Branson Hi Lo Country Gravel Grinder

01/14/2022

Hey there! Just heard about a cool new event to take place near
our Hi-Lo Country, Sept. 9-10, the "Purgatory 4 Adventure Relay".
The Purgatory 4 Adventure Relay challenges competitors across the country to go halfway to hell and back. Run through the rugged terrain of Sugarite Canyon State Park in Northeastern New Mexico, paddle a course on Lake Maloya at 7,500 feet, bike up to 8,500 feet over San Fransisco Pass and into Southern Colorado, and prove your prowess on a challenging shotgun shooting course.
Check it out:
https://www.purg4.

09/26/2021

Check this out! If you are thinking of riding the HiLo or just wondering what the experience is like, Chris Kasten, a participant this year wrote about his ride in his blog, Adult Onset Triathlete. It’s worth a read! https://adultonsettriathlete.com/2021/09/19/branson-hi-lo-gravel-grinder/

09/24/2021

The bright star of the Branson HiLo Gravel Grinder was, Drew Meadows, a 6th grader from Littleton.
Drew's dad, Mark, asked me if it was O.K. if his son rode as well. I said, "of course" thinking his son was a teenager. I met Drew on Friday night, when his Dad and other teammates from the Physio Racing Team, pulled into the school with their campervan. I wondered about this, "half-pint", doing the 22 mile ride... His dad, Mark, planned to ride with him and then go on and do the 100 mile, and Drew was going to hang out until his dad finished the course. Well, Drew finished the 22 mile course flying and smiling the whole way and was the life of the after party! Not only is Drew a superb budding young athlete, but his personality, poise, confidence and all-around "coolness" made an impression on all who met him. While Mark came first across the finish line for the 100 mile race, Drew is most certainly the future star of this event. Keep shining bright, Drew!!!
You are always welcome in Branson!

09/21/2021

Congratulations to all those who rode on Saturday!!! Everyone who registered completed the ride. One could say that was a 100% success rate.
While this was a “ride” and not a race, there are some riders who deserve special recognition for their efforts on Saturday.
22 mile – first male finisher and Strava Segment winner, Dustin Miller, of Colorado Springs. (This was Dustin’s first event ever! Way to go, Dustin!) First female finisher and Strava Segment winner, Laura Blanton, of Trinchera. Laura is training for her first triathlon next month. Good Luck, Laura!
70 mile – first finisher was Jude Hoffpauir of Trinidad. Strava Segment winner was Chris Kasten from Castle Pines. Great job to you both!!!
100 mile – first male finisher and Strava Segment winner was Mark Meadows of Littleton. (He actually rode 122 miles. Amazing!) He was followed closely by Britt Batterton of Greeley who is putting on his own bikepacking event Oct. 1-3.
First female finisher and Strava Segment winner was Marketa Jancar of Ft. Collins. Tara Dunn of Denver wins the prize for sexiest bike on her new Rodeo Labs bike with iridescent/rainbow rear cassette. A real weekend warrior!
Special thanks to the swag/prize sponsors: Old Town Bike Shop, Twisted Spoke CBD, Two Leaves and a Bud Tea Company,, Shortgrass Prairie Fine Beef, and the marvellous John Marchetti

09/20/2021

The 4th Branson HiLo Gravel Ride kicked off Saturday morning at the new football field. The field of dreams became for one morning, a field of bikes! 30 riders came out to try the three courses. It was a beautiful day and great fun. More posts, pics, stats to come. Stay tuned!

09/13/2021

We are getting geared up and ready for the HiLo ride. There will be registration opportunities that morning, but why wait? The pit is dug where we will roast some pork and beef for the post ride meal. :) ride hard and eat well!

09/01/2021

08/28/2021

08/25/2021

08/05/2021

I love all things local and I’m very excited to share news of our latest sponsor, Twisted Spoke Apothecary, out of Colo Springs. Gabe and Wen are cyclists and just good people, doing high quality, small batch (all Colorado sourced and produced) CBD tinctures, recovery creams and saddle creams. AND they brew and bottle THE BEST kombucha I’ve ever tasted. They are providing a keg for our after-ride event. Check them out: www.twistedspokeapothocary.com

07/18/2021

Branson Cycling club continues to grow! Seven of us headed out for a beautiful summer ride -destination Capulin Visitors Center. Some made it there and back. I made it only to Folsom and back, and was kept company with another rider, Bethany. The rides are open to all and we look forward to building the numbers as we explore more rides on the area every Sunday!

07/15/2021

Branson Cycling and Running club is meeting up nearly every Sunday for a casual ride. Message us if interested in joining!