Last Saturday we managed to convince around 40 fellow bike-nerds to drive from Richmond down to La Crosse, VA to ride the inaugural Ol' Dirty South Hill mixed-surface “road” ride.

Last Saturday we managed to convince around 40 fellow bike-nerds to drive from Richmond down to La Crosse, VA to ride the inaugural Ol' Dirty South Hill mixed-surface “road” ride.   The route was 72 miles long with 42 miles of gravel and dirt road that never seemed to stop rolling up and down.

Despite the somewhat challenging route, riders of many levels showed up and threw down.  From the shortest elapsed time of about 4 hours all the way to peak party pace of 8 hours (with some detours to find chicken livers and hotdogs) it was really great to see riders of all speeds out there.  Squads were assembled.  Alliances were formed.  Hills were conquered and the gravel was ground.  At the end of the day I think it is safe to say that everyone had a great time.

Scroll through for words and pics from from some of the crew that came out. Big thanks to Chenla, Tamara, Scott, Chris, Sam, Fabian,Raleigh, and Uncle Randy.

"The O.D.S.H ride was a beautiful blend of fast gravel and skies that looked like the clouds were painted in. Morning temps were a little brisk but the 50+ degrees and sunlight seemed promising for the day. With my bike over packed with snacks and an incredible veggie burrito by @planet_hurt I was ready to tackle the route. Rides like these are always physically and mentally taxing, but this is where I get to learn a lot about myself and prepping for big rides.  Main takeaways would be to pack less food (I never really know what is enough), and wake up sooner (forgot to pack my sunglasses) - However with no spills, no mechanicals, and seeing friends & familiar faces - I'd say it was a great day. Thank you Braden, James and the Outpost crew for everything." 

- Chenla Ou