Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
How do I put down the words?
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!
What’s holding you back?
What’s holding you back? It’s a question that popped up when I considered tackling the half double challenge at Gravel Worlds. Simple, yet it left me stumped. The usual culprits—finding time to train, building strength, and wondering what 16 miles on foot would feel like, followed by 75 miles on the bike—had me feeling like a rookie in the world of endurance sports.
It was March when inspiration struck. A friend had just completed the double at Mid South, and watching those runners pass by ignited something in me. These weren’t superhumans; they were regular folks having a blast and pushing boundaries. It was clear—they’d come to redefine their limits. We had no way of knowing when they ran by me that morning what the rest of the day would be like but in that moment they were crushing goals.
Too often, we’re trapped by the “what ifs.” What if I flop? What if I look ridiculous? But we forget the magical, “What if I succeed?”
For anyone familiar with endurance events, it’s a mental game. Our minds quit before our bodies do. I spent months doubting myself. Whenever someone asked if I was ready, my replies were a mix of humor and negativity.
Then, a shift happened. I decided to ditch the negative self-talk and focus on success. I visualized crossing the finish line, with the Jason and Sofia welcoming us back to Lincoln.
Event support is crucial—whether it’s on-course, from friends, or both. Luckily, the Dirt Squad had a team house, ensuring I’d be surrounded by encouragement. Having a team that supported me made all the difference. The Dirt Squad was there at the start line and we had members driving 8 hours just to say good luck to the rest of the team! This was so inspirational!
I convinced Lissa to join me for the half double at Unbound. My training? A bit haphazard on foot, but I was all in on the bike. When race day arrived, we were ready at the starting line. We finished the run with minimal issues, and after some rest and fuel, we tackled the bike day.
The magic wasn’t just in the event—it was in finding new limits and holding on tight. The 25K run and 78-mile bike pushed us to new heights.
As we crossed the finish line, Jason reminded me, “Remember when you doubted you could finish?” Oh, I remember, and I’m thankful I pushed through.
Five takeaways I have from this experience:
- Find a friend…everything is better when we have someone who believes in us, and we believe in them. The highs are higher and the lows are fewer.
- EAT…when it is getting hard, eat. Few things in life are not made better by some carbs.
- Embrace the suck…it is going to hurt. It is going to be uncomfortable, but you will get through it.
- Lean into it…You are doing something that people you know would give anything to have the strength to do. I lost friends to cancer who would give anything to be doing what I was not having fun at. Get over yourself Crystal and move forward.
- Smile…when you smile it uses different muscles in your face. Smile, tell yourself you are doing great and keep moving forward.
So, what’s holding you back? Is it fear, discomfort, or uncertainty? Find your answer, embrace it, and step forward. Instead of asking what if I fail, let’s ask what if I succeed.
A weekend I will never forget
Training for a long distance race is no easy feat, and when it comes to the Unbound Gravel, there is no room for shortcuts.
As a cyclist, I have always been drawn to challenging myself and pushing my limits, which is why I decided to take on the Unbound Gravel event again this year. I knew that I would be involved in the expo area for the two days before the event, leading group rides, and staying involved with other brands. In other words I would be busy, and tired. I also knew that in order to successfully complete this race, I needed to have a solid training plan in place, and one key component of my training was the use of H20 Audio headphones.
First and foremost, let me tell you why I chose the Unbound 50 mile event. This race takes place in the Flint Hills of Kansas and is known as one of the toughest gravel races in the world. With its rolling hills, unpredictable weather, and remote terrain, it is not a race for the faint of heart. But there is something about the challenge of this race that always leaves me looking forward to the next time I get to ride it.
The first step in my training plan was to set realistic goals. I knew that I could complete the course. I also knew that there would be an ebike category with podium finishing spots…could I do it?
I started by building a strong foundation of base miles, gradually increasing my weekly mileage and incorporating longer rides on the weekends. This helped me build up my endurance and get used to spending long hours in the saddle. We had spent the winter in Florida and I had quite a few miles on my legs by the time that race season started. I had completed the Mississippi Gravel Cup series, Valley of Tears and Mid South with similar distances.
As the race got closer, I added specific workouts to my training, such as hill repeats, intervals, and tempo rides. These workouts helped me get stronger and faster, which would be crucial when tackling the tough terrain of Unbound.
