4th of July: Welcome Summer

Since 2016, the 4th of July weekend has always signaled a time to get together with friends and explore the far reaching corners of New England. My fondness for barns and fascinating for bridges hits the a crescendo with Vermont’s historic covered bridges. Here’s a shot from exactly one year ago on #tourXnewengland:

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And (sigh…) here’s #tourX in the contemporary times:

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Not to be dismayed, we still have DIYgravel

A lack of events is all the more reason to go out and explore those far reaching corners of your backyard and nearby roads! That’s the spirit of exploration and of DIYgravel — finding adventure anywhere you go.

Welcome to round four of DIYgravel, featuring Raid Lamoille here in Vermont July 18 and The Rift in Iceland July 25. I’ve been part of the Raid rides for years, as the promoter Arlon is a good friend and throws a terrific event. Plus he coordinates the King Challenge, which will be a big focus of fall’s DIYgravel calendar. Meanwhile, I was excited to go back to The Rift right up until covid quashed any plans for that.

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DIYgravel Wares

T-shirts (both men’s and women’s sizing), hats, and the top tier belt buckle, we have DIYgravel swag that will complete your summer wardrobe. Best yet, these purchases support the Krempels Center, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those living with brain injury. My dad suffered a stroke in 2003 so they are the beneficiary of these DIYgravel funds. Similarly, they are the beneficiary of October 17 King Challenge. If you want to learn more about how to DO GOOD with DIYgravel, just click here.

Enter into Round Four

Your ride entries are welcome ANYTIME. Round four is open through July 31, then we’ll kick off Rooted Vermont’s DIYgravel — Mullet Protocol! As always, rides must be submitted to iamtedking.com/DIYgravel.

Congratulations to round three winners: Abigail S., Phil T., Ian J., Owen B., David G., Ben S., Pamela B., and Ryan Y. for winning some mighty fine goods in the DIYgravel DK edition, round 3 of DIYgravel. From a SRAM power meter to my favorite tires from Rene Herse to a Saris bike rack to the best glasses on the planet from RŌKA to a $300 gift card from Velocio to swag galore, we’ve given away a ton of amazing prizes. Keep your entries coming!

DIYgravel in the Media

Submit Photos

That’s right, submit photos at the tail end of your DIYgravel entry. I’m thinking that we’ll start to award prizes for the most creative, zany, gnarly, creative images you’ve got. What do you think of that?!

Have a great weekend my friends. Be safe, have fun, and enjoy the ride,

-Ted

Ted KingComment