Dennis's story: Belgian Waffle Ride CA

BaseCamp athlete Dennis Wojcik shared his experience at the 2025 Belgian Waffle Ride California.

BWR CA today! Had to change my plan after two weeks of being sick to more of a process goal day. My blue Lauf was a great bike for this event with a lot of "fun technical single track." Start was fun with 1500 or so people in a mass start. Took a while to stretch out. That many people hitting the off-road gravel at once led to some long hike-a-bike sections waiting for everyone to filter through. If you weren’t in the lead, you were in the conga line.

My wife and kids cheered me on at the rest stop 1/4 mile from our house, which was very motivating. Even with just recovering from being sick, I did have a bunch of Strava PRs and achievements. Yea BaseCamp!

Of course the ride did have other challenges….my cleat bolts sheared, and I lost my right cleat with 10 miles to go (and two 17% gravel climbs….ack). And a minor incident on the super tight switchbacks made for more challenges and the need for a new helmet now….

Ended up 18th in my age group in 4:50:16 for the 60-some miles.

All in all a good day with a nod to Jim Pomeroy for coaching through this and to Namrita Brooke for inspiring post-ride gelato.