After almost a year of monthly Zoom calls and banter on Slack, our 2023 team all gathered in Steamboat the week before the race. People were arriving on different schedules so by the time we all moved into the team house, connections were already being forged. The team was well supported by alumni and leaders of ABOB chapters

The first night we all spent together we talked about what we were all hoping to get out of the weekend and touched a little on our apprehensions. Bikes were built and we made plans for the expo and the ABOB shakeout ride the next day.

The ABOB Shakeout ride was well attended with great support from the community.  For some members of our team, this was their first experience with the welcoming, inclusive nature of the gravel community. The good vibes continued that evening at the open house we hosted up at our team digs, so generously supported by New Belgium Brewing. 

Saturday was a full day of expo with so much to see and do. The team did a great job hosting the ABOB booth and then also taking in the rest of the expo with some great swag to be had. We all returned to the house that night for a great spaghetti dinner cooked by team members. At dinner we all talked about how we were hoping race day would unfold and also so much vulnerability about our fears. Then it was time to get our race numbers tied on and make some final adjustments to our bikes for the race day.  

With the start waves stretching across a few hours, we all trickled down to the start on different schedules. We had riders taking on blue, red, and green courses with mixed success. 

We all gathered at the finish line and waited for our teammates to roll in and exchange stories from the day. The heat was a huge factor for so many on the day. There were some wise decisions made to switch to a shorter course or to call it a day. Tough calls to make, but sometimes these difficult lessons foster personal growth in ways that are hard to recognise in the heartache of the moment. Many of us waited until our very last rider came in over the line to celebrate her accomplishment.

Back at the house, the stories continued over dinner. There was so much love and appreciation in the room for the time spent together and the shared experience. The connection that comes out of taking on big challenges shared with others stays with you in so many ways.

It seemed all too soon and bikes were being packed up and goodbyes were being said. We are so grateful to SBT GRVL for their support of our team. In addition, we have support from generous sponsors like Wahoo, Lazer, Pearl Izumi, Goodr, Scratch Labs and Boiron.