Developing the Ohio Gravel Grinders logotype
Dylan Menges, Principal/Designer, Menges Design
I met Dylan Menges, Principal/Designer of Menges Design, at the annual HATTARICK ride in January 2010. HATTARICK stands for Hockhocking Adena Trail To Athens Ride In the Cold for Koffee and was organized by Rick Holt. It was traditionally held on the first Saturday in January, ventures from Hocking College in Nelsonville to Athens, Ohio for lunch, and takes place no matter the weather. Over the years we experienced conditions ranging from rain, snowstorms, ice, sleet, extreme cold and even some sunshine. Only the hardiest showed up for the most inclement weather and the year I met Dylan his metal water bottle froze and exploded during the ride. So, it was cold that year.
When Dylan showed up at HATTARICK I realized we camped next to each other at TOSRV, the Tour of the Scioto River Valley, in May 2009. Our group admired the fact that he was the only person who ferried their own camping gear on their bike to Portsmouth, Ohio. So what was the tip-off? I recognized the Surly Big Dummy bike he was riding. Over the next couple years our friendship continued to grow and we rode together when we had the chance.
In late 2015 I reached out to Dylan on the chance that he would be willing to design a logo for our group. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that he would squeeze our request into his busy schedule. Over the summer Dylan worked with me, Katie Misura Gough and others as he developed the logo. Thanks to Dylan for giving us the approval to share the process of developing the logo from sketches to final logotype. ~ Ray
Dylan believes that bikes are the second greatest invention (after fire). His first bike ride ended head first into a tree; which explains a lot. But he’s still riding, and (safe to say) addicted to the bliss of bikes and rides of every type. Except homemade tall bikes. Dylan created the logomark for Ohio Gravel Grinders and is always open to more design work that involves bicycles. You can reach him at his website - http://www.menges.design
The hearty group of cyclists on the 2010 HATTARICK
BOOM! It was cold outside.
ROUGH CONCEPTS included elements inspired by, surprise, bicycles, of course the state of Ohio and organic typography.
ROUND ONE: Ohio Gravel Grinders logo started with OHIO formed to look like a cyclist hunched over a bike in several variations.
ROUND TWO: As the logo design progressed the Ohio Gravel Grinders logo eliminated some versions of the logo and added knobby tires to remaining variations, plus added an organic OHIO from the original concepts.
FINAL VERSION: We decided to move forward with the organic OHIO which Dylan further refined to finalize the logotype.
Fine print
By participating in any offline arranged ride or activity, you, your heirs, executors, administrators and representatives do hereby agree and will absolve and hold harmless Ohio Gravel Grinder organizers, it's corporate sponsors, cooperating organizations, and any other parties connected with this web site in any way together with their respective successors from and against any blame and liability for any and all losses, damages, rights, claims, and actions of any kind including, without limitation, personal injuries, death, and property damage, or any other damage of any kind whatsoever either directly or indirectly related to or arising from your participation in any such offline Ohio Gravel Grinder organizers arranged ride or activity.
User assumes all risk and liability for any action in relations to usage of information and routes on ohiogravelgrinders.com, including if actions result in injury, death, loss or damage of personal property or other complications. Ohio Gravel Grinders, its partners, associates, and contributors accept no liability. Route information and advice is provided as a planning resource only, and is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete, and in no way should replace your own due diligence, research, and safety precautions. All users are advised to check current conditions before embarking on any route, including weather, surface conditions and closures. Riders should obey all laws including public and private land usage restrictions and guidelines and carry adequate safety and navigational equipment.