It is that time of year again! The Gravel Grinders National Championship is happening once again this year in Loudoun County. In 2023, and 2022 NOVA Jeepers members volunteered to help support the bike racing community and act as support vehicles for the Gravel Grinders Race. In years past we recovered, vehicles, people, and bikes! Volunteers get a swag bag, raffle ticket (for raffle items given away at the awards ceremony) and a food token for use at Bluemont Station after the race.
Who: NOVA Jeepers looking to support the Off-Road bike racing community
What: 2024 Gravel Grinders National Championship, a 100 mile bike race in Loudoun County. NOVA Jeepers will be providing support on the day of the race to recover injured bikers / bikers who are unable to complete the race / and if the weather does not cooperate, recover stuck vehicles.
Where: The race covers a 50 mile loop of gravel roads across Loudoun County, the race will start and end at Bluemont Station (18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135)
When: May 11, 2024
GAIA Maps of the Course - with Recovery Vehicle Locations available HERE
Schedule of Events Saturday
6:45 AM: Pre-race Briefing, pickup radios, pick up bike racks, at Bluemont Station (18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135) Please enter by way of Route 7 to avoid start area
7:30 AM: Grinder Nationals Start at Bluemont Station - @Galactica to tail the last rider of the Nationals Race for the duration of the course
8:00 AM: Mini G Start at Bluemont Station - @Spaz to tail the last rider of the Mini G race for the duration of the course
8:15 AM: Magnifispin Start at Bluemont Station - @WNDR-XJto tail the last rider of the Magnifispin race for the duration of the course
8:30 AM: Additional volunteers to deploy pickup locations to await calls for assistance
3:30 PM: Awards Ceremony at Bluemont Station
Current confirmed Participants
How we will help day of:
Sweepers (@Galactica, @WNDR-XJ, and @Spaz ) will follow behind the last rider of each race and be responsible for ensuring that no riders are left on the course. Sweepers may encounter riders who need assistance, they are to call for a rescue jeep to come grab the rider, or offer to bring the rider to the next aid station or to the finish if they are willing to ride along. Sweepers will communicate with the rescue Jeeps and the dispatch center via text, and ham radio.
Rescue Jeeps will be stationed at three locations (two aid stations) throughout the course. The aid stations will be staffed by Ham radio operators, race coordinators, and medical staff. Calls will come over the radio or via text message requesting assistance in picking up riders. Rescue Jeeps will usually be given coordinates, or a mile marker on the track where the person requiring assistance is located. The rescue Jeep will then deliver the rider requiring assistance back to the start of the race (if dropping out) or to the nearest aid station. When picking up a rider you will need to record their name, and race number and provide that information to the race timer at the finish line of the race.
How will we communicate?
Dispatch, Race Coordinators, Sweeping Jeeps, and Rescue Jeeps will communicate via Handheld Ham Radios, GMRS Radios, Cell Phone, and Text messages. Mobile Ham base stations will be set up at each of the Aid stations, and handheld units will be given to the Jeeps.
Additional information:
Roles for Specific Jeeps:
Jeep #1 Grinder Nationals Sag – 102 miles
Set odometer to zero at race start and follow behind last rider. Stay back at least 100 yards. You must stay behind the last rider – if another rider needs a ride back to the finish line you should call for a different rescue jeep. You can pick up a rider if they are willing to ride with you as you sag behind the last place rider until you get to an aid station or to the finish at Bluemont Station. Please pick up any trash (Gu wrappers, water bottles, etc) that you see on the course.
Tell the aid station volunteers at mile 25 (19650 Telegraph Springs Road, Purcellville 20132) that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed this point, the volunteers must stay because this is also the 75 mile aid station for Grinder Nationals. Continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed the 25 mile aid station.
All riders will be traveling on Snickersville Hwy and the Grinder Nationals riders will turn left onto Yellow Schoolhouse Road around the 50-mile mark to start their 2nd lap. The Mini G riders will continue straight on Snickersville Hwy towards the finish at Bluemont Station. There will be signs at the intersection denoting this.
Tell the volunteers at this intersection that this is the last rider for Grinder Nationals. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed this intersection. Continue to follow the last rider for Grinder Nationals.
Tell the aid station volunteers around mile 55 (Red Gate Farms) that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed this point. Continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed the 50-mile aid station.
