Broken Spoke Challenge is on March 28th. It starts and ends at MadeWest Brewery off of Donlon st. Neutral roll out is at 7am.
Packet Pick Up is the day before. Friday March 27th. 5pm to 8pm also at MadeWest.
Let me know any other specifics you might want to know. Thanks Sheldon.
It started with a question and an idea: How can we ensure sustainability of Ventura’s newly acquired public lands? Event Producers Ben Dewitt (FGR.inc-founder of Mountains 2 Beach Marathon and Half) and Marty O’Malia wanted to do their part in raising funds and awareness. Because their passion lies with active living as well as the outdoors, starting a local gravel event seemed like a great way to pursue their passions and help the local land conservancies build long lasting sustainable trail networks.
Born from this idea was the Broke Spoke Challenge. 80 or so miles of cycling bliss, up and down some never before ridden local trails. Looping through Ojai into some classic local trail networks, then eventually working its way back into Ventura. Along the way riders will encounter BS Zones that will present a challenge or game to the rider. If they pass the challenge onward towards the finish line. If they fail punishment will ensue… all in good fun of course. Riders from all over the country are invited to take part in the 1st ever Broken Spoke Challenge.
Their participation will help raise funds to maintain existing trails, as well as build new ones in a sustainable way to last generations. The hard work of trail conservation and development from the local conservancies; the Ventura Land Trust (VLT), the Rancho Ventura Land Conservation, and the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OCLV) is in direct alignment with Broken Spoke’s Mission.
Gravel Cycling is a relatively new concept but it has been gaining popularity over the last few years. Bike manufactures are creating bikes capable of splitting the road and dirt terrain seamlessly. The desire for discovery and adventure is driving the popularity of this sport we call “gravel riding.” Which is exactly why public access to trails is so important. The Broken Spoke Challenge gravel event aims to cover as much local dirt trails as permitted. “With 35%-40% of the route already dirt we are just scratching the surface on what is possible for the future.” Says Marty O’Malia. As these new trails are continually built over the coming years, the Broken Spoke routes will become more intricate and exciting.
