Look for a good many of this year’s Greenwood Gravel Grind bike riders to return for next year’s Grind.
The participants in Saturday’s third annual Gravel Grind had nothing but good things to say about the rigorous ride.
As they made their 8 a.m. start at Greenwood-Leflore Airport, the temperature and wind conditions were just right as the 159 cyclists began traveling routes of either 50 kilometers, or about 31 miles, or 100 kilometers, about 62 miles.
Saturday morning was perfect for the cycling event, according to a trio of friends from Memphis — Bevan Lee, Holly Judd and Bobby Carter. All three have been participating in the gravel ride since it started in 2019.
“It is so nice out here,” Lee said.
“We are also glad that they took the route out of the levees,” added Judd.
This year’s Gravel Grind adopted new routes, which avoided levees that can become too muddy if it rains. Each ride circled from the airport and came back to it.
“Once again, Greenwood and Leflore County are showing great hospitality,” said Carter.
Not all participants were as experienced with the event, or gravel riding in general.
Patrick White from Hammond, Louisiana, said this was his first time to participate in the Greenwood ride and only his second ride on gravel terrain.
“I came out here today because I am looking to get some good experience,” he said before taking his spot at the starting line.
As the ride began, many of the bright and colorful biking outfits decorated the hills of Carroll County.
One biker, Josh Sheets, was decked out in Delta State University gear with a Fighting Okra cycling suit as he made his way to the first rest stop.
Sheets, who lives near the Delta State campus in Cleveland, was quickly grabbing some refreshments before continuing his 100-kilometer trek.
“So far, it’s going great,” he said while eating cookies.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many health and safety guidelines, including individually packaged food, remained from last year’s ride.
But the opportunity to be out and riding again was not lost on D.I. Smith, who was also at the first stop.
“This absolutely could not be any better, and it is so nice to do all this after we’ve been stuck inside because of COVID-19,” he said.
One volunteer, Johnny Favara, agreed.
“This has just been so very nice,” said Favara while handing out water bottles to thirsty riders. “We have been seeing a tremendous variety of ages, men and women, just everyone out here having a good time.”
Of course, a rigorous ride is not without its bumps and obstacles.
One such hiccup happened to Barry Smith as he waited at the Gravel Hill rest stop for a support and gear vehicle. He needed help replacing some parts on his bike that had become overworked and damaged during the 100-kilometer ride.
“I have some mechanical problems here,” said Smith, pointing to his bike’s crank, which allows the chain to turn the rear wheel.
But he did not let this inconvenience ruin his experience.
“It has still been an excellent ride,” he said, as he chatted with other bikers and volunteers.
The camaraderie was a big highlight for many riders.
At the end of the race, Arthur Johnson of Greenville said he had just started biking during the height of the pandemic. He participated in last year’s Bikes, Blues & Bayous, the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce’s other cycling event that is the state’s largest bike ride. After that, Johnson said he had to come back for this event.
“It was just great landscape, and it was great getting support from all the other riders,” he said while eating a bratwurst and baked potato at the post-ride cookout.
Music, drinks and conversation welcomed the riders back to the hub of the event. As people celebrated, participants Melinda and Mike Pigors simply put it: “The Greenwood Gravel Grind did not disappoint.”
- Contact Adam Bakst at 581-7233 or abakst@gwcommonwealth.com. On Twitter at @AdamBakst_GWCW.