But no matter how strong and fit you are, mental toughness is just as important when it comes to gravel events. And this is where H20 Audio headphones came into play. During my longer training rides, I would often find myself riding solo for hours on end.
While the scenery of the Flint Hills was beautiful, I needed an extra push from the music playing in my head as I held onto the wheel in front of me. That’s when I turned to my H20 Audio headphones to help me stay motivated and focused.
With its waterproof and sweatproof design, H20 Audio headphones were the perfect companion for my training rides. They are specifically designed for athletes, and are durable, comfortable, and produce exceptional sound quality. Whether I was riding under the scorching sun or in a downpour, my H20 Audio headphones never failed me.
But it’s not just about the physical aspects of training, the mental game is just as important. Listening to my favorite tunes or motivational podcasts during my long rides helped me stay in the zone and push through any mental barriers. It also gave me a sense of comfort and relaxation during my rides, making the miles go by faster.
As race day finally arrived, I knew I was as prepared as I could be. And going into the race, I had my trusty H20 Audio headphones securely in place. I placed myself as far up in the startling lineup as I could get. My plan was to ride as hard as I could, for as long as I could. I knew that if I could hold onto a wheel and take my turn pulling that I should be able to average 15-19 miles per hour.
Imagine my surprise when 10 miles from the end I came across Yuri Hurswald, Hall of Fame Gravel Rider. As I shouted out to Yuri “My singular goal is to podium today” he sped up. Next thing I know I’m getting a pull from a friend! Thank you Yuri!
Crossing the finish line of Unbound was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. I had ridden as hard as I knew how to ride. I knew that I had given it my all, and however the placings ended up it was meant to be that way. Was I shocked to hear that I had won the womens Ebike category!
So whether you’re training for a long distance race like Unbound or just looking for a way to enhance your workouts, I highly recommend incorporating H20 Audio headphones into your training routine. You never know, they just might be the key to pushing yourself to new limits and achieving your goals.
Trains, bikes and bears
As avid cyclists, we are always on the lookout for new places to explore on two wheels. And when we heard about the opportunity to take our bikes on the Amtrak train to West Glacier, we knew we had to try it.
It’s not every day that one gets to combine train travel with biking in one trip. After 27 h hours of train ride, my husband Nick and I, arrive at our destination – West Glacier, the gateway to the famous Glacier National Park.
Even as tired as we were, the stoke was high as we unloaded our bikes and start pedaling towards our accommodation for the next few days – the historic Belton Chalet.
The Belton Chalet is a charming lodge that dates back to the early 1900s. It’s located just a few yards from the train station and a few miles from the entrance of Glacier National Park. The chalet provides a perfect base for exploring the park on our bikes.
As we check into our cozy rooms, we can’t help but admire the rustic and vintage charm of the chalet. The rooms were quaint and rustic but the bed was comfortable.
After settling in I spent the first day in the park exploring. The park is easily accessed by bike trail or road. The park was still slow as the kids were in school and families were not there yet.
On day two, we waste no time and head straight to our first biking destination – Going-to-the-Sun Road. This iconic road winds through the heart of Glacier National Park, offering stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and lakes along the way. As we pedal through the winding roads and take in the breathtaking scenery, we can’t believe our luck to be experiencing this on our bikes.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is not an easy ride, with steep climbs and sharp turns. But the challenging terrain is well worth it when we reach the loop and are greeted by the majestic views of the snow-capped mountains. The snow removal crews were still working on the road and the avalanche stop during the week was the loop. We stop for a well-deserved break and take in the beauty around us before continuing our descent back to the chalet.
As we reach back to the Belton Chalet, we realize that we couldn’t have picked a better place to stay. The peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food at the chalet make it the perfect retreat after a day of biking.
Over the next few days, we continue to explore the park on our bikes, taking in the sights and sounds of the majestic Glacier National Park. The rides became more spectacular as the week went on. We rode the Inside North Fork Road towards Polebridge. For an entire day we did not see another human being other than each other. We saw lots of bear markings but did not see any bear…I am sure that they saw us though.
I could not leave Glacier National Park without one more journey up Going To The Sun Road. This time it was raining, 38 degrees at Avalanche Campground, and colder up the mountain. Looking forward to the sights, and being able to go further up the mountain, my day was set. The road did not disappoint as I rode into the fog at the top. I was amongst wildlife such as goats and black bears.
