Welcome to the Black Fork! This early season gravel road race and ride will test your spirit, legs, and lungs and is perfect for Mountain Bikers, Cyclocross Racers, Adventure Cyclists and Gravel Junkies itching for a challenge. The three route options near Loudonville, Ohio are almost entirely (70%) on gravel roads and have varying degrees of climbing. The 23 mile route has just three big climbs, lots of rollers and great views for participants who may be new to gravel grinding or don't have the legs and lungs to tackle the longer, more challenging distances. Our 30 mile route has seven long, steep climbs that will test your strength (both mentally and physically), fast and furious downhills that will make you pucker, and an occasional smooth roller that will put a smile on your face. And our 54 mile race route is for the advanced adventure junkie who just can't get enough gravel. It has 10 big climbs that will test the strongest racers. Regardless of which route you choose, none are easy so you'll definitely have earned your beer at the finish!
For 54 mile racers, the top three overall men's and women's finishers will receive a cash payout and award medals. In addition, the overall first place male and female finishers will receive free entry to compete in the Barry-Roubaix, Killer Gravel Road Race! The first-third place finishers in each category will receive cash payout and recognition at the trophy ceremony. We also have a King and Queen of the Mountain Award for the first guy and gal to reach the top of our second major climb (on Big Hill Road)
Start and Finish
Packet Pick-Up is at Mohican Wilderness' main pavilion located at 22462 Wally Road Glenmont, OH 44628 (9 miles south of Loudonville). Team tents are welcome and can be set up in our designated location at the start/finish line. All registered participants should plan to stop for a much deserved free, cold beer after you finish.
Check in starts at 7:00am and we will have a mass roll out start beginning promptly at 10:00am. Don’t be late!
The after party will consist of a Nocterra Brewing beer for each rider (age 21 or older of course), BBQ, Kenda swag give away and fun with 900 of your best gravel grinder friends. Lastly, don’t miss out on our silent auction for a Lauf True Grit Gravel Bike, AIR carbon wheel set and 1Up bike rack. 100% of the auction’s proceeds will go to Ohio’s Youth Mountain Bike League (NICA)!
Categories for 54 Mile Racers
There are Men's and Women's age categories of 16-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & over, non-binary open and Men's and Women's Open Single Speed class. When registering, select the appropriate category based on your age on event day. Cutting edge chip timing systems will be used to record race times.
Cash Purse and awards for 54 Mile Racers
EQUAL CASH PURSE and award medals will be given to the overall top three finishers in the 54 mile event in both men's and women's categories.
1st Place Overall Male and Female Finisher- $300 and Free entry to compete in the Barry-Roubaix!
2nd Place Overall Male and Female Finisher- $200
3rd Place Overall Male and Female Finisher- $100
Category Winners
1st Place Category Finishers- Cash Purse, Bragging Rights and Six Pack of Nocterra Brewing Beer
2nd Place Category Finishers- Cash Purse
3rd Place Category Finishers- Cash Purse
King and Queen of the Mountain
Our KOM and QOM competition is open to all participants so 23 and 30 mile riders can go against some of Ohio's strongest cyclist to be the first to reach the top Big Hill Road, the second major climb.
King of the Mountain- $100
Queen of the Mountain- $100
Overall race & category winners and our KOM and QOM must be present at the awards ceremony to claim your prize.
On-Course Support
On course support includes directional signs at each road crossing, a route map to each rider, Highway Patrol at key road crossings, Adventure Riders motorcycle club keeping a lookout, Mt Vernon Ham Radio club on site, one (1) aid station for 23 and 30 miler riders, and two (2) aid stations for the 54 mile racers. Both aid stations will be stocked with water, Hammer Heed, Coke, snack cakes, cookies, M&Ms, pretzels and bananas. If you require something else, drop bag service will be available at aid station #2 (only). Just bring your own drop bag with your name clearly marked, and we’ll make sure it gets to aid station #2. All left behind aid station articles will be returned to the registration area after the event.
~ Aid Station #1, at mile 14 (23 Mile Riders) or at mile 20.5 (54 Mile Racers). Hosted by the COMBO Mtn Bike Patrol
~ Aid Station #2, at mile 19 (30 Mile Riders) or at mile 36 (54 Mile Racers). Hosted by Mohican Malabar Bike Club
Aid Station Cutoffs: There will be CUT OFF TIMES at both aid stations.
