Gravel Badass Hall of Fame

Hometown: Portland, OR

Occupation: Clinical Dietitian

2022 Quad Inductee

What made you sign up for the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series?

Perhaps some temporary madness? I'd not ridden my gravel bike farther than 30 miles prior to this series (did have a remote history of road riding and triathlons). Mostly, I was seeking a physical challenge in the coming year and this looked like a good one! At the time of registration I knew a couple of acquaintances who had completed the settler version of Oregon Trail and shared what an amazing experience that was for them. While looking into OTGG I found the series and said to myself, I should do the whole thing, what an adventure that would be if I finished!.

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What was your favorite memory from this year's rides?

So many incredible moments; to select just one is hard. Crossing the finish line the final day of Oregon Trail stands out. The courses on both days three and four greatly challenged my determination. The morning of day five, I was not sure I had it in me to finish the long exposed climbs folks were talking about at camp. I rolled out with a small group early and cresting into the snow banks at the top of the final climb is a sight I will not forget, I knew then that I was going to be able to finish the trail! 

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Is there anything you'd like other riders to know about the series?

IThere is nothing like the camaraderie in a collective riding together. Along the courses I've been cheered and coached by the best pros, the extraordinary Breakaway Crew (THANK YOUS!), and single serving and new lifelong friend ride buddies. These courses are graced with beautiful vistas, babbling creeks, lakes, and so much incredible Oregon forest. This series exceeded my expectations, seize the opportunity, sign up!​

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Hometown: Medford, OR

Occupation: Business Development

2022 Quad Inductee

What made you sign up for the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series?

It's the best-run gravel event(s) in the country.

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What was your favorite memory from this year's rides?

Hanging out in Greenwaters Park in Oakridge during the OTGG. The whole vibe was just amazing. 

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Is there anything you'd like other riders to know about the series?

It's the most fun getting dirty you'll ever have. 

Hometown: Ashland, OR

Occupation: General Manager of Medford Water

2022 Quad Inductee

What made you sign up for the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series?

I like to ride my gravel bike.

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What was your favorite memory from this year's rides?

Probably finishing day 2 of the Ochocco Gravel Grinder Event.

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Is there anything you'd like other riders to know about the series?

It's not your normal bike event. Prepare for battle (aka adventure!)

Hometown: Eugene, OR

Occupation: Chemist

2022 Quad Inductee

What made you sign up for the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series?

There is no better feeling than racing your bike on some of the best gravel courses that Oregon has to offer.

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What was your favorite memory from this year's rides?

Completing the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder with my wife.

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Is there anything you'd like other riders to know about the series?

It’s hard plain and simple- Even the shorter courses are challenging and require a lot of technical skills. In the series, there are going to be riders of similar abilities and skill sets. I had a blast competing with them at each stage throughout the series.

I am looking forward to racing against the same riders next year.

Hometown: Gulu, Uganda

Occupation: Masters Gravel Racer

2022 Quad Inductee

What made you sign up for the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series?

It is a family run operation that has thoughtfully designed but challenging courses with break-taking views. On the multi-stage days the coffee starts the day right, the aid stations during the ride are placed in optimal spots and the aid station teams are friendly and know what they are doing and then after your ride, the Massage team optimizes your recovery, and gives you good advice for stretching and training to overcome your imbalances.

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What was your favorite memory from this year's rides?

My favorite race of the year was the Sunday race of the Cascade Gravel Grinder. I raced the medium distance and I was on good form that day and placed 2nd men's open. Everything clicked, it felt like I was dancing on the pedals and the race was over very quickly. I had other race days where I was recovering from sickness and didn't feel as good. I think its a good idea to sign up for the series so that you have enough days to average out the good and the bad days. We control what we can control but sickness and life happen so the series gives you a chance to use the law of averages to get you at least one amazing day.

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Is there anything you'd like other riders to know about the series?

The courses are challenging but doable. The series should be on your bucket list.

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Hometown: Portland, OR

Occupation: Biomedical Research

2022 Quad Inductee

What made you sign up for the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series?

I did the Gorge last year and just wanted more, it was a no brainer. 

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What was your favorite memory from this year's rides?

Suicide gulch, all of the long decents on amazing gravel, and of course, Chad the ice cream man. 

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Is there anything you'd like other riders to know about the series?

The series has some of the best gravel, scenery, and support of any event in the U.S. 

Hometown: Bend, OR

Occupation: Self-Employed

2022 Quad Inductee

What made you sign up for the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series?

Awesome event, hard rides, great organization, excellent people.

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What was your favorite memory from this year's rides?

Oh boy, so many. I love the positive camaraderie between all competitors, pros to riders who just want to finish. You guys do a great job of balancing competition and that "gravel" vibe.

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Is there anything you'd like other riders to know about the series?

We are all in this together! Keep crushin'.

Hometown:  Bend, OR

Occupation: Lover of pedaling, coffee, and Ben. 

2022 Quad Inductee

What made you sign up for the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series?

Knowing each and every course would be amazing; OTGG is best gravel race in the country (and maybe the world!)

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What was your favorite memory from this year's rides?

The camaraderie of the athletes, supporting one another through the ups and downs, and being there for one another at the start, the finish and all the points in between. Also, Chad in his ice cream suit. 

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Is there anything you'd like other riders to know about the series?

It is the best way to spend 5 days- EVER. It really is Summer Camp for adults who like bikes, mountains, river swims and making life-long friends.

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Hometown: New Westminster, BC, CAN

Occupation: VP Product, Software

2022 Triple Challenge Inductee

What made you sign up for the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series?

I love gravel racing, can drive to Oregon in one day.

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What was your favorite memory from this year's rides?

What I love about OR gravel is the variety. Plush gravel roads, dirt, sand, lava rock wagon trails, puddles, snow. Sometimes all in the same mile!

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Is there anything you'd like other riders to know about the series?

Great logistics. Tents set up, breakfast, ride start, aid stations, finish food, chill with new friends, dinner, repeat.