THE NORTHWOODS RAMBLE 9 - RED GRANITE GRINDER

THE NORTHWOODS RAMBLE 9 - RED GRANITE GRINDER

Matti and Peter work together throughout the race. Photo credit: Seeley Dave

Life Above 8’s Seeley Dave recaps the 2023 Red Granite Grinder with race director, Shane Hitz, and several riders.

Highlights include:

• 12-15 min: Sandra Hoogland, local and three time finisher

  • Usually races the 85 mile, but signed up last year for the 50 mile to ride the corn maze

• 15-19 min: Shane Hitz, Red Granite Grinder race director and course designer

  • Shane’s discovery of Minnow Ponds

  • Goals for the course design

• 19-23 min: Peter Olejniczak and Matti Rowe, 144 mile present and past winners

  • Family roots to the event

  • How the race unfolded from the front

  • How frequent turns promote teamwork

• 23-26 min: Peter Hopkins, Peter Monko, Daniel Streicher, returning from Chicago for the 85 mile which was their first ever gravel race last year

  • What other gravel races they have done since last year

  • Other fun bike adventures tailgating at White Sox ball games

Related:

• 2023 Red Granite Grinder preview

• The Nxrth interview with Shane Hitz

• BIKES OR DEATH EP. 131 ~ Red Granite Grinder recap

• BIKES OR DEATH EP. 125 ~ SHANE HITZ, WISCONSIN GRAVEL & BIKEPACKING

• Red Granite Grinder race report featured in Silent Sports Magazine

• 2022 Red Granite Grinder race report - 85 mile by Rachel and Jacob

Minnow Ponds were a new addition to the event in 2023! Photo credit: Seeley Dave