Lynn's story: Gravel Worlds

BaseCamp athlete Lynn Botelho shared her experience at the 2026 Gravel Worlds bike race in Nebraska.

The 75 Mile Edition.

This was my first big race. I had absolutely zero expectations. This was a learning experience. But I had that "good nervous" that always means I was ready to see what I could do. And, Dear Reader, I did it!!

I managed to crawl my way onto the Age Group podium. Only Samantha Muir and Puppers knew that this was my secret dream. Woot! This could not have been done without BaseCamp, particularly the support BaseCamp riders on the day. I rode the majority of the race with Ken and Dave. We worked together, held up each others' spirits, reminded each other to push, and to trust our training and our coaches. Huge shout out to my own coach, Maia Paris, for the fabulous build! (As well as her massively impressive personal results!) I made the podium by just over 2 minutes, and I know I owe those minutes to those guys. Thank you.

I mentioned this was a learning experience, right? I learned heaps. I lined up with my AG World Champion, a speedy BaseCamp coach, and other speedier BaseCampers. I didn't expect to hang with them, but I wanted to watch and learn how they moved through the peloton and how they handled themselves in the pen. Good learning and good support there.

I made both good decisions and bad decisions over the course of the day, with one distinctly unwise choice at the Aid Station at mile 44. After rolling through the Air Force Museum hanger, under plane wings, and next to their wheels, we got to the Aid Station proper. I checked on my gel use, my high carb bottles, and grabbed some salty goodness from the table. However, I only jiggled my hydration pack. Dumb. I needed to have looked inside... So at mile 60, I ran out of electrolytes and started to battle cramps on and off in both legs. I managed to spin myself out of disaster. I got lucky there.