked, riders MUST have the course loaded on their GPS Unit.

Start Date and Time: Thursday, July 11, 6:00am - Grande Departe - 3-Day RidersThursday, July 11, 10:00am - Grande Departe - 2-Day RidersLength:  318.9 MilesElevation Gain:  27,857 ft.GRUSK LUNGO Course - All riders must have this loaded into their GPS to start.Cue SheetAll Riders must register with Trackleaders.com and own or rent a SPOT device.Registration/rental link hereSPOT Rental is $85 paid to Trackleaders approximately 1 month out from event.Trackleaders Device Registraion is $25 for riders who own their own device.

Segments for the Medio, Tall, and Grande Courses on Saturday:

Summit Segment

All courses4.5 miles, 753ft. elevation gainStrava Link - Summit

Laurel Fork Climb Segment

TALL 84 and GRANDE 105 Courses1.5 miles, 518 ft. elevation gainStrava Link - Laurel Fork Climb

Up Little River Segment

TALL 84 and GRANDE 105 Courses4.7 miles, 330 ft. elevation lossStrava Link - Little River

Gandy Creek Segment

Medio 55 and GRANDE 105 Courses2.8 miles, 154ft. elevation gainStrava Link - Gandy Creek

Lake Segment

All courses except Spruce Highlights short option1.7 miles, 318ft. elevation gainStrava Link - Lake Segment

Spruce Knob Weather:

Please be prepared for varying weather conditions!  The temperature and conditions can vary significantly from the valleys to the ridge tops in the Spruce Knob area.  Spruce Knob and the surrounding ridges can be subject to high winds and quick drops in temperature.  It is not uncommon to see temps in the 50s in summer, so bring appropriate cold-weather riding gear and let’s hope for sunny skies and warm temperatures.  The race will be held rain, shine, sleet, or snow…however, but if there is lightning on the high ridges or near the summit of Spruce Knob, the promoter reserves the right to alter the course or suspend the race for the safety of participants.

Below are useful links for local mountain weather and conditions:

Spruce Knob Weather  

Spruce Knob Summit Ridge - Weather Underground

Local Webcams - Bottom Left is Hunting Grounds on Spruce Mountain ½ mile from venue.

Gear:

Bicycle – Cyclocross or mountain bike with at least 35mm tires recommended.  Road bikes are not ideal, but if that is all you have, we recommend tough 28mm tires.Pedals – Road pedals can be used, but keep in mind muddy, dirty conditions can make it impossible to clip back in, so mountain pedals and shoes are preferred.Helmet – Helmets must be worn at ALL times during the race and warm-up rides.Spare tubes and parts – Be self-sufficient.  Bring a couple spare tubes, multi-tool, chain tool, spare chain links, hand pump and/or CO2, rain/wind shell, water and food to last 2-3 hours between aid stations.  It’s a good practice to load spare tubes in your drop bag just in case.Clothing – Bring it to the race even if you don’t think you’ll need it.  You can always take layers off, but if you don’t bring a rain shell and get caught in a storm, you may be shivering on the side of the road or wearing a garbage bag to stay warm.

General Rules:

Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification from the ride. In short...don’t be a jerk, especially to the volunteers!Riders should strive to be self-supported, i.e., take food, drink, tubes, pump, multi-tool, extra layers (if needed) with you on course.Riders may have two drop bags (supplied) transported to the aid stations. 
There may be additional aid station and drop bag locations based on weather.  Drop bags must be submitted 30 minutes prior to the start.If you get off course, you must backtrack to where you went off before continuing.Course time cut-offs will be announced and finalized before event-day. For the safety of everyone out there, and to ensure our volunteers aren’t out there until dark, if you don’t make the cut offs…we’ll steer you toward the finish or there will be sag support to shuttle you back to the venue. Please be understanding of the race cutoff times.Good Samaritan rule:  If you come across an injured rider, please stop to assess the person’s injuries as you may be the first responder.  Please note your time stopped helping and we’ll do our best to adjust your finish time.Riders under 18 will need a signed parental consent form in order to race or ride.

Food and Lodging Packages:  In addition to camping, food and lodging packages are available (see below).

Food Package: (Closes 6/30)

Since the venue is not very close to restaurants or stores, we’ve simplified things for you and are offering a food package.  We'll cook up breakfast and dinner while you are racing with us. The weekend package includes 3 meals, (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, and Sunday breakfast), and costs $50.  You can also purchase a la carte meals at $20 each.  More detailed menu information to come.  If non-racing companions will be with you, please be sure to register for additional food packages, or send us an e-mail, so we know how much food to have.  Your non-racing companions will also need to purchase a dinner ticket for $5 also to help us know how much food to purchase.  

Lodging Package:

We're offering Dormitory packages for $30 per person, per night, and camping is only $15 per person for both nights.  We highly recommend staying at the venue the night before so you're all rested up for the big day.  The dorms are bunkhouse style.  There are two dorms, each having 4 rooms each and each room having 5 bunks.  They are co-ed, but we can reserve single-gender rooms if needed.  We are also offering entire dorm rooms (2 available) for you or your group for $120 per night, but reserve early since they will go quickly.  Check out what the facilities look like and other lodging options on the Food and Lodging Page.

 

Schedule:

Wednesday

5pm - Camping and Registration open for VENTI & LUNGO riders ONLY!!!

Thursday

5am - Light breakfast and coffee for GRUSK VENTI & LUNGO riders6am - GRUSK VENTI & LUNGO ride starts5pm - Camping and Registration open for VENTI ITT riders

Friday

5am - Light breakfast and coffee for GRUSK VENTI & LUNGO riders6am - GRUSK VENTI & LUNGO ITT Grande DeparteNoon - Registration Packet Pickup opens3pm - Preview ride p/b Lauf Cycles5pm - Beer Tent opens6pm - Dinner for Meal Plan Purchasers8pm - Registration Packet Pickup closes

Saturday

7am - Registration Packet Pickup opens7am - Breakfast for Meal Plan Purchasers8:30am - Volunteer Meeting near registration8:50am - GRANDE 105 Rider meeting and start9:30am - Drop Bags depart for Aid Stations (Laurel Fork Campground and Whitmer)9:50am - TALL 80 Rider Meeting at start line10am - TALL 80 start10:20am - MEDIO 50 and Highlights Rider meeting at start line10:30am - MEDIO 50 and Highlights start3:00pm - Pasta Meal for finishers starts2:30pm - Beer Garden opens serving Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company beer5pm - Live music starts 

Sunday

7:30am - Breakfast11am - Venue closes

Event Cancellation Policy:

Please understand there are circumstances out of our control which may result in the cancellation of the event.  Those circumstances include, but not be limited to: federal, state, or local restrictions for large gathering and/or events related to COVID-19 or similar virus/disease; officially-declared states of emergecy impacting the race course and/or venue; natural or man-made disasters impacting the race course, venue, or the safe travel of participants to the event venue.

We will only cancel the event if absolutely necessary and no other options are available to salvage the event.

On/Before May 1 – 50% registration fee refund or carryover to a future MountainRides event. (Includes full refund of merchandise)On/After May 2 - No refund for registration fees, full refund for camping, dorm rooms and meal plans, full refund on other merchandise unless it was already ordered, then it will be mailed to participants.

A few important notes about our Spruce Knob Mountain Center:

SKMC is in a remote location.  The nearest gas station is 12 miles away. The nearest grocery store is an hour away.  If you are bringing your own food, please come prepared with a fully stocked supply.Pets are NOT allowed on the campus grounds.  Please leave Fang and Fluffy at home.  We're pet lovers too, but please understand these are the venue's rules and we would like to be invited back.