Sue's story: Solstice Gravel Grinder

BaseCamp athlete Sue Hageman shared her experience at the 2026 Solstice Gravel Grinder in Nebraska.

This year was Solstice's 10th anniversary and its final one. I have done this event for several years. The director, Joe, went out in style. He got married at the bike venue after the last rider crossed the finish line. Joe and Katie rode portions of all the routes in bike wedding attire.

The plan was to ride the 65 miler, but Mother Nature was expected to arrive mid afternoon with the almost weekly weekend storms with possible tornadoes. So 35 miler it was, so we could get home before the skies opened up its wicked storms.

I had a plan and a purpose. Get'er done and get out of Dodge. Coach Menachem suggested I ride Tempo for at least an hour or more. The roads were great and the weather temperature was perfect!!! I was sailing! The last 9 miles were mostly hills, KOM, and some mmr.

I was very happy with my results. I was 14 out of 40 women and 56 out of 147. I definitely should have eaten more. I needed to listen to the new BaseCamp podcast pre race, not post. But I know better.

Thanks to Menachem for continuing to guide me to getting better every week. The strength and bike training are helping me to get stronger and faster.

Now to get ready for GW!!!