Online Registration available spring 2010
Listen to the "Dust eater Dogs" with their hammering song "The Millstone Grind"
Contact info
Course Map
Listen to the "Dust eater Dogs" with their hammering song "The Millstone Grind"
Contact info
Course Map
Lodging /camping
Local Dining and Groceries
2009 Grind Reviews and photo's (just a point and shoot)
2009 Results
The "Grind" News
Jan 28th,
I just got the word from Harpoon Brewery and they are a proud supporter of the Grind 2010. I can just tell its going to be fun this year!!!
We have bean working with the Black Door Bistro and Chef Dave Packie to put together and Vermont localvore post race meal. We will let you know the menu and who produces the food when we know the detials.
andy
Jan 19th, 2010
We are now a Kenda Cup Qualifier! What does this mean? It means that if you finish in the top 60% of your Class you qualify to race in the Kenda Cup Shoot Out, on the west coast a month later. It puts us on the National calender and promotes the Grind to a larger and broader group of racers. This said, we are grass roots, and we hold the average Joe or Jane sacred to our event. So don't be shy and come to the 2010 Grind and be your best.
Jan 8th, 2010
Its cold here in Vermont but you must think of sun and bikes or at least wish for warmer weather. We all ski or ride so its not a set back. Today we are asking for Harpoon Brewery's support. Jessica at Harpoon is super and we would love to have them on board with the Grind. We will fill you in when we know. Check our the New Bicycle Express Web site, Ezra is doing great job. www.bikeexpressvt.com
andy
Jan 5th, 2010
The 2010 Millstone Grind is on! We have two big changes; the date has been moved to August 15th, 2010 and the Grind is now part of the Root 66 series.
We are concidering having a 3 lap (25.5 mile) race and will be offering the 4 lap as our traditional open marathon.
The new graphic is a what an actual "Millstone"looks like. Two of these granite wheels were sandwiched together and used to grind grain into flour. The location of the "The Grind" is on Millstone Hill, wich was named for its granite quarrys that provided the quality of granite for making Millstones.
Sept 14th, 2009
Results are posted, please click on the Red link at the top.
What a great race, we had super turn out, good weather and amazing food (Thanks Dave).
We are already working on 2010 and we are growing, so stay updated on what is in the works. I will post it here when I have something legit. Big things to come.
As soon as we can we will post video from the awsome Ben Albury Film company and photos from the event.
Andy
Sept 13th, 2009 Race Day! Thank you who raced, volunteered, spectated, you all make the Grind an awsome event.
andy
Holy Cow, it is The Day! What an adventure, and it is only 5:30am. All Ducks are in a row and the weather is going to be awsome! Those who pre rode the couse yesterday were grins from ear to ear. We are pumped to get things going. Say tuned for More Grind news on next years event. There is something big behind the curtain, that we can't reveal it yet. Best of luck to the racers today, ride hard, and finish with an empty tank. Thank you to all who worked on the event, Dan, Peirre, Noah, Ezra, Jenn, Shelly, Ben, Ben, the volunteers, and the Millstone trails board members.
Sept 11th, 2009
We forgot to list it, but there is tandem open class, they will do 1 lap/8.5 miles. You have my respect! Your start is at 11:25am.
---------------------------------------------
Sept 10th, 2009
One more weed wacking episode on the new section and we are done on the course.
The weather looks geat for Sunday, and things are falling into place. We will all be working like bees in the hive Saturday, so come ride the course and hang out. If you need a place to stay there are plenty of spaces on site. Click on the Lodging / Camping link above.
Andy Wellman, Race Director - "helping to keep the rubber side down and shiny side up", since 1991.
-----------------------------------------------
Sept 8th, 2009.
Pre Reg mix up now fixed: We were having some tech issues with pre reg and have fixed them now. If you could not find your category and could not pre reg, please try again.
For those of you training for the VT50: If you are a Sport rider, you may enter the 4 lap as an expert with no upgrade or down grade like USA Cycling. You will get an expert time and result along with the other experts. Your result will will not count as a sport result in over all EFTA standings, but will as an EFTA Expert.
Sept 8th, 2009
We realized that there were some category errors with the online pre reg and they were just corrected. If these errors prevented you from pregregistering, please let the folks at on site Reg know when you reg.
The course is fully marked with EFTA arrows and will be fulled flagged and taped Saturday the 12th.
Louis Garneu donated helmets and musette bags for the race, so a big thanks of support to Louis Garneau.
September 3rd, 2009
Looking for a place to sleep, there is camping, a bunk house and a BB on site. Click on the above link for lodging/camping for contact info.
