Coast to Coast - Gravel Grinder

June 22, 2019
Michigan
​Au Gres at Lake Huron to Ludington at Lake Michigan 
Distance: 210 miles
Elevation Gain: approx. 6,500 ft.
micoasttocoast.com/

---

  Last fall Brent Rohrs expressed to me his interest in a 210 mile gravel bicycle race across his home state of Michigan. With an offer to arrange the logistics, the addition of THE Jon Lester, and A1 support staff/mechanic/water boy/coach Dave Kay, I could not say no.
And...former teammate (always a teammate) Justin Michaels provided "rabbit like" motivation.
(Yeah he beat us all).
The course consisted of fast gravel roads, wooded and sandy two-tracks, short but punchy climbs,
and 40 mph downhills. 
After over 12 hours, Brent was the first Diablo to the finish, with a 28th overall, 7th in division.
If only Jeff didn't have a head start on getting old Brent would have made the 50-59 podium. 
A few minutes later Jeff finished 29th, making the podium with a 3rd.
Jon finished a short time later on his freaking mountain bike. 
​Thanks again to Dave for the support at the three checkpoints, and The Recyclist Bicycle Co. for setting up Brent and Jeff with a couple of Giant bikes that proved up to the task.  
Full results: www.racetecresults.com/Results.aspx?CId=16371&RId=239&EId=2

- Jabitz