Tell the aid station volunteers at mile 75 (19650 Telegraph Springs Road, Purcellville 20132) that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed this point. Continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed the 75 mile aid station.
After the last rider finishes at Bluemont Station tell the timer at the finish line that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has finished. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has finished.
If you picked up a rider and brought them to the finish line, record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
Jeep #2 Mini G Sag – 50 miles
Sag for Mini G – Set odometer to zero at race start and follow behind last rider. Stay back at least 100 yards. You must stay behind the last rider – if another rider needs a ride back to the finish line you should call for a different rescue jeep. You can pick up a rider if they are willing to ride with you as you sag behind the last place rider until you get to an aid station or to the finish. Please pick up any trash (Gu wrappers, water bottles, etc) that you see on the course.
Tell the aid station volunteers at mile 25 (19650 Telegraph Springs Road, Purcellville 20132) that the last rider for Mini G has passed this point, the volunteers must stay because this is also the 75 mile aid station for Grinder Nationals. Continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Mini G has passed the 25 mile aid station.
All riders will be traveling on Snickersville Hwy and the Grinder Nationals riders will turn left onto Yellow Schoolhouse Road around the 50 mile mark to start their 2nd lap. The Mini G riders will continue straight on Snickersville Hwy towards the finish at Bluemont Station. There will be signs at the intersection denoting this.
Tell the volunteers at this intersection that this is the last rider for The Mini G. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Mini G has passed this intersection.
Continue to follow the last rider for the Mini G to Bluemont Station.
After the last rider for the Mini G finishes at Bluemont Station, tell the timer at the finish line that the last rider for the Mini G has finished. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him that the last rider for The Mini G has finished.
If you picked up a rider and brought them to the finish line, record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station
Jeep #3 Magnifispin Sag – 22 miles
Sag for Magnifispin – Set odometer to zero at race start and follow behind last rider. Stay back at least 100 yards. You must stay behind the last rider – if another rider needs a ride back to the finish line you should call for a different rescue jeep. You can pick up a rider if they are willing to ride with you as you sag behind the last place rider until you get to the finish. Please pick up any trash (Gu wrappers, water bottles, etc) that you see on the course.
Tell the volunteers at the Magnifispin turn around mile 12 (Intersection of Millville Rd & Willisville Rd (623) that the last rider for Magnifispin has passed this point, continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him that the last rider for Magnifispin has reached the turn around.
After the last rider finishes at Bluemont Station, tell the timer at the finish line that the last rider for the Magnifispin has finished. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him that the last rider for Magnifispin has finished.
If you picked up a rider and brought them to the finish line, record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
After you complete the Magnifispin, please contact @Galactica to join as Sag for Nationals.
@JK Critter and @Blackwidow17
Stage at the Red Gate Farm Aid Station.
Pick-up rider and bicycle when dispatched and deliver to Bluemont Station 18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135.
Record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
Once @Galactica passes on the final lap, move to the 19650 Telegraph Springs Road Aid Station
@sdhogrider and @BldyFrog
Stage at the Rescue Jeep Staging Area 1
Pick-up rider and bicycle when dispatched and deliver to Bluemont Station 18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135.
Record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
Once @Galactica passes on the final lap, feel free to depart, join the convoy, or move to the 19650 Telegraph Springs Road Aid Station
@Rich Da Man 1968 and @Damtall
Stage at the 19650 Telegraph Springs Road Aid Station
Pick-up rider and bicycle when dispatched and deliver to Bluemont Station 18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135.
Record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
Once @Galactica passes on the final lap, feel free to depart, join the convoy, or meet back at Bluemont station
Who: NOVA Jeepers looking to support the Off-Road bike racing community
What: 2024 Gravel Grinders National Championship, a 100 mile bike race in Loudoun County. NOVA Jeepers will be providing support on the day of the race to recover injured bikers / bikers who are unable to complete the race / and if the weather does not cooperate, recover stuck vehicles.
