GCOR Lite

Gravel circumnavigation of the Olympic Mountain Range

For no apparent reason, except wanting to get out and tour the OP, I signed up for this event that Thomas Sumter put together. I’ve done bits of it over the last 35 years and did paved versions both touring and randonneuring a few times, but this will be some new terrain and should be exciting!

GCOR 2021. Full route (440mi) includes the red sections, the “lite” version (385mi) removes a bit of gratuitous climbing and about 55 miles.

Likely more a tour pace, as this year was wholly devoted to running, so riding for this distance will be a good jolt to start prepping for Great Divide in 2022.

Riding a new to me 2019 Salsa Titanium Timberjack with Fox 32 front suspension, Schwalbe G-One tires, Shimano XTR with hydraulic brakes, 2×10. No SON dyno for the first time in 20 years, so we’ll see if a charge brick can keep me going. Not planning on much night riding – am not racing.

UPDATE: Crashed the morning of July 5th at speed on gravel coming down Rocky Brook Rd. Broke my elbow and some ribs. Tried to keep riding but after 7-some miles saw a guy named Matt who hauled me into Brinnon on his flatbed. It was such a wonderful ride until that happened. Ugh. Out for 8-10 weeks.

About Jon Muellner

Jon's Random Adventures. Cycling, Travel, Life and Other Stuff
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