2024 UCG Gear
Grinder Classic
Grinder Classic
Join us September 8, 2024 for a 28 or 51 mile bike ride along the St. Croix River to the historic Stillwater, MN
(Voted one of America's most picturesque towns)
(Voted one of America's most picturesque towns)
Ride Location:
Afton, MN (Click here for map)
Rider Requirements:
*Experienced riders 18+ only please.
*Younger teens permitted to ride ONLY if accompanied by a parent.)
* Helmets required.
Ride Routes
28 or 51 mile routes (Scroll down this page to see the route map)
Ride Difficulty & Terrain:
Moderate - The ride will consist of a combination of some paved trails, lightly traveled country roads and roads with shoulders.
Don't let the name "Gear Grinder" scare you away. There are a number of small climbs on both routes, but the only challenging climb is on the 51-mile route coming out of Afton. We affectionately refer to that climb as "Pete's Hill", named after Pete McNair, a UCG Elder who passed in 2014.
Pete was as a frequent riding companion to those of us who regularly "Grind the Gears" here in the UCG Twin Cities. He lived near Afton and made climbing the hill part of his regular training.
Look for "Pete's Hill" on the route map at the bottom of this page.
Registration Details
* Participation is limited to the first 50 registrants.
* Registration Fee: $20 per rider - Fees will go to help pay for shared meals, snacks, beverages and SAG wagon fuel costs. Any unspent funds will be donated to UCG Good Works.
* Ride T-Shirt - $25 (Scroll down this page to see photo and size guide) - We must receive a minimum of 25 orders prior to 8/1. If we don't receive at least 25, we will send you a refund. Otherwise, refunds are not available once the order is placed.)
After registering, send your check for the $20 registration fee and $25 T-Shirt order (if applicable) to:
Tony Stith
951 Stewarton Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
* Your registration is not finalized until we receive your registration fee and waiver form - after which you will receive email confirmation of your registration.
Questions? Email Tony at [email protected].
* Participation is limited to the first 50 registrants.
* Registration Fee: $20 per rider - Fees will go to help pay for shared meals, snacks, beverages and SAG wagon fuel costs. Any unspent funds will be donated to UCG Good Works.
* Ride T-Shirt - $25 (Scroll down this page to see photo and size guide) - We must receive a minimum of 25 orders prior to 8/1. If we don't receive at least 25, we will send you a refund. Otherwise, refunds are not available once the order is placed.)
After registering, send your check for the $20 registration fee and $25 T-Shirt order (if applicable) to:
Tony Stith
951 Stewarton Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
* Your registration is not finalized until we receive your registration fee and waiver form - after which you will receive email confirmation of your registration.
Questions? Email Tony at [email protected].
Schedule of Events
Saturday 9/7
- 1:30 PM Sabbath Services with Potluck to follow
Twin Cities United Church of God
Newport United Methodist
1596 11th Ave. (at Glen Rd.)
Newport, MN 55055
(UCG website with Directions)
Saturday 9/7
- 1:30 PM Sabbath Services with Potluck to follow
Twin Cities United Church of God
Newport United Methodist
1596 11th Ave. (at Glen Rd.)
Newport, MN 55055
(UCG website with Directions)
Sunday 9/8 (Day of Ride)
- 8:00 - 8:45 AM Ride Check-in
- 9:00 AM Ride will begin from parking lot of Afton Town Square in Afton, MN. (Click here for map)
- 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM Lunch will be provided at end of ride.
You may also want to walk across the street to enjoy some of the best ice cream in the state, at Selma's.
