Lynn's story: Parker Dam Gravel Grinder

BaseCamp athlete Lynn Botelho shared her experience at the 2025 Parker Dam Gravel Grinder bike race in Pennsylvania.

Thanks to BaseCamp coaches and community, I had a great ride, with great results, and (luckily) with great weather. I won my age group and was the 3rd woman overall. I kept my day before, day of, and during race nutrition as before -- and even remembered to make sure my hydration pack was actually functioning this time!

This is a relatively flat course for this part of the world, I decided to try setting a fairly high (for me) pace and to hold it throughout the race. A very fast friend who was allowed to start the race late caught up with me at mile 30. I grabbed his wheel and remembered that I could ride faster. His timing was perfect, and it was a great confidence boast for those few miles. Thanks! I remain thankful that I descend like a demon. 😉 However, the race ends with about a 12-mile hill, and my goal here was to "just be tired tomorrow" and do the work now. I was able to pass a few people and was only overtaken by an elite rider in the long course.

I know there were other BaseCampers in the full course, and I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to meet! Next time.