Aid Station #1 (Bridge-of-Dreams) cut off time: 1:00pm
Aid Station #2 (Knox Township Garage) cut off: 3:00pm
To help ensure the safety and well being of our participants, all riders unable to make the cut off at aid station #2, will be offered transportation (bike & rider) back to the finish line. Those who choose to continue riding, do at their own risk, and without aid or sweep.
Lastly, the Cyclist Connection will have a mechanic at the event and be our sweep vehicle if anyone needs a ride back to the finish. That being said, this is a challenging ride in a remote location so you should be self-sufficient and carry your own water, food, tools, spare tube, etc. If you see a rider who needs help, please stop and give them a hand. Also, cell phone coverage in this area is sporadic so coverage may be limited or non-existent.
Equipment
The routes are on approximately 70% gravel roads that range from smooth and fast, to loose and chunky. This mix of surfaces lends itself to mountain bikes, gravel & cyclocross rigs, and fat bikes. If you don’t have one of those, just run watcha brung. Also, riding in May means Mother Nature can throw about anything at us, so be prepared.
Oh, and if you need a new set of gravel tires, Kenda is offering 15% off! Just enter BFGG15 when you purchase them on-line.
Rules of the Ride & Race
Participants must wear a helmet while riding their bicycle.
Participants must obey all city, county and state laws, and “Rules of the Road”. There will not be anyone stopping traffic at intersections and road crossings. All riders must watch for and yield to traffic.
Riders are responsible for staying on the correct side of the road and being especially careful at blind corners and cresting hills. Be safe out there! You are responsible for your safety.
Racers are to mount number plates to their handlebars. DO NOT trim, bend or fold number plates.
Racers who exit the course must return to where they left the route and continue from there.
Private vehicles are not allowed to support racers.
Racers may only receive a hand-up from other racers or designated Black Fork support team.
Battery assist/E-bikes are not allowed in the 54 mile race category.
In order to participate, each rider is required to review, sign and date the event's Liability Waiver form.
In case of an emergency, call 911
Gravel Etiquette and Recommendations
Do not litter. The Black Fork is a leave no trace event. Pack out your wrappers, water bottles, etc. We’re guests so don’t be a #*%@.
Allow automobiles to pass on long hill climbs. Please be courteous to the locals.
If you encounter horse and buggy or horseback riders on the route, please slow down, announce yourself by saying “Hi! Great day for a ride!” and pass with care. Horses can be easily frightened.
When passing other cyclists or pedestrians, announce yourself by saying “Hi! Have a great day!” and pass with care. People can be easily frightened.
There’s nothing wrong with walking a hill, but please stay to the right and allow riders to pass. Also, there is often a best “line” when riding gravel, make sure to let riders take it.
When riding in a group and you can safely point out an obstacle or hazard, please call it out.
Shit happens so we highly recommend riding with a cell phone, navigation device and/or printed map, spare tube, pumps, etc. Be prepared to rescue yourself.
Pre and Post Event Festivities
Come by Mohican Wilderness Campground Friday evening, between 6:00pm-9:00pm for early packet pickup. We’ll have live music playing, camp fire’s burning and beers flowing. Also, don’t forget to bring cash cause Buddy’s Local Eats will be taking orders.
Lastly, after the ride, don’t miss out on delicious Big Pappy’s BBQ sandwiches, cold beer, silent auction, awards ceremony, music, and of course hanging out with all your cycling friends.
On Site Camping
The Mohican Wilderness Campground offers scenic tent and RV camping, log cabin rentals, hot showers and much more. Avoid the morning rush and come spend the weekend with us!
Make a reservation: Call the campground at 740-599-6741 and let them know you’re coming for the Black Fork. They’ll get you set up.
Rates: Adults are $25 per person, for up to two nights of camping, 17 and under are free.
Occupancy:
Electric/Water sites- Up to 6 people allowed. 3 tents without a plug in camper unit or 2 tents plus a plug in camper.
Primitive Sites (without power)- 4 people and 2 tents allowed
If you’re camping with friends, they can be assigned to the same site and each person can pay individually. Just let the campground know.
Sites: Campsites being held for event are: 600s (w/ power and water), and 700s and part of the 800s (primitive).
Podcast with The Gravel Lot guys… click the link below to listen!
