For years various people have told me to use the KISS method which is “keep it simple stupid”. Rather than heed this sage advice I will propose a ride with options. Option 1 is the Gravel Grind:

Meet at the Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre at 9:30AM.

Ride South East on Highway 33 paved shoulder to Kronau (about 21K).

Ride East on Grid Roads to St. Peter’s Colony (about 13K).

Have a brief Wikipedia history lesson about St. Peter’s Colony, the old Church and the Stone Grotto which was constructed in 1917. Teaser, we think of Hutterites when we see the word Colony. The settlers at St. Peter’s Colony were not Hutterites and they showed up long before Hutterites came to the area.

After the look around ride back to Kronau on the Grid Roads. Surprisingly it will still be about 13K.

Things to do in Kronau. Visit the museum which is open from 10am to 4pm. Have lunch and/or an ice cream at the new curling rink which opens at 1pm. Other than that, there is not much to do in Kronau unless you are into shopping at the gas bar for great deals on beef jerky and a slurpee.

Ride back North West on Highway 33 to Regina which is likely to be the same 21K as it was going out.

ETA back in Regina likely around 3pm depending on winds.

I will scout the condition of the gravel a day ahead of the ride and advise the group. Mountain bike or wider tired ride is required.

Option 2 Kruise to Kronau:

For riders who prefer to skip the gravel and just want to Kruise to Kronau visit the museum and have lunch with the crew.

Depart the Sandra Schmirler at 11:30pm.

Meet up with the group in Kronau at 1:00ish for lunch and a museum stop.

Ride with the group back to Regina.

All pavement so any bike will do.

Mileage for the Grotto Grind will be about 68K and the Kruise to Kronau will be 42K.

I would ask for participants to let me know if they are coming by sending be an e-mail at iantoms@accesscomm.ca or a text at 306-550-6692 and indicating the option they would like to ride. I will look for a ride host for the group going out later.

Those of you who do not have to work on Friday can join me on August July 12 for Arleene’s Freedom Friday Mountain Bike Excursion 1000 to 1200. Meet at the Leg. Not sure where we will go yet, perhaps where ever my wheels take me. The ride will be in the city. Come prepared for pavement, gravel, dirt and perhaps some trails.

Training up for GASP ... let's go to Lumsden or Craven via Brora for lunch and come back, about 70 - 130 km, depending what you want to do. I'm likely satisfied with about 80 or 90 km.

CanBike Level 3 is perfect for those who know how to ride a bike but want more confidence on the road and in traffic.

Part I will be indoors ... but still bring your bike. Part II will be in a parking lot to learn and improve handling skills. Part III will be a rider-friendly group ride to practice everything learned earlier in the day.

Cost: $75
Max Participants: 6
Registration Deadline: July 7, 2019
Certified Instructor: Tamela Friesen
Text: 306-526-9735

Click Here to Register