Our time in West Glacier and the Belton Chalet passes by in a blur, and soon it’s time to pack our bikes and head back to Lacrosse on the Amtrak train. As we watch the picturesque views of Montana pass by, we can’t help but feel grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime trip that allowed us to combine our love for biking and train travel.
So if you’re looking for a unique and adventurous trip, I highly recommend taking the Amtrak train with your bikes to West Glacier and experiencing the beauty of Glacier National Park on two wheels. And don’t forget to stay at the Belton Chalet for a truly unforgettable experience.
There is so much more than a podium.
Unbound…..It is special to so many people. If 3900 people ride through the Flint Hills the first weekend after Memorial Day I suspect that there are 3900 different experiences. Everyone has different expectations, dreams and realities that happen on that day.
This is my sixth time doing Unbound. Each course, temperature, time and group I rode with was different. The constant is the wind, sun and fun. If you are having fun or struggling….wait because it will quickly change.
The first time I did Unbound I rode with my sons and a very close friend of the family, Brandon. It was my second gravel event and I had no idea what was really going to happen. I ended my day by crawling under a ranchers scraggly tree somewhere on the last 50 miles dehydrated and cramping. BUT that day lit a fire in me that is still burning today.
This year was different. I knew that I was coming into Unbound as the athlete/teams manager at Eliel. I also knew that we would have the Eliel Gravel Team present along with my expo activities and that by race day I would be exhausted. As part of the Shimano Gravel Alliance I was presenting to the 25 and 50 mile riders what to expect on course. I knew the courses well and knew what lay ahead….this time was different and fun! I wanted to ride a leisurely pace, no expectations and take as long as I wanted to get “back to town”. I just wanted to enjoy my bike in one of the most special places I get to ride all year.
There is not another place in the US that ranchers come and stand beside cyclists at a finish line ringing cow bells until Midnight. No where else will the locals drag coolers and hoses out to the road offering assistance. Small children stand sun burned on the side of the road cheering riders on all day long. Emporia is special!
However, if you want to see an event through totally different eyes bring someone who has never been. I knew this from years past and reached out to Brandon’s gf Jade. This was Jade’s first gravel event, longest ride to date and first time in the Flint Hills. My promise was to take our time, take lots of photos and take all day if we wanted….We had one job and that was to finish.
JADE KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!
You see there is more to gravel than the podiums. Yes, we saw some podium winners pass us. And yes, I understand the contracts that are won and lost at Unbound. But that is a small percentage of the field.
To everyone else the podium is in their hearts and heads. The best part about our ride was that we really got to talk, enjoy the gravel and just “be” in the Flint Hills for the day. I picked my head up and looked around at the beauty of what surrounded me.
There is an adventure to gravel. I hope that I never lose the starry eyed stare at the beginning of an event when I think about where we will go that day. I hope that I never lose the fun and thrill of climbing a big hill just to soar down the other side. That is what makes gravel fun to me.
Thank you Jade for spending the day with me! Thank you for showing me that we can have fun as we ride along. Thank you Brandon for slowing your race down on the last 17 miles and riding into town with us. Thank you to every brand supporting me that day so that we can have fun vs being pressured to “perform”.
Somehow riding into Emporia that afternoon full of mud, soaking wet and grinning from ear to ear closed the circle of fun that day for me. The very person that had been with me at the first Unbound was there again that afternoon!
I got to watch Brandon and Jade enter an adventure together and finish at the same time.
Pick your head up off the bars, look around and remember that there is much more to the ride than the time and the podium! And even better that podiums come in all sizes and styles….we finished first on our podium that day!
What have I gotten myself into?
We all ask that question at some point throughout the day. A wise friend once told me “whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, either way you are right!”
Title: Mental Preparation for: Conquering Your First Event
Participating in any off road event can be a thrilling and challenging experience. It’s especially true when you’re gearing up for a longer distance, which can be both physically and mentally demanding. While the physical training is crucial, it’s essential not to overlook the mental preparation required for such an event. In this blog post, we’ll delve into strategies and techniques to help you prepare mentally for any distance as your first event, enabling you to approach the race with confidence, determination, and a resilient mindset.
- Set Clear Goals: Setting specific and realistic goals is vital to your mental preparation. Define what success means to you for this event. Your goals could be as simple as finishing the race within a certain time or maintaining a consistent pace throughout the distance. Establishing clear objectives will give you a sense of purpose and direction, motivating you during training and the event itself.