If you have had issues trying to reg online, please let us know when you register day of.
We have been working our tails off to get the race course to buff and shine. We hammered two laps of it last night and it is Super Sweet. If you thought last year rode nice wait till you ride it now. Its a World Class course with new bridges, lines and features.
August 21st, 2009
Who is Bicycle Express? Bicycle Express is a growing shop devoted to the art and craft of cycling. It is owned by two brothers, Ezra and Noah, who's first shop location was in a shed on there parents property. In this shop they repaired the neigborhood bikes when they were only 15 and 16. The shop since then has moved to down town Northfield (N-Town) into the "Cave", the basement below and behind the pizza joint on depot square. Now they are in their late teans and early twenties and the shop has developed a devoted following. Both boys ride and race bikes, so they know what the customers needs are. No "bike shopitude", just a passion for getting people on the road or trail. They can set you up on the latest race ready KONA 29er or will fix up your old trusty 3 speed. Stop in and hang out on the couch and talk bikes with the boys of Bicycle Express.
August 18th, 2009
The Vermont Brownie Company, is going to contribute to the post race meal, so prepare your self for the most amazing brownies ever! They are NOT a low calorie treat, but hey, after The Grind you might just need to replace a few. Fear no calorie, that's my mantra.
andy
August 13th, 2009
Who ever invented the chain saw must have mountain biked! Yesterday the Jonsered 2152 saw some action on the Grind course. We opened up the exit line on Boulderdash, clean out and re routed Wynding Woods and removed shoulder catching corner saplings. After these improvements, Ezra and I, on my 1998 26er hard tail, rode the course in the pouring rain. I was on semi slicks and I was terrified. So if the course is wet bring big knobs and if not a high air volume with low profile knob, is the ticket. The course has some minor changes, so look at the new map online. You can print the map.
Andy
August 11th, 2009
Today is the day we talk about KONA bicycles. All of us on the Bicycle Express race team ride on KONA bikes. Noah, Matt, Ezra, and I, have pimped out Scandium King Kahuna, 29er hard tails. Dan is on the 29er dual Hei Hei Deluxe, Big Ben is on a dual 26er Hei Hei Supreme and Baby Ben is in a KONA Blast. We all wanna be-like-Barry (BLB), see that picture to the right he is on Kona Hei Hei. The problem is that we are just mortal, but we figure if we had a super nice bike we could at least look the part (BLB). KONA is a well thought out bike. No skimping on the parts were people might not notice like the, seat post, bottom bracket, head set, cogs, chain, stem etc. You can tell some one at KONA rides and not a bean counter with CAD program. After all cycling is a culture, you get it or you don't. On the team bikes we mix and match our parts to suit our nerosis, but you can race a bike right off the show room floor and depend on its design and quality. One cool thing about KONA is that they make bikes for every one, wether you want run errands, or you want to race world cup down hill. KONA is a mid size brand that has a cult following for good reason, they target the "ride feel" by having super rider-tested designs, materials, and weld quality. A sign of a great bike is that you are not aware of it when you ride. That's a , KONA.
Andy
August 4th, 2009
If some of you are looking to make a mini vacation out of the "Grind" or just want a cool comfortable place to stay while you are racing your guts out, then you want to stay at The Lodge on Millstone Hill. The lodge 100 yards from the course and above the registration room. That way you can sleep as close to start time as you want. Just click on the lodging and camping link above and get your race side room asap. Ah, Also Millstone Hill has camping, with showers and a bunk house that is on property. No need to feed the mosquitos, stay at Millstone Hill.
andy
July 30th, 2009
Why Bond Auto Parts for a sponsor of the Grind? Well, It's simple, we all understand the fact that our beloved bikes should cost more than our car. So, that bieng said, you, your buddy or trusted mechanic need to buy quality affordable car parts so your auto can carry you / your bikes safely to races/rides. If it wasn't for Bond Auto you would not see my lovely face at so many New England bike races.
Andy
July 28th, 2009
The Vermont Peanut Butter Company, a proud supporter of the "Grind" will be featured at the post race meal in Peanut butter Cookies and in a Peanut noodle dish.
ESI Grips is a sponsor. These awsome shock absorbing grips will be prizes and on the Bicycle Express/Kona 29er Demo bikes. The Pros who ride these grips say that they improve the front end feel of you bike dramaticaly.
Andy W. Race Director
July 23, 2009
MAVIC signs on with the Millstone Grind for 2009. They have donated shoes, and computers. I race a pair of Mavic Fury shoes and they are the stiffest most comforable shoes I have ever put on my feet. Click on the MAVIC link and see what is hot in cycling today.