Where: The race covers a 50 mile loop of gravel roads across Loudoun County, the race will start and end at Bluemont Station (18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135)
When: May 11, 2024
GAIA Maps of the Course - with Recovery Vehicle Locations available HERE
Schedule of Events Saturday
6:45 AM: Pre-race Briefing, pickup radios, pick up bike racks, at Bluemont Station (18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135) Please enter by way of Route 7 to avoid start area
7:30 AM: Grinder Nationals Start at Bluemont Station - @Galactica to tail the last rider of the Nationals Race for the duration of the course
8:00 AM: Mini G Start at Bluemont Station - @Spaz to tail the last rider of the Mini G race for the duration of the course
8:15 AM: Magnifispin Start at Bluemont Station - @WNDR-XJto tail the last rider of the Magnifispin race for the duration of the course
8:30 AM: Additional volunteers to deploy pickup locations to await calls for assistance
3:30 PM: Awards Ceremony at Bluemont Station
Current confirmed Participants
| Jeeper | Radio | Bike Rack | Recovery Gear | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @Galactica | Handheld GMRS / VHF | Yes | Kinetic Ropes, Soft Shackles (Winch if driving a Jeep) | Sweeper - Jeep #1 - Nationals |
| @WNDR-XJ | Handheld GMRS / VHF | No | Kinetic Rope, Soft Shackles, Winch | Sweeper - Jeep #3 - Magnifispin |
| @Spaz | All the radios  | No | Sweeper - Jeep #2 - Mini G | |
| @JK Critter | Yes | Basic Recovery Gear | Red Gate Farm Aid Station | |
| @Rich Da Man 1968 | Yes | No | Recovery Strap, Soft Shackles, Winch | 19650 Telegraph Springs Road Aid Station |
| @BldyFrog | Yes | Yes | Recovery Gear | Rescue Jeep Staging Area 1 |
| @sdhogrider | Rescue Jeep Staging Area 1 |
How we will help day of:
Sweepers (@Galactica, @WNDR-XJ, and @Spaz ) will follow behind the last rider of each race and be responsible for ensuring that no riders are left on the course. Sweepers may encounter riders who need assistance, they are to call for a rescue jeep to come grab the rider, or offer to bring the rider to the next aid station or to the finish if they are willing to ride along. Sweepers will communicate with the rescue Jeeps and the dispatch center via text, and ham radio.
Rescue Jeeps will be stationed at three locations (two aid stations) throughout the course. The aid stations will be staffed by Ham radio operators, race coordinators, and medical staff. Calls will come over the radio or via text message requesting assistance in picking up riders. Rescue Jeeps will usually be given coordinates, or a mile marker on the track where the person requiring assistance is located. The rescue Jeep will then deliver the rider requiring assistance back to the start of the race (if dropping out) or to the nearest aid station. When picking up a rider you will need to record their name, and race number and provide that information to the race timer at the finish line of the race.
How will we communicate?
Dispatch, Race Coordinators, Sweeping Jeeps, and Rescue Jeeps will communicate via Handheld Ham Radios, GMRS Radios, Cell Phone, and Text messages. Mobile Ham base stations will be set up at each of the Aid stations, and handheld units will be given to the Jeeps.
Additional information:
- Gravel Grinders has offered to provide support vehicles with bike racks in order to assist in this event.
- We may be asked to rescue cars if the weather does not cooperate. Please bring along your recovery gear.
- Jeeps will be scattered across the course, we will do our best to plan for locations ahead of time, but be prepared for things to change the day of
- There are segments of the course with little to no cell phone service - please download offline maps of the area ahead of time
- Due to the range of the race GMRS may not provide coverage of the entire area, be prepared to operate autonomously or without communications.
- There may be periods of downtime during the race - be prepared to enjoy the scenery
Roles for Specific Jeeps:
Jeep #1 Grinder Nationals Sag – 102 miles
Set odometer to zero at race start and follow behind last rider. Stay back at least 100 yards. You must stay behind the last rider – if another rider needs a ride back to the finish line you should call for a different rescue jeep. You can pick up a rider if they are willing to ride with you as you sag behind the last place rider until you get to an aid station or to the finish at Bluemont Station. Please pick up any trash (Gu wrappers, water bottles, etc) that you see on the course.
Tell the aid station volunteers at mile 25 (19650 Telegraph Springs Road, Purcellville 20132) that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed this point, the volunteers must stay because this is also the 75 mile aid station for Grinder Nationals. Continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed the 25 mile aid station.