- Visualize Success: Visualization is a powerful technique that can help you build mental resilience. Close your eyes and vividly imagine yourself successfully completing the race. Visualize the route, the challenges you might face, and how you’ll overcome them. Engage all your senses and imagine the exhilaration of crossing the finish line. This mental rehearsal will instill confidence and help you stay focused and composed during the race. The finish chute is not an experience you will ever forget!
- Develop a Strong Mindset: Cultivating a strong mindset is key to tackling the mental hurdles during your event. Embrace a positive attitude and believe in your abilities. Recognize that you’ve trained diligently and have the strength to push through difficult moments. Stay mentally flexible, accepting that there may be setbacks or unexpected challenges along the way. Embrace the opportunity to grow and learn from these experiences, rather than letting them demoralize you. Have an A, B and C plan for the day.
- Break the Race into Manageable Segments: Any distance can feel overwhelming when viewed as a whole. Instead, break it down into smaller, more manageable segments. Focus on reaching each checkpoint or landmark, rather than fixating on the entire distance remaining. This approach will help you stay present, maintain momentum, and sustain your motivation throughout the race.
- Establish a Support System: Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in your mental preparation. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or fellow cyclists who understand your goals and provide encouragement. Connect with other riders participating in your event through online forums or local cycling clubs. Sharing experiences, insights, and training tips can boost your morale and make you feel more connected to the event.
- Practice Mindfulness and Mental Resilience: Mindfulness techniques and mental resilience exercises can enhance your mental preparation. Incorporate meditation or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine to calm your mind, reduce anxiety, and enhance focus. Develop mental resilience by intentionally pushing yourself outside your comfort zone during training. Embrace challenges, practice positive self-talk, and learn to reframe negative thoughts into more empowering ones.
- Embrace the Journey: Remember that the event is not only about the destination but also the journey. Enjoy the process of training, learning, and growing as a cyclist. Embrace the sense of camaraderie among fellow riders and the excitement of participating in a renowned event. By savoring every step of your preparation and race day, you’ll foster a sense of gratitude, which can boost your mental well-being and make the experience more rewarding.
Conclusion: Preparing mentally for your first gravel, or endurance, event is just as crucial as physical training. By setting clear goals, visualizing success, developing a strong mindset, breaking the race into manageable segments, establishing a support system, practicing mindfulness, and embracing the journey, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. Remember, this event is an opportunity for personal growth, and with mental fortitude, you can achieve an unforgettable and triumphant experience in your long event. Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Can you count on you?
We spend all of our time trying to impress those that really don’t care.
Yep, I said it!
We spend time trying to impress those on social media that don’t care what we do or who we really are. They only know us through the strong filter we put on our life as we add images and posts to social media. If we invested that same time into our families and friends there is the chance it would be an entirely different conversation! Today, we live our lives looking at our phones, wondering what will happen next. Although we are the most connected that we have ever been with the world, we are the least connected we have ever been with ourselves and those living in our homes.
The true question is can you count on yourself?
Can you count on yourself to be kind? We all want everything to go correctly in our lives. We know when it doesn’t that we need to be kind to others, give them grace and accept that sometimes that’s just how it is. BUT what do we do when that happens to us? Are you kind to yourself? Do you show yourself the same grace and compassion? I know I don’t.
Can you count on your words to be meaningful? Can you count on yourself to have faith in yourself. I find myself saying things that I would never say to others….you are too slow, too fat, too old or just not enough to be doing this. I would NEVER say that to anyone else but I am quick to tell myself it.
Can you count on yourself to take care of yourself? There is one thing in life that is a constant, and that is change. Nothing is ever going to stay the same. But do you take time for yourself? Do you put your physical and mental health at the top of the list? I love my bike and I make time for it, most of the time.
I know as a wife, mother and employee that if you don’t set boundaries this is really hard to do! Add in mental health and it is even harder. There are times I struggle with what do I do now?! I tell myself, if you don’t do this…no one else will. This does NOT mean that my husband and family are not supportive. But they can not be expected to know what I need.
I need to be helpful with that and take care of me. I am the best mom and wife that I can be when I am happy!
I have failed myself this year on all of these. I will do better and try harder. I will find a way to put myself at the top of the list vs being the after thought at the end. I don’t have the five cent cure and I don’t have the answers. I do know we need to treat ourselves with grace and speak kindly to ourselves.
If you can’t count on yourself…who can you count on?
