I have tried since the Summer events finished to put into words the transformations I have watched happen. The moments of sorrow, defeat, joy and everything in between.
We came into 2025 a team of individuals with lots of personality. Everyone wanted to be a team but what did that mean?
The most common question I was asked is how do we have team if we are from all over the US? Stay tuned….because we figured it out!
Valley of Tears and Mid South
Valley of Tears and Mid South were the first events of the year. They are early in the year for those of us from the North and everyone is nervous. Both are also the first big kick off of the gravel season. The gravel family is back together again!
Dirt Squad had the first ever team house. The team house is where the team stays together. They build bikes, break bread, and help each other get ready for the event ahead. We had no idea what that would mean in reality upon arriving but it soon became clear. Stillwater had wild fires that changed the landscape forever. The run event was called off part way through the day, expo closed and the cycling event canceled. The team was left wondering what to do, as was everyone, while we watched the horror happening outside. BUT we had come together as a team, found laughter and found resilience to do it again at Unbound.
The team was growing…..
Unbound
Unbound was an experience I still don’t know how to unpack months later. Once again we came in as a group of individuals seeking community from each other. We had a team house where we hosted dinner with a Pro, bike workshops and time together. Team spirit was strong. Amanda Nauman Sheek spoke to us about what to expect on the course. She discussed what fears were still out there and calmed anxiety. Not only that but we also watched athletes take on endeavors that they knew would push them to their limits.
“If you want to watch growth in a community sit at the table with the warriors.”
I repeat that statement all the time and truly mean it. Sit in the arena with the people participating in the activity. Observe the conversation. Allow yourself to grow in the process…let yourself dream about what you can be.
Dirt Squad showed up at every distance for Unbound except the XL. We had members on the podium. Some members found their own limits. One member finished at 3:45 am, greeted only by members of her own team with no fanfare or medal. There was only support for every level of the above.
The Dirt Squad left Unbound with every emotion possible. Some left with the award in hand. Others left with a chalice for 1000 miles. Some knew they had unfinished business with the Flint Hills. BUT once again all left as a team, knowing that above all we had each others backs.
Dirt Tour
It’s hard to build team in person, it’s harder online. But give a group of a challenge that is achievable, with prizes that are fun, and you can do just that.
The next challenge was the Dirt Tour! We spent 9 days riding 10 miles per day as a team. Take photos, post on the Facebook page, and ride…the rules were simple. The results were however were outstanding! The Dirt Squad motivated each other to ride at the end of hard work days, bring family members along and spend time building camaraderie in a world that needs more smiles.
The page was filled with smiles, happiness and people supporting others as they grew from their home areas….yes teamwork!
Gravel Worlds
The last official event of the year for the team was Gravel Worlds. Once again the team house was full! We had athletes that were local and others staying outside the team house so we were to capacity…building team spirit and supporting each other at an event that is iconic in the Midwest.
Every night the team had an activity for those that wanted to participate. There were VIP Expo Tours, team dinners, group rides and clothing shows. And there were laughs…so many laughs!
At the end of the Gravel Worlds weekend the feels were very similar to Unbound. Everyone found a new limit, crushed a goal and came away stronger. Everyone includes those online watching…once again inspiration happened through sitting at the table.
Where does the Dirt Squad go from here?
Where do we go from here? The Dirt Squad will continue to grow into 2026 and beyond. As we grow we will find hurdles as a team that we need to support each other through. We will also find a place that gently whispers “you can do this”. It will then loudly yells “you did it” at the finish line.
Show up for each other. Be there when it counts. Join a team that helps you be the best version of yourself you can be.
Where are we headed…..UP!
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things!
Crystal Kovacs 