All riders will be traveling on Snickersville Hwy and the Grinder Nationals riders will turn left onto Yellow Schoolhouse Road around the 50-mile mark to start their 2nd lap. The Mini G riders will continue straight on Snickersville Hwy towards the finish at Bluemont Station. There will be signs at the intersection denoting this.
Tell the volunteers at this intersection that this is the last rider for Grinder Nationals. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed this intersection. Continue to follow the last rider for Grinder Nationals.
Tell the aid station volunteers around mile 55 (Red Gate Farms) that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed this point. Continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed the 50-mile aid station.
Tell the aid station volunteers at mile 75 (19650 Telegraph Springs Road, Purcellville 20132) that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed this point. Continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Grinder Nationals has passed the 75 mile aid station.
After the last rider finishes at Bluemont Station tell the timer at the finish line that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has finished. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him that the last rider for Grinder Nationals has finished.
If you picked up a rider and brought them to the finish line, record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
Jeep #2 Mini G Sag – 50 miles
Sag for Mini G – Set odometer to zero at race start and follow behind last rider. Stay back at least 100 yards. You must stay behind the last rider – if another rider needs a ride back to the finish line you should call for a different rescue jeep. You can pick up a rider if they are willing to ride with you as you sag behind the last place rider until you get to an aid station or to the finish. Please pick up any trash (Gu wrappers, water bottles, etc) that you see on the course.
Tell the aid station volunteers at mile 25 (19650 Telegraph Springs Road, Purcellville 20132) that the last rider for Mini G has passed this point, the volunteers must stay because this is also the 75 mile aid station for Grinder Nationals. Continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Mini G has passed the 25 mile aid station.
All riders will be traveling on Snickersville Hwy and the Grinder Nationals riders will turn left onto Yellow Schoolhouse Road around the 50 mile mark to start their 2nd lap. The Mini G riders will continue straight on Snickersville Hwy towards the finish at Bluemont Station. There will be signs at the intersection denoting this.
Tell the volunteers at this intersection that this is the last rider for The Mini G. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him when the last rider for Mini G has passed this intersection.
Continue to follow the last rider for the Mini G to Bluemont Station.
After the last rider for the Mini G finishes at Bluemont Station, tell the timer at the finish line that the last rider for the Mini G has finished. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him that the last rider for The Mini G has finished.
If you picked up a rider and brought them to the finish line, record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station
Jeep #3 Magnifispin Sag – 22 miles
Sag for Magnifispin – Set odometer to zero at race start and follow behind last rider. Stay back at least 100 yards. You must stay behind the last rider – if another rider needs a ride back to the finish line you should call for a different rescue jeep. You can pick up a rider if they are willing to ride with you as you sag behind the last place rider until you get to the finish. Please pick up any trash (Gu wrappers, water bottles, etc) that you see on the course.
Tell the volunteers at the Magnifispin turn around mile 12 (Intersection of Millville Rd & Willisville Rd (623) that the last rider for Magnifispin has passed this point, continue to follow last rider. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him that the last rider for Magnifispin has reached the turn around.
After the last rider finishes at Bluemont Station, tell the timer at the finish line that the last rider for the Magnifispin has finished. Call Matt 785-375-3773 and tell him that the last rider for Magnifispin has finished.
If you picked up a rider and brought them to the finish line, record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
After you complete the Magnifispin, please contact @Galactica to join as Sag for Nationals.
@JK Critter and @Blackwidow17
Stage at the Red Gate Farm Aid Station.
Pick-up rider and bicycle when dispatched and deliver to Bluemont Station 18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135.
Record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
Once @Galactica passes on the final lap, move to the 19650 Telegraph Springs Road Aid Station
@sdhogrider and @BldyFrog
Stage at the Rescue Jeep Staging Area 1
Pick-up rider and bicycle when dispatched and deliver to Bluemont Station 18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135.
Record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
Once @Galactica passes on the final lap, feel free to depart, join the convoy, or move to the 19650 Telegraph Springs Road Aid Station
@Rich Da Man 1968 and @Damtall
Stage at the 19650 Telegraph Springs Road Aid Station
Pick-up rider and bicycle when dispatched and deliver to Bluemont Station 18301 Whitehall Estate Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135.
Record riders name and number on your sheet and give this information to the timer (Chris) at the finish line at Bluemont Station.
Once @Galactica passes on the final lap, feel free to depart, join the convoy, or meet back at Bluemont station
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