Consider routes 1 -3 as your Jedi training… but now Yoda says you are ready for the ultimate test… it’s time to go on a journey across all the routes and galaxies. We will park at Brock Park and take advantage of a 6.5 mile roll out, take this warm-up seriously cause once you hit the start of this segment on Hild Rd you must defeat Crazy Cook Hill again… I’m sure you’ll remember that from Route 01… which will then give you just a moment’s recovery before you take an awkward left turn and up the Schlappi Climb you must go, then laugh in the face of Big Brown and the Grind, Zimmerman, Don’t Suck Hill and we save the worst for last.. it is the never ending last kick up Dee Mack Rd in hopes you can just squeak out a bike throw at Franklin St… just 31 miles of effort later… and then you are done… scream, yell, swear under your breathe if you can muster it. Now it’s just time to cool down as you roll back to Brock Park… victorious from completing all 4 routes of the #RideSoloSeries.
P.S. This KOM is mine, so come and get it! ~ KOM Teller
ALERT: Route vs. Segment
This route in Makinaw, IL comes from the evil gravel mastermind of Robert Clark in Bloomington, IL. The BCF race team has used this as a race simulation every season leading up to Michigan’s Barry Roubaix, so it is rich in history and stories. In short, it is freaking painful with a mix or gravel and tarmac climbs and almost every hard section we can toss into one 31 mile timed segment.
Just like route 2 & 3, the timed segment is shorter than the route. In order to make the segment safer and to warm you up properly… we will run you from Brock Park and through Heritage Lake subdivision and your segment time will not start until you turn right on Hild Rd and start laying down the gravel watts. So take your time rolling out from Brock Park, enjoy the scenery, drink lots of fluids and load up on the carbs, this route has you working hard for your raffle tickets for 31 miles… and save just a little for your bike throw at Franklin St. See Route vs. Segment illustrated below.
Pay attention to stop signs, yield signs, and make sure you are following the rules of the road. This includes respecting the local traffic and making sure you yield around any obstructed corners, even if you have the right of way.
I would recommend a minimum of 32mm or greater sized tires and tubeless is a plus. The segment listed below is: Killer Mackinaw Gravel Ride.
You can park at Brock Park, Mackinaw, IL, no open bathrooms or anything there now, so please plan ahead and leave no evidence of being there. BUTTTTT…. you can hit up the Casey’s just a 1/2 mile away on Rt9 before and after.
The Route
- A Robert Clark original, just renamed The Gravel Strikes Back : https://www.strava.com/routes/27388991
- Sample ride recap on on RideSpot.org, good for one bonus raffle ticket: https://www.ridespot.org/rides/158263
The Strava Segment
- Killer Mackinaw Gravel Ride: https://www.strava.com/segments/11720286
Reminder: The Rules
- All rides need to be solo, no drafting as this is a challenge for fun during a time when social distancing is highly recommended.
- Routes can be ridden as many times as you want, fastest time will be your entry.
- All routes are unmarked and all roads are open, so please follow the rules of the road and ride safely. By participating in this event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety.
- Helmets are cool & mandatory.
- Front and rear lights/blinkies are rad and recommended.
- Follow the rules of the road, safety is more valuable than seconds.
