The riders have launched and the 2019 La Grind is officially underway.
Category A riders launched from Olpe around 4 pm Friday afternoon. This is just the first of three stages for these riders who are competing to obtain the fastest time through each stage and take home a $7,000 grand prize.
With La Grind being a gravel stage race, recent weather conditions did take a bit of a toll on the original route. Thankfully Organizer Matt Brown tells KVOE News they had contingency plans in place and were able to adjust the course to accommodate riders.
Brown explains the adjustments were to ensure a less muddy ride for competitors and reduce the possibility of any equipment malfunctions.
La Grind continues Saturday with category B and C riders joining the fray. B and C riders will only ride on Saturday and Sunday with riders launching from High Gear at 8:30 am both days.
Roughly 200 riders from across the country have come to participate in La Grind including individuals from Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas just to name a few. Brown says although La Grind is only in its second year, the challenge it presents is one of the biggest drawing points for the competition.
Brown adds, the charitable component of the competition is another aspect of its success. All proceeds from La Grind will go to benefit Handlebars of Hope, a local non-profit bicycle outreach ministry which fixes used bikes and donates them locally and in Mexico.
Activities for all ages will accompany La Grind from 11 am to 3 pm Saturday and noon to 2 pm Sunday. For more information visit Ridelagrind.com.