July 22, 2009
Vermont Peanut Butter Co. will be supplying tastes of their super nutritious, protein enhanced peanut butters to all participants and spectators. Flavors like Good Karma (dark chocolate peanut butter) and Mad River Mojo (almond/ peanut butter blend w/ cranberries,flax, pumlin seeds, cinnamon and honey)...to name a few, will be the perfect pre or post race snack.
July 21st
We have a new Sponsor for the Millstone Grind, The Vermont Peanut butter Co. They will handing out samples at the grind and will contribute to the post race meal. The world is good once again.
We are having a race planning meeting this thurs the 23rd of July. It will be held at the Bicycle Express Shop in Northfield at 6pm.
If you want to volunteer, we need course marshalls, parking, timing help and runners. Contact Dan in the contact link above.
So, we are not changing the course, but rather smoothing out the corners of Wynding woods to improve flow. I just rode it this morning with Avery and Otter, the official Grind Canines and they felt the course was on top condition.
Post cards are out and they are idential to the image on this web site. if you need some for you shop or want them to hand out at you local ride/race, email me andrew@andrew wellmanphotographer.com and tell me how many you want and were to send them too, we have plenty.
On a personal note i race the Pinnacle challenge two weeks ago, and accidentaly entered the elite, so was commited. I did not get my but kicked and had a blast. Fast, Fast, Fast !
June 5th, 2009
Still plugging away at the nitty gritty regarding the race. Post Cards are going to print today and we will have them for the Pinnacle Challenge. The Pinnacle is an awsome course and very well run by PJ Lovely. If you have done it, you know how good it is, and if you have not raced it, you should. I think it is one of the best courses in New England, it hands out the punishment in even doses.
andy
May 31st, 2009
In the last week there were some blow downs we cleaned up on the course. When doing so we improved the banking on Boulderdash by cutting just a couple of trees. Also we cleaned up the exit route just after the rustic log bridge, it rides nice now. About 2/3rds out on the course, we are cutting out some of the hard breaking slow, flat, non tech switch backs on Wynding Woods. We felt that they were pointlless filler. To make up for it we added some more fast flow that races much better. Laslty we are working on passing areas and have made great improvements.
Andy Wellman Racer Promoter
-----------------------------------------------
May 27, 2009
KONA bicycles has just donated water bottles for neutral support at the race feed station. Racers can take bottles of Heed energy electrolyte drink or water at the designated feed stations.
I just got the word from Harpoon Brewery and they are a proud supporter of the Grind 2010. I can just tell its going to be fun this year!!!
We have bean working with the Black Door Bistro and Chef Dave Packie to put together and Vermont localvore post race meal. We will let you know the menu and who produces the food when we know the detials.
andy
Jan 19th, 2010
We are now a Kenda Cup Qualifier! What does this mean? It means that if you finish in the top 60% of your Class you qualify to race in the Kenda Cup Shoot Out, on the west coast a month later. It puts us on the National calender and promotes the Grind to a larger and broader group of racers. This said, we are grass roots, and we hold the average Joe or Jane sacred to our event. So don't be shy and come to the 2010 Grind and be your best.
Jan 8th, 2010
Its cold here in Vermont but you must think of sun and bikes or at least wish for warmer weather. We all ski or ride so its not a set back. Today we are asking for Harpoon Brewery's support. Jessica at Harpoon is super and we would love to have them on board with the Grind. We will fill you in when we know. Check our the New Bicycle Express Web site, Ezra is doing great job. www.bikeexpressvt.com
andy
Jan 5th, 2010
The 2010 Millstone Grind is on! We have two big changes; the date has been moved to August 15th, 2010 and the Grind is now part of the Root 66 series.
We are concidering having a 3 lap (25.5 mile) race and will be offering the 4 lap as our traditional open marathon.
The new graphic is a what an actual "Millstone"looks like. Two of these granite wheels were sandwiched together and used to grind grain into flour. The location of the "The Grind" is on Millstone Hill, wich was named for its granite quarrys that provided the quality of granite for making Millstones.
Sept 14th, 2009
Results are posted, please click on the Red link at the top.
What a great race, we had super turn out, good weather and amazing food (Thanks Dave).
We are already working on 2010 and we are growing, so stay updated on what is in the works. I will post it here when I have something legit. Big things to come.
As soon as we can we will post video from the awsome Ben Albury Film company and photos from the event.
