Thunder Grinder you say? What am I signing up for you ask? Gravel what? Grinder who? Do you know how busy I am?!

We understand. You have some serious questions and deserve some serious answers. Give us five minutes; we’ll explain……hold my beer.

The Thunder Grinder is the brainchild of a group of like-minded cyclists yearning for an excuse to organize a ride. Usually, we send out some texts, post on Facebook, send out the pigeons, light the signal fires, and tell our spouses we’ll be back before dinner. We thought it was about time we take this to the next level.

We got together, discussed, analyzed, percolated, then unanimously agreed that we would organize the greatest gravel ride of all time! We may have set the bar a tad too high…I’ll take that beer back now.

So, what can you expect?

We have a few tantalizing ride options. All route options will take you through the gravelisious maze of the Thunder Bay outskirts. These routes have been carefully crafted by a team of seasoned riders who have collectively logged thousands of kilometres over the last decade navigating this intricate web of Lappe car museums, SISU strongholds and Slate River farmland. Presented by the TBCC and supported by our local business community, this is your best chance to immerse yourself in a true Thunder Bay gravel adventure. Race it or ride it, the choice is yours. Either way, we guarantee you will have a blast!

So, does the fun end with the last kilometer? Nope. We’re cooking up something special. You won’t be disappointed. We will be posting more details in the coming weeks including race routes, registration links, and post-ride party details. In the meantime, save the date and tell all your friends.

Date: September 18, 2021

Start & End Location: Belluz Farms, 752 Candy Mountain Dr, Oliver Paipoonge ON, Canada

Registration & Packet Pick-up: Registration closes Friday at 12:00 noon

Kit Pick-up: 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM at Belluz Farms

Cost: $35 for Thunder Bay Cycling Club Members, $50 for non-members 

Start Time: 

Long Ride (123 km) starts at 9:00 AM

Medium Ride (90 km) starts at 9:30 AM

Short Ride (47 km) starts at 10:15 AM

Post Ride Feast and Reception: Meal by Salt & Pepper Catering, served from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Adult beverages from Lake of the Woods Brewing Company

• In the words of Frankie MacDonald “BE PREPARED!!” don’t forget that case of Pepsi.

• Make sure you bike is gravel worthy for the ride (33mm tires and up recommended). Get it tuned up at a local bike shop before the ride.

• Be kind to each other and stop to help any stranded riders along the way. The universe will repay your kind gestures.

• Be respectful of people’s property. Pee discretely.

• Always, always, always stay on the right side of the road. Pacelines are faster anyway.

• Other than your tire tracks don’t leave any trace behind. Litterers will be publicly shamed.

• Know where you’re going. The course will be marked, cue cards will be provided, and track files are available for upload to your GPS. It’s still up to you to make the right turn (or the left one).

• Call your mom, she worries about you!