Staying Dirty

 

Current Sign

Over a decade ago, gravel bike events within a reasonable driving distance were rare commodities. Scouring the internet for these events took more than a keyword search or a hashtag. Events were mentioned through links on web pages, stumbled upon by reading random race reports, or by word of mouth, often second hand, from other bikers. The names of the events were as unique as the routes themselves. Overall, these were low-key, grassroots, free events with massive portions of hospitality and camaraderie, often punctuated with food and libations. It was July 2013, when I began my gritty gravel relationship with the Dirty Lemming.

Jim and Suzanne, along with some like minded bikers staged this event from their home on a cul-de-sac in Watertown MN. The 7am start was preceded by a friend with an operatic voice singing "The Star Spangled Banner." Then the wheels turned for a distance of 100km or 100 miles. A couple of well staffed aid stations were along the route. Post ride nourishment and refreshments took place in the shaded backyard on the cul-de-sac. Cheap trophies in normal, as well as humorous categories rounded out the day. In 2021, I went home with 2 trophies: 1st Fat Bike and Last Lemming!

Covid, as well as Jim and Suzanne's relocation appeared to push the Lemming off a cliff. However, it is difficult to not only get rid of ground in dirt, but the scent of a tight knit community. In 2023, Deb and Garry took over the reins of the Dirty Lemming. The venue changed to their farm. No more annoying the 

Camp Setting

neighbors in the cul-de-sac! Features of onsite camping, an outdoor shower, new routes (same distances), and a refurbished barn replaced previous components. The critical characteristics of submitting an entry post card, a soloist singing the National Anthem prior to the start, cheap trophies (now the "Farm Edition"), and the all embracing hospitality remain.

Pre-start Anthem (Deb's photo)

My plans to navigate the 100 mile route crashed in early June due to my bike accident. The time away from the bike to allow my clavicle to heal and the effects of the concussion to dissipate meant I could not participate even in the shorter distance. However, this provided the opportunity to volunteer. Lemmings are communal rodents. There is support and strength in numbers. Sleeping in the one person tent on a humid night after sharing a meal and conversation with a dozen other riders and volunteers, while a bit uncomfortable was overcome by an abiding sense of serenity. Filtered pre-dawn skies at 5am, walking through dew drenched grass to the porta potty, and brushing teeth at an outdoor sink began a full day. Supplies were loaded, the timing tent was popped up and tied down, and moving tables and chairs for post-ride hospitality filled the hours. Connecting with others in a drama free, nonpartisan, story sharing, high heat and blustery winds day was fabulous. Cheering tired pedal pushers as they sliced through the unrelenting wind to the end of their ride was priceless. While filled with diversity, the gravel dusted, gritty group of Lemmings savored not only the struggles of the day, but provided support for life beyond the farm. 

Lemming returns home
(Deb's photo)

While many are watching the Olympics, tracking medal counts, and having emotional reflexes to the made for media stories of athletes, I savor the opportunity to get dirty with lemmings. There were no podiums on which to stand or coaches to hug. The scene was sweat-streaked individuals; exhausted, giddy, relieved their mechanical fix lasted to the finish, and satisfied that a ride was completed.  Tech workers, medical staff, individuals thankful for another day in recovery, retirees, novices, and veterans once again followed a line on a bike computer and a line through the gravel. It is a dirty community with staying power. A community of gravel I intend to join again in 2025.

Ready to roll