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Texas Chainring Massacre Kicks off the 2016 Gravel Season

The 2016 gravel season kicked off in traditional fashion with The Texas Chainring Massacre which is billed as "The fastest 100 miles on gravel" by The Spinistry. 

The event was held on 1/23 and staged from the tiny town of Valley View, TX. Temperatures were right at freezing for the start which is extremely brisk for Texas riders to crawl out of bed. Even with the freezing temps the event drew its largest crowd ever with well over 300 riders staging at the line.
 
The SpinistryThe event combined multiple categories and distances for a single mass start which created quite the parade out of Valley View. Open 100+ miles were mixed with SS and Women 50+ milers as well as large contingent of non competitive/fun riders with routes as short as 30 miles. The course was marked with distinctive turn arrows but riders were also provided gps files as backup if needed. Lead riders received the additional benefit of a moto lead. The course is laid out as a 50+ mile lap so racers come through the chip timing arch at staging after the first lap to establish split times. This also allows them to refuel/reload right at the halfway point if needed.
 
As expected the pace was fast and actually sped up throughout the day. Mat Stephens established a gap and left the field behind in the first 20 miles. By the end of the first lap he had established a gap of several minutes on the next fastest rider. The course is unique that it does allow for cooperative group riding/tactics while still throwing some rugged sections into the mix. The day was gorgeous and the temps warmed up which allowed riders to choose between an all out hammerfest or just enjoy the day.
 
Mat maintained his lead through the second lap but Bob Cummings from Kansas came on strong lap 2 making it a much tighter competition at the end. Riders were all treated to some cool swag at the end from Whiskey Hollow Distillery and Wadley Insurance. Podium finishers all received some bonus swag and a great start to the 2016 season.
 
Please click on the photos below for a closer look.
 
The Start of the 2016 Texas Chainring MassacreGrinders On The First LapMat Stephens Grinds His Way to 1st Place2 Lady Grinders Celebrate Finishing - Chapeau!The 2016 Texas Chainring Massacre Podium Winners
 
100 miler results: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By6LByVv4M6YdEpLbUtQeUd6d2s/view
 
SS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By6LByVv4M6YOE5XajJ4bXhBRUk/view
 
Women: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By6LByVv4M6YbkUtN2Y4em1WaEE/view

Spinistry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spinistry/

 

About Spinistry

Spinistry is one of Texas's leading event organisers, since 2009. Spinistry - the Church of the Bike! 
 
A true Texan network for all who are passionate about cycling. Road, dirt and everything in between. Ultra endurance cycling off the beaten path. Compete against yourself and enjoy the scenery along the way. Great rides, greater company and years of stories to share.

Here's Spinistry other main gravel events for 2016. Entry for their next event, Gravelthon has started off strongly, so of you can get to Dallas and love Grinders, then get in quick!
 
Date Event Location Routes Diff  Type My Rides
Mar 05 Gravelthon Dallas, Texas, USA 20, 40, 60 miles C GRAVEL
Apr 02 - Apr 03 Red River Riot Muenster, Texas, USA 30, 60, 120 miles F CENTURY
May 13 - May 15 Dirty Fury Jacksboro, Texas, USA 100 miles per day D GRAVEL
Oct 10 - Oct 17 Ride Across Texas Texarkana, Arkansas, USA 900+ miles E GRAVEL

For full information, please visit spinistry.net