Andy
Sept 13th, 2009 Race Day! Thank you who raced, volunteered, spectated, you all make the Grind an awsome event.
andy
Holy Cow, it is The Day! What an adventure, and it is only 5:30am. All Ducks are in a row and the weather is going to be awsome! Those who pre rode the couse yesterday were grins from ear to ear. We are pumped to get things going. Say tuned for More Grind news on next years event. There is something big behind the curtain, that we can't reveal it yet. Best of luck to the racers today, ride hard, and finish with an empty tank. Thank you to all who worked on the event, Dan, Peirre, Noah, Ezra, Jenn, Shelly, Ben, Ben, the volunteers, and the Millstone trails board members.
Sept 11th, 2009
We forgot to list it, but there is tandem open class, they will do 1 lap/8.5 miles. You have my respect! Your start is at 11:25am.
---------------------------------------------
Sept 10th, 2009
One more weed wacking episode on the new section and we are done on the course.
The weather looks geat for Sunday, and things are falling into place. We will all be working like bees in the hive Saturday, so come ride the course and hang out. If you need a place to stay there are plenty of spaces on site. Click on the Lodging / Camping link above.
Andy Wellman, Race Director - "helping to keep the rubber side down and shiny side up", since 1991.
-----------------------------------------------
Sept 8th, 2009.
Pre Reg mix up now fixed: We were having some tech issues with pre reg and have fixed them now. If you could not find your category and could not pre reg, please try again.
For those of you training for the VT50: If you are a Sport rider, you may enter the 4 lap as an expert with no upgrade or down grade like USA Cycling. You will get an expert time and result along with the other experts. Your result will will not count as a sport result in over all EFTA standings, but will as an EFTA Expert.
Sept 8th, 2009
We realized that there were some category errors with the online pre reg and they were just corrected. If these errors prevented you from pregregistering, please let the folks at on site Reg know when you reg.
The course is fully marked with EFTA arrows and will be fulled flagged and taped Saturday the 12th.
Louis Garneu donated helmets and musette bags for the race, so a big thanks of support to Louis Garneau.
September 3rd, 2009
Looking for a place to sleep, there is camping, a bunk house and a BB on site. Click on the above link for lodging/camping for contact info.
If you have had issues trying to reg online, please let us know when you register day of.
We have been working our tails off to get the race course to buff and shine. We hammered two laps of it last night and it is Super Sweet. If you thought last year rode nice wait till you ride it now. Its a World Class course with new bridges, lines and features.
August 21st, 2009
Who is Bicycle Express? Bicycle Express is a growing shop devoted to the art and craft of cycling. It is owned by two brothers, Ezra and Noah, who's first shop location was in a shed on there parents property. In this shop they repaired the neigborhood bikes when they were only 15 and 16. The shop since then has moved to down town Northfield (N-Town) into the "Cave", the basement below and behind the pizza joint on depot square. Now they are in their late teans and early twenties and the shop has developed a devoted following. Both boys ride and race bikes, so they know what the customers needs are. No "bike shopitude", just a passion for getting people on the road or trail. They can set you up on the latest race ready KONA 29er or will fix up your old trusty 3 speed. Stop in and hang out on the couch and talk bikes with the boys of Bicycle Express.
August 18th, 2009
The Vermont Brownie Company, is going to contribute to the post race meal, so prepare your self for the most amazing brownies ever! They are NOT a low calorie treat, but hey, after The Grind you might just need to replace a few. Fear no calorie, that's my mantra.
andy
August 13th, 2009
Who ever invented the chain saw must have mountain biked! Yesterday the Jonsered 2152 saw some action on the Grind course. We opened up the exit line on Boulderdash, clean out and re routed Wynding Woods and removed shoulder catching corner saplings. After these improvements, Ezra and I, on my 1998 26er hard tail, rode the course in the pouring rain. I was on semi slicks and I was terrified. So if the course is wet bring big knobs and if not a high air volume with low profile knob, is the ticket. The course has some minor changes, so look at the new map online. You can print the map.
Andy
August 11th, 2009
Today is the day we talk about KONA bicycles. All of us on the Bicycle Express race team ride on KONA bikes. Noah, Matt, Ezra, and I, have pimped out Scandium King Kahuna, 29er hard tails. Dan is on the 29er dual Hei Hei Deluxe, Big Ben is on a dual 26er Hei Hei Supreme and Baby Ben is in a KONA Blast. We all wanna be-like-Barry (BLB), see that picture to the right he is on Kona Hei Hei. The problem is that we are just mortal, but we figure if we had a super nice bike we could at least look the part (BLB). KONA is a well thought out bike. No skimping on the parts were people might not notice like the, seat post, bottom bracket, head set, cogs, chain, stem etc. You can tell some one at KONA rides and not a bean counter with CAD program. After all cycling is a culture, you get it or you don't. On the team bikes we mix and match our parts to suit our nerosis, but you can race a bike right off the show room floor and depend on its design and quality. One cool thing about KONA is that they make bikes for every one, wether you want run errands, or you want to race world cup down hill. KONA is a mid size brand that has a cult following for good reason, they target the "ride feel" by having super rider-tested designs, materials, and weld quality. A sign of a great bike is that you are not aware of it when you ride. That's a , KONA.
