2021 Gravel Challenge: Gainesville, Florida – Cool Temps, Rain, Sludge – 48F/9C, Fun Times!

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida

November 6, 2021, the Gainesville Cycling Club of Gainesville, Florida, held their annual Gravel Challenge event as part of their long-standing Cycling Festival Weekend. The Gravel Challenge event was first held in 2015. – https://gccfla.org

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida
Double track, trees down & more!

65 miles / 104 kilometres of fun that rolls over limerock, dirt, sand, gravel, and a bit of singletrack to keep things interesting. Proceeds from this ride benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County, Florida.

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida

The 2021 edition of the Gravel Challenge was the most challenging to date, held in challenging weather conditions. 48 degrees F and raining at ride start, is this Florida? Consequently, the dodgy conditions kept many riders home and indoors, but a few local stalwarts and hardy visitors to the event tackled the conditions. The event was equally challenging to one’s bike / drivetrain.

2021 Gravel Challenge Video

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew rides the GCC’s Gravel Challenge, sometimes with a group, and sometimes not (dodgy legs), and gives you an idea of how this day panned out. Enjoy!

Additional Photos

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida
Todd looking sweet with Speedrocker Fenders (review coming)
2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida
Yours truly rode with an Ass Saver, which worked splendidly
2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida
Castelli’s Nanoflex bib knickers, nice bit of kit
2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida
Overshoes helped keep sludge at bay, water not so much

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida
A Belgian in Belgian-like conditions

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida
Fenders keep you nice & clean
2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida
This road was a total sandpit, power robbing!

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida

2021 gravel challenge gainesville florida
Bonus off-course bush bashing

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3 Comments

  1. Avatar Rob W

    48 degrees and folks stayed at home!!? That’s summer weather in some parts here in the UK!!!

    • JOM JOM

      48F with rain, not a normal occurrence in NorFLA.

  2. Avatar Ralph

    Hi, Im Ralph. Could you list any of the rain gear you or your mates were wearing during this ride? I could use some good, effective rain gear suggestions. Thanks.

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