10/12/2026
I don't think we could have had any more fun than we did this weekend at Grassroots Gravel in Pueblo, Colorado.
For those who missed it in the stories, we just happened to be passing through town on the weekend of this epic gravel race/event, and took advantage of a last minute chance to join in the fun!
While we've collectively ridden over 75,000 km of gravel roads on bikepacking trips over the last decade, neither of us have ever participated in a gravel race/event!
Mat rode the 113 mile event called The Whole 🌶️ had a total blast and finished in the top half
I (Ali) saw him off before taking part in the 39 miler.
I was so stoked on the event and cheering other riders on, and got 3rd in the 40-49!!
Seeing everyone head out was so fun! The event was so inclusive and welcoming and the volunteers were incredible!
We got to meet Juan Alberto de la Roca - brilliantly awesome human and a co-creator of the beloved Gravel Adventure Field Guide
Loved the serendipitous timing of meeting the epic TERAVAIL crew the expo.
The legendary erika kooda and John Montesi have been supporting our journey with Teravails awesome Ehline tires, carbon Fluent rims, stems and seatpost and good vibes!
The amazing, contagious hype of Andrew Washburn was a highlight of our weekend, he was our WarmShowers house and also the one who initially told us about the event
We went from strangers to instant friends, had some epic stimulating convos and left feeling super bonded and inspired by this love, generosity and stoked of this rad human!
Adam & Abby are the legends behind Grassroots Gravel, salt of the earth humans and they put on an absolutely incredible, high vibing event.
A gravel race for everyone ❤️❤️
We also fell in love with the town of Pueblo, so much rich history, art, architecture and murals!
We even got to stay a night in the iconic Orman Mansion it is a must visit spot close to the start of the event, filled with so much rich history!