Recap: Barry Roubaix 2022
Barry Roubaix is an annual gravel cycling race event in Barry County, Michigan. For a lot of folks, Barry Roubaix is a kick off to their gravel racing calendar for the year. This years’ race was on March 26, 2022.
The race attracts thousands of people and this year was no different. Over 4,000 people showed up for the event to race routes of 18, 36, 62, or 100 miles. One aspect I always love about gravel races and gravel cycling in general is that all are welcome. This year, Barry Roubaix added non-binary racing category making their tent even bigger and more inclusive!
I signed up to race the 62 mile route. Officially the route says the total elevation to be approx. 4300 ft, I think it's more than that. The route is well marked with permanent road signs at major turns for the 18, 36, and 62 mile route so you can ride the route any time.
I drove up to Hastings the day before the race. I rode the 18 mile route to get myself comfortable with the area and some of the hills. A lot of other racers were on the route as well.
The day of the race was chilly. 35 degree weather, wind chill of 19 degree fahrenheit and 30 mph wind gusts. This has been the coldest race for me. Gravel in Barry County is smooth but sandy. While it was mostly dry, the overnight rain/snow kept the surface soft so you had to use a little extra power for the same effort. I layered up with a base layer, full length fleece jersey and bib tights, wind vest, wool socks, balaclava to cover my head, ears, and neck, and lobster gloves on my hands. The lobster gloves will bite me later.
The race start was in waves that you select based on your average speed. This was done to keep faster riders in the front and slower in the back. You were still timed on when you crossed the chip scanner on the start and the finish but this method helped in avoiding faster riders running into the slower ones and vice versa.
The first 20 miles of the race has a lot of climbs. Gravel roads were very consistent after the first couple of miles getting out of town. The winter gravel scenery was beautiful. After an hour of cycling, I realized that my body is working overtime - to keep me warm and to ride the bike. Unfortunately, my lobster gloves did not help. Anytime I had to eat, I had to stop, take off one of my gloves, eat and then keep going. This strategy did not help me in the long run. I started to get hungry and even after stopping to eat, I’d get hungry again. At mile 37 with 3,500 ft of climbing, I decided today was not my day. But those 37 miles helped me realize I can ride in pretty cold weather if I have the right gear for it. The only change I’d make for next year (yes I am doing this again next year) is wear full finger gloves instead of lobster gloves so I have dexterity to eat while I ride.
The after party was fun with food and beer. Multiple fire pits kept folks warm. I drove back home the next day thinking about what I will do next year.
Thank you to Matt Acker and all the volunteers for organizing this race.
Next years’ race is on April 15, 2023. For details checkout https://barry-roubaix.com/
Routes: https://barry-roubaix.com/maps-and-files