Andy
August 4th, 2009
If some of you are looking to make a mini vacation out of the "Grind" or just want a cool comfortable place to stay while you are racing your guts out, then you want to stay at The Lodge on Millstone Hill. The lodge 100 yards from the course and above the registration room. That way you can sleep as close to start time as you want. Just click on the lodging and camping link above and get your race side room asap. Ah, Also Millstone Hill has camping, with showers and a bunk house that is on property. No need to feed the mosquitos, stay at Millstone Hill.
andy
July 30th, 2009
Why Bond Auto Parts for a sponsor of the Grind? Well, It's simple, we all understand the fact that our beloved bikes should cost more than our car. So, that bieng said, you, your buddy or trusted mechanic need to buy quality affordable car parts so your auto can carry you / your bikes safely to races/rides. If it wasn't for Bond Auto you would not see my lovely face at so many New England bike races.
Andy
July 28th, 2009
The Vermont Peanut Butter Company, a proud supporter of the "Grind" will be featured at the post race meal in Peanut butter Cookies and in a Peanut noodle dish.
ESI Grips is a sponsor. These awsome shock absorbing grips will be prizes and on the Bicycle Express/Kona 29er Demo bikes. The Pros who ride these grips say that they improve the front end feel of you bike dramaticaly.
Andy W. Race Director
July 23, 2009
MAVIC signs on with the Millstone Grind for 2009. They have donated shoes, and computers. I race a pair of Mavic Fury shoes and they are the stiffest most comforable shoes I have ever put on my feet. Click on the MAVIC link and see what is hot in cycling today.
July 22, 2009
Vermont Peanut Butter Co. will be supplying tastes of their super nutritious, protein enhanced peanut butters to all participants and spectators. Flavors like Good Karma (dark chocolate peanut butter) and Mad River Mojo (almond/ peanut butter blend w/ cranberries,flax, pumlin seeds, cinnamon and honey)...to name a few, will be the perfect pre or post race snack.
July 21st
We have a new Sponsor for the Millstone Grind, The Vermont Peanut butter Co. They will handing out samples at the grind and will contribute to the post race meal. The world is good once again.
We are having a race planning meeting this thurs the 23rd of July. It will be held at the Bicycle Express Shop in Northfield at 6pm.
If you want to volunteer, we need course marshalls, parking, timing help and runners. Contact Dan in the contact link above.
So, we are not changing the course, but rather smoothing out the corners of Wynding woods to improve flow. I just rode it this morning with Avery and Otter, the official Grind Canines and they felt the course was on top condition.
Post cards are out and they are idential to the image on this web site. if you need some for you shop or want them to hand out at you local ride/race, email me andrew@andrew wellmanphotographer.com and tell me how many you want and were to send them too, we have plenty.
On a personal note i race the Pinnacle challenge two weeks ago, and accidentaly entered the elite, so was commited. I did not get my but kicked and had a blast. Fast, Fast, Fast !
June 5th, 2009
Still plugging away at the nitty gritty regarding the race. Post Cards are going to print today and we will have them for the Pinnacle Challenge. The Pinnacle is an awsome course and very well run by PJ Lovely. If you have done it, you know how good it is, and if you have not raced it, you should. I think it is one of the best courses in New England, it hands out the punishment in even doses.
andy
May 31st, 2009
In the last week there were some blow downs we cleaned up on the course. When doing so we improved the banking on Boulderdash by cutting just a couple of trees. Also we cleaned up the exit route just after the rustic log bridge, it rides nice now. About 2/3rds out on the course, we are cutting out some of the hard breaking slow, flat, non tech switch backs on Wynding Woods. We felt that they were pointlless filler. To make up for it we added some more fast flow that races much better. Laslty we are working on passing areas and have made great improvements.
Andy Wellman Racer Promoter
-----------------------------------------------
May 27, 2009
KONA bicycles has just donated water bottles for neutral support at the race feed station. Racers can take bottles of Heed energy electrolyte drink or water at the designated feed stations.
