Tackle the rolling hills around Iowa City on the Jingle Cross Gravel Grinder Presented by Shimano! Riders will depart the Johnson County Fairgrounds at 8:00am on Saturday, September 14, for a poker and craft beer extravaganza created by Active Endeavors with a course designed by Jason McCartney. The first stop is at Kalona Brewing Company where each rider will get a complimentary beer and pick up two poker cards. The course then travels through Amish Country on its way back to Iowa City and Big Grove Brewery for another beer and two cards. The final stop is the fairgrounds, just before the start of the World Cup, where riders will complete their hands and receive a complimentary beer ticket from Deschutes Brewery. Goldfinch Cyclery, Geoff’s Ski and Bike and World of Bikes will be providing mechanical support with swag awarded for good hands.
“The Jingle Cross Gravel Grinder Presented by Shimano is an exciting chance to ride some of our local gravel, sample some great craft beer and win some cool swag, said course designer Jason McCartney. “It’s a fun course that is perfect for either serious or recreational riders. Once finished, riders can take advantage of the complimentary showers from Bikes To You (bring a towel), complimentary bike valet from Iowa Bicycle Coalition and enjoy the World Cup along with live bands and DJs.”
The Jingle Cross Gravel Grinder Presented by Shimano will be part of the expanded list of events at the three-day Jingle Cross Festival. Held on September 13-15, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa, Jingle Cross kicks off the cyclo-cross season as host of the opening round of the 2019/20 Telenet UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup. In addition to the World Cup, there will be three full days of exciting amateur races, product expo, local vendors and activities for the entire family. Highlight activities include Nulo Doggy Cross, IDT Grinch’s Kids Race, Beers and Gears and Scheels Junior Devo Cup.
Based in the heart of the Mid-West, Iowa City has embraced Jingle Cross with fans and local businesses coming out to support the event in large numbers. Away from the race-course Iowa City provides everything from boutique stores to craft breweries, museums and farm-to-table restaurants. Also, the town prides itself on being bicycle friendly with great riding and beautiful scenery.
Registration for the Jingle Cross Gravel Grinder Presented by Shimano is now open. Register today!
A non-profit organization, Jingle Cross benefits the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Registration for amateur races will open July 1, 2019. For more information on event registration, Iowa City and travel accommodations, please visit jinglecross.com.
Photos: Jeff Corcoran