Andrea's story: Gravel Worlds

BaseCamp athlete Andrea Troy shared her experience at the 2025 Lauf Gravel Worlds bike race in Nebraska.

A week after core4 and across the Nebraska border, it was time for Gravel Worlds, another Gravel Earth Series event. My goals: Beat the sunset, push my pace for the first 30 minutes then settle in with a smaller group if possible, and keep aid stops to less than 6 minutes (which may sound easy, but IYKYK).

The MMR sections were fun. A bit of déjà vu from core4. I rode as much as possible but then chose the best option to minimize time wasted clearing the bike. A bit of carry again too.

Coming out of the aid stations, I tried to encourage a few others to share the work since we were essentially at the same pace but riding separately. It worked for a little bit, but then each fell apart. Clearly the others had little experience in the value of working together. "Excuse me, sir, can I suggest you consider BaseCamp for your winter training? It may be eye-opening." All kidding aside, I put my head down and kept pushing. I bypassed two aid stations along the way since I didn't really need anything. I pushed harder. I kept hoping to see a few other racers, but it wasn't meant to be. Just ride.

Sunset…I was sitting in the viewer area at the finish line, cheering for others as they crossed the line. I crossed well before my target. Coach Tina grabbed my bike as I rolled, and I was also greeted by amazing BaseCamp team members waiting at the finish even though they finished hours before. Speechless! Being part of the BaseCamp Explore Team and BaseCamp community is truly special.

So much gratitude to Coach Tina Hart who patiently helped me prepare and execute the ever evolving 2025 season.