Grinnell Gravel Lake Loop

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Grinnell, IA, US

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PathLessPedaled

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38 km

606 m

Trans Iowa is one of the toughest gravel endurance races in the country and Iowa's gravel and B Roads are the stuff of legend. Ride an awesome rolling and scenic sample of Central Iowa's gravel roads and end the day with some beer and burritos.

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[Grinnell](http://www.grinnellchamber.org/) is home to one of the most challenging and renowned self-supported gravel endurance bike races in the US: [Trans Iowa](http://transiowa.blogspot.com/).  Limited to only 120 participants, Trans Iowa takes its riders on a 300+ mile vision quest across Iowa’s gravel and B-roads.  For many, the mere act of finishing is an accomplishment.  The difficulty of the race is legendary (Trans Iowa 11 saw no “official” finishers) and has created a mystique about the gravel roads in Central Iowa.

The good news is: you can experience these same mythic roads for yourself and get a glimpse into the race, without having to tackle the event itself.  You can punish yourself as much or as little as you want and end the day with a warm shower and glass of wine or a cold beer… or three.

This loop is the perfect introduction to gravel riding in central Iowa.  Leaving from @poi[Bikes to You](1249007), it takes you on some quiet residential streets out of town.  In short order you’ll be off the tarmac and on to some fun.  The route takes you on some great rolling hills that will make you wonder if you’re still in Iowa or weren’t magically transported to pastoral Europe.  On a hot day, you’ll be glad that it passes by @poi[Rock Creek State Park](1249006) where you can take a break under the trees or go for a quick wade in the lake.  You’ll also pass @poi[The Red Barn](1249008) that has been the official Trans Iowa finishing site for the last few years.

For your post-ride "recovery" check out these businesses.

* **La Cabana** - Awesome and legit Mexican food!
* **Prairie Canary** - Minimal meets Heartland, fresh and hearty meals like a kale salad with steak!
* **Solera** - Recount the day's heroics with a glass of wine and a cheese plate.
* **McNally's Food** - great organic market with a jaw-dropping beer selection and fresh deli sandwiches for your jersey pocket. 
* **Grinnell Downtown Lofts** - Stay right in the heart of downtown in these modernly furnished lofts!
# More resources

* [BikeIowa](https://bikeiowa.com/Feature/1543/iowa-gravel-what-makes-it-so-special) - Great primer on what makes Iowa gravel riding unique!
* [Riding Gravel](http://www.ridinggravel.com) - keep uptodate on the latest gravel specific gear, run by guys from Iowa.

# Gravel Tips

* Tire choice is essential.  Anything less than 35mm tires will have your head rattling.  40mm tires with a light tread are ideal for most of the gravel and B-roads you will encounter.

* Ride right.  Although gravel roads are less traveled, you will encounter the occasional farm vehicle.  It is best to ride to the right side of the road, especially when cresting hills.

* Be prepared.  It is no fun to break down in the middle of nowhere and gravel riding can bring you to some far flung places.  At the very minimum, pack basic repair tools and a cell-phone.

* Beware of the peanut butter.  If it’s raining, think twice about the road conditions. B-roads will turn into thick derailleur destroying peanut butter mud.  Trans Iowa racers have no choice but to ride through it, but you can always wait for it to firm up at the wine bar.

For more ride ideas, visit [PathLessPedaled.com](http://www.pathlesspedaled.com).

Grinnell Gravel Lake Loop

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