Evan's story: Camp Michaux Gravel Grinder

BaseCamp athlete Evan McGregor shared his experience at the 2025 Camp Michaux Gravel Grinder in Pennsylvania.

Since attending the BaseCamp gravel camp in Michaux Forest back in October, I've really wanted to get to one of the races there, and Camp Michaux has been a top priority race for me since then. Unfortunately, I suffered a training related injury at the end of February that then kept me off the bike for 2 months and in PT for the past 4 months. The amount of fitness lost, missed races, and lack of focus for me was incredibly disheartening, but I still held out hope to be able to race in Michaux. Thankfully, I got the all clear from my orthopedist days before the race, and with several weeks of gradual build up and some base training, I was willing to roll the dice!

Since it was my first race of the year, I had a lot of energy and excitement to let out, and I took that out on the pedals for the first hour of the race. Descending -- which used to be a liability for me -- was much improved from the skills camp, and I was ripping along. I was with the front of the race, until I realized I overspent and was unable to follow the front 5. I dialed things back and paced my effort. A bad cramp on Big Pond Hollow cost me a few minutes off the bike, but I was still able to salvage things with a sizable gap back to the riders behind me.

The race fell apart for me on a bit of single track near the end, though. A sidewall slash on my rear tire ended my ride. I didn't bring a tube and nothing was plugging that, though I tried for about 4 minutes. Being so close to the finish still in the top of the field was agonizing... so I picked up my bike and ran. The aptly named Birch Run Road served as my 4k running finale. With my bike in hand and cycling shoes on, I gave it what I had for the last 2.5 miles, audibly cursing every time I got passed. I was determined to finish. Almost 25 minutes of running with a handful of riders passing me (including the AG winner) brought me to the line where I went flat out to the finish.

I finished in second place by 12 seconds in my AG, and 10 minutes down on the category winner. I collapsed in pain, agony, and glory just past the finish line with my wife and kids cheering me on. Supporting me. They're the reason I race. They're the reason I don't give up. Perseverance. Determination. Endurance. Grit. Dedication. I want to show my family what these mean. I want them to be proud. Truly proud. I knew that There was no other option than "get to the line."

The BaseCamp gravel camp in Michaux helped build the skills I needed for descending to no longer be a liability or outright weakness. Coach Nathan Goates was especially helpful during the camp. Fellow Explore Team member Chris Wengert has been an awesome supporter as I've worked back from injury and through physical therapy. My wife, Amanda, and kids are why I race. I couldn't do anything without them. First race back, with all of its trials, was a success.