About

I’m Vinnie Connor and Gravel Dude started as a way for some of us old gravel dudes to hang out after a day of graveling. We developed a logo thanks to Kevin and had two robes made, one for me and the other for Steve Jensen, the “Mayor of Gravel". The intention was to get some for old gravel guys, 60 and over (I’m 63), and not to produce for the graveler’s worldwide. We were thinking what a great way to hangout after Kanza (now Unbound), SBT or Gold Rush in South Dakota.  Well once we started wearing the robes to gravel outings, we were surprised how functional they were and the buzz they stirred.  Never anticipating the wiz bang and their level of interest. So, we decided to share the ‘Dude” experience with other gravel dudes including one of the gravel dudes we cycle with, who was at Woodstock and his robe moniker is, you guessed it “Woodstock.”  My moniker is “Shanty Irish” from working class Irish. My Dad is first generation American and both his parents immigrated from Ireland. I’m very proud of my Irish heritage. My Dad was my support guy for two half-pint Kanza (prior to Unbound) when he was in his 80’s.

The whole gravel experience is something I’ve grown to really appreciate as a guy born in Chicago and raised on the NW side of Chicago, as there’s not much gravel in my neighborhood. For the record, now a suburbanite. Even though corporate is coming to town this is still a sport for free spirits. Let’s embrace the freedom of a gravel road.

Thanks for reading and we appreciate your patience while we launch. We will be upgrading our website with Marc’s help post covid and posting “Gravel Dude” photos.  While supplied is limited during the initial launch please be patient. Once again thanks and hopefully I won’t lose too much money on this venture.

 

Cheers,

Vinnie Connor

Gravel Dude LLC

Shanty Irish