Sue's story: Haddam Hounds Hundy

BaseCamp athlete Sue Hageman shared her experience at the 2026 Haddam Hounds Hundy bike race in Kansas.

• 

• 

• 

It's taken me a while to write this ride report. I still haven't processed it all. I rode 31.91 miles with 1,693 feet of elevation in 2 hours, 59 minutes. This ride is known for lots of difficult MMRs, but typically not the shorter rides. I guess the event coordinator wanted to go out with a bang………………… The first 17-mile loop consisted of about 80% technical MMRs………………. I was not expecting this. But I survived. I hadn't walked that much in quite awhile; I think I walked 3 hills. There were lots of short, steep, rocky hills with the low areas full of sand and ruts. The last loop was much easier and faster with minimal MMRs.

My surprise at the end was I managed to place fourth overall, all-time women’s segment called, deep sand, big cobbles, steep grades!!!! I even walked for 2 minutes in that segment. I was hoping to "practice" for Gravel Worlds, as Haddam is only like 20 miles from the Nebraska border. My takeaway is Gravel Worlds should be easier than this ride, lol. So I guess it did get me ready. I put in lots of practice on my bike-handling skills!!!

Thanks so much to Menachem for getting me ready for this unexpected event. I am stronger on the bike with the bike training and the strength training. As Menachem said, "That's what grows us the most, when we realize we could do better and make that mental switch." I was frustrated with my attitude the first 17 miles. I was getting very unhappy and very uncomfortable. It was challenging, and I was almost ready to quit. My husband wouldn't even let me consider it. Glad I finished. This was one of those events that was a struggle and a learning experience.

It was great to see Dave and Alissa Douglas! Go BaseCamp. Here's to Gravel Worlds!