Debbie's story: Ride the Ridge Gravel Grinder

BaseCamp athlete Debbie Kirkhus shared her experience at the 2025 Ride the Ridge Gravel Grinder bike ride in New York.

Bob and I conquered Kong! While the Ride the Ridge King Kong Gravel ride was not an organized event this year, the NY Gravel Grinders took it on as a self-supported group ride with a variety of courses from which to choose.

So last weekend my friend Bob Cuccaro (whom I met through mutual Coach Greg Waggoner) set out on different courses in Dutchess County with the NY Gravel Grinders.

I wanted to complete the O.G. King Kong this year with 38 miles and over 4400 feet of climbing. Last year, before coaching and before BaseCamp, I could barely finish the Li'l Kong and had to stop a few times on the brutal climbs. This year I completed more miles with a better speed and no stopping on any climbs. Bob, of course, had to one-up me and do the 44 mile with over 5300 feet climbing this year! He is braver than I....maybe next year.

Our paths crossed once on our routes, and I took advantage of drafting behind him for a couple of the (few) miles on pavement. It was very challenging and painful at times, but we had an incredibly fun and proud day conquering Kong. 💪