Florida Gravel Grinder series #2 – Three Forks Grind – Palm Bay, Fl
Round two of Scarbourgh Bicycle Accident Law Florida State Championship Gravel Grinder series presented by Trek Land o’ Lakes series headed to the levees of the Palm Bay area under favorable weather and course conditions. The course this year had a slightly different layout as the two way traffic section was replaced by a grass / gravel surface that changed the dynamics of the race a bit by slowing the pace and providing for more wind and shade for the racers. Each race loop was 14.9 miles long and the sprint distance faced two laps while the marathon class would grit out four laps.
The battles were fierce once the starts got underway, the groups stayed together nicely for the first six or so miles of hardpack limestone surface but then the riders then hit the grass section followed by a turn into the wind and real grinding took hold. Jos Chalmers came away with a close win in the men’s marathon open class and Meggie Schneider claimed a comfortable win in the women’s marathon class. Todd Vanselous was the overall sprint winner and Ashley Thomas was declared the sprint women’s top rider.
In the competition for the series leaders jersey it was Otaner Ojeda grabbing the men’s jersey with 63 points and Jeanine Seeger wearing the women’s jersey with a total 68 points.
Many thanks to all of the riders and sponsors and also special thanks to Infinity Bike Shop for all the cool prizes. Next round is the March 29th at Tiger Bay state forest in Ormond Beach, Fl.