Gravel Gals Gone WI-ld
Everyone needs friends that they can say…”That sounds like a bad adventure, let’s go!” We didn’t find one friend, we found five.
The weather forecast changed daily and not always for the better. When myself and four fellow Gravel Gals of Eliel left home we knew that it would be cold the night before we left, that it would rain on us and that we would be only slightly warmer on the trail. For this part of the trip we were right on track!
There are times that you hope your training and equipment work flawlessly. Cold rain has the ability to make or break a trip. For me, once the rain sets in the adventure really starts. This trip was no exception.
Our bikes were fully loaded on this trip. We knew that there was not sag available or cell service in most areas…we were dependent on each other. The route was set to have short miles each day with lots of times for photos and friendship, heck we even went fishing.
Part of adventure is adaptability. We knew when we left that the rain was eminent as was cold. We also knew that if we were lucky it would miss us until Friday night. We lucked out!
Just as we settled into our tents for the night the rain began. The test of who had a dry tent in the morning was on! I knew from experience that my Big Agnes Copper Spur tent was up for the challenge!
Suddenly as we began packing in the morning strategy was beginning to form. How do we keep the inside of the tent dry as we ride, how do we make sure that our pads and sleeping bags are dry as we pack in the rain?
I had my Big Agnes Torchlight sleeping bag in a Pro Bike Gear waterproof seat bag. I knew that I was safe for that part of my sleep system. My Big Agnes insulated pad was in a Sea to Summit dry bag which gave me the leisure of knowing that once again that part would be dry.
The last segment of my sleep system was my tent. I loaded the fly into my Discover Bag by Pro Bike Gear. My tent was rolled very carefully with the fly to the inside of the roll and put in the Big Agnes tent bag. By doing so my tent was perfectly dry inside and out when I got home!
Goals change with the weather and mechanicals happen. The one thing that the Gravel Gals of Eliel did not waver on was smiles. Many of us had met for the first time on this weekend and some had known each other for years…however when we hugged goodbye after burgers and beers we all left as friends.
This trip was not pre scouted. We didn’t know all of the roads, or any of them for that matter. We had not been to the campgrounds before. We went in as cyclists with a common goal of spending the weekend in the North Woods, unplugging and riding bikes.
Go find yourself an adventure where your phone doesn’t work, your GPS is your guiding beacon and relax…you won’t regret it rain or shine!
Perception and the Plan
We all have them…sometimes our perceptions are right and sometimes, well most of the time, they are not.
In March of this year we were finishing dinner after Mid South with friends. Upon standing up Mirna said “I think you need to come to Africa with me”. All we could say through the laughter was “Sit back down and tell us what that means.”
There is always a plan..we shouldn’t know the plan because we would badly screw it up. But I do believe that my trip to Africa was part of a plan that I did not know at the time. I believe that the plan all along was to change my view of myself and my surroundings as I went to Africa. To allow me to embrace the people and the place but in a very different mind set than I thought I would be in.
When we came home from Oklahoma I told my parents that I was going to Africa. Immediately my Mom said “I want to go!” It would turn out that this would be the last conversation that I would have face to face with Mom. My last accomplishment and adventure that she would know about on this Earth was this trip. It also turned out that she got to go to Africa and rode every mile with me. That was the plan all along…
Nick dropped me off at the Chicago O’Hare Airport with a very large bag and my bike. I was flying alone to Qatar and then on to Nairobi. The first flight was 14 hours long and second a short five hours. This was the last time I would see Western infrastructure until I was back home.
My perception going into the trip was that this would be an adventure of a lifetime and very hard physically. I knew that we would ride 5-6 hours per day and 40-70 miles per day. We had been warned prior to the trip that seeing the poverty would be the hardest part. My reality was very different.
I left the States with a badly broken heart. Mom was killed the beginning of April. Since she was the glue that held our family together we all were struggling to “keep our heads above water”. I also had found that the bike was my friend during those months but quit training regularly as that was just one more thing that I struggled to make happen on a daily basis. What I did not realize was that my heart was going to be healed in a land I had never been to before, and that when I came home I would do so with the singular goal of returning.
The group of 15 women spent 9 days on the trip from Nairobi to Mombassa. We rode 7 of those days through red dirt, barren land and lush tropical areas. We saw elephants, zebras and a variety of birds from the saddle of our bikes. I knew going into the adventure that this would happen.
What I did not realize was that the children would come running to the side of the road yelling “Jambo Jambo” which is hello is Swahili. Their smiles would go from ear to ear as they ran to meet us. There was not a time that we stopped that the children or adults were not there to greet us. We were the oddity in their land and they were genuinely happy that we were there.
I also did not realize how my lifestyle at home would be so vastly different than theirs. The second day as I was eating lunch I turned around and looked into the eyes of the Kenyans watching me. No one asked for food, no one said a word. I knew that they were truly hungry and truly thirsty. I knew that they had walked there on one of the hundreds of trails throughout the landscape, and would walk home. I also knew that I had luxuries at home that they did not even know existed. Suddenly the bread stuck to the roof of my mouth and my water became hard to drink. The transformation in my mind had begun.
I soon realized that we did not work all day to survive. I also realized that the running water in my home was something that women walked miles to get EVERY DAY because they had no other option. The woman in the image below filled this bucket out of a pond that I would not water my horse from, placed the bucket on her head, put her left shoe in her hand, and walked home. This is a trip she makes every day. The only time she touched the bucket was when she walked around our tents, which were clearly set on the path she was using.
With the exception of two nights on the route our toilets consisted of concrete with a hole to “do your duty” in. I have had LOTS of experience in the wild but never had a target before so this was a new experience, and not one I looked forward to. We had showers each night but with the exception of three nights that was a bucket suspended from a rod that we called our bucket baths. It felt amazing and I also realized that this was a luxury item.
As Americans I do not believe we understand the luxuries in our world. We don’t understand that we have roads with an infrastructure, postal system, running water, electricity, readily available food, heat for our homes and heat for our food. The very items we take for granted was the reason we were riding.
My trip to Africa was transforming for me, but the trip was not for me. The trip was a fundraiser for the Non Profit Zawadisha. We were raising money to help Zawadisha be able to fund micro loans for womens groups in Kenya. The same amount of money that buys me dinner one night in the States will allow a family to have a portable cook stove for their home. That is why we were there.
We spent time in the villages with the ladies from the Mangu group. For two days we got to know them, spend time and were treated like royalty. Heck, we even got to learn how to make baskets! During this time I saw pride in the womens eyes that we don’t always have here. They were proud of their homes, country and talents. Their strength was strong! Our group raised $26,000 for the women and I am PROUD of that fact!
I found peace in a place that I never dreamed I would find it. Spending days on end on your bike is good for the mind. It gives you time to think, time to process and time to do nothing more than just ride. Africa is in my heart and soul. I left with a very broken heart and came home with a heart overflowing with experience and emotion.
The plan is always there, the place has been there forever, my perception was totally off but at the end of the trip I found love and strength. Thank you Zawadisha and Kenya for that! The sign in the garden says Change Makers….we were the ones that were changed!
What is Gravel?
What is gravel to me…I was recently asked that and had to think for a second. Yes, gravel is an aggregate that many states use as a road surface. Truly that is what it is to most people.
But to me, it is a way to find adventure on two wheels. It is the surface that has allowed me to find a new family on bikes, spend time with them and push my limits. It is through gravel that I have been able to push myself past what I thought I was capable of previously.
Gravel is a term that we lovingly use to describe our family…the gravel family. Truly we are a group that supports each other, helps each other and meets on common ground. The gravel community is inclusive and invested in their fellow riders. It’s not an easy day for anyone and everyone has a different challenge. The beauty of that understanding is that although the challenges are different, they are also very much the same. Never once has anyone criticized me for my pace…instead I am met at the finish line with hugs and congratulations. That in itself is very cool!
Gravel is the surface that gave my family the gift of time together. Each summer we would spend two weeks riding “gravel or dirt surfaces” on bikes. This is a time that is sacred in my heart now that the kids are raised. It is through that time that we got to reconnect without outside interference. Our cell phones didn’t work, we slept in tents, and the only way we got around was on our bikes. Even as teenagers the boys would ask for that time alone with us…it was our time without the world being there. Gravel did that for us.
Gravel is a surface that covers almost anything off road. That surface can be anything from smooth to large chunky rocks that like to destroy your tires. Like the riders, it is not consistent and that is the beauty of it. The beauty lies in the change and difference.
What is gravel…gravel is the aggregate that I get to explore to meet the greatest group of humans I know. Gravel is my passion and my road to adventure. Gravel lives in my heart and in my soul…if you have not met gravel yet let’s talk!
Crystal Kovacs 