Susan's story: Gravel Worlds

BaseCamp athlete Susan Helm-Murtagh shared her experience at the 2025 Lauf Gravel Worlds bike race in Nebraska.

What an unforgettable weekend at Gravel Worlds! 🌎🚴‍♀️ I am terrible at race reports, so consider this a gratitude report.

I'm so grateful to the BaseCamp community for helping me get here — this group truly makes cycling about more than just watts and miles.

Thank you to the incredible coaches (particularly Jill Gass, who pulled my season out of the ditch) who shared their wisdom and encouragement all season long, and to my fellow BaseCamp members whose support, humor, and grit kept me motivated every step of the way. Big shout-out to Tracy Gravlin, Jody Twer, Cindy Vanover, Nancy Mizak, and Beth Huffaker, who made me feel like I belonged after my best teammate, cheerleader, and soigneur (that would be my hubby, Rory) could not make it at the last minute. Though I traveled there solo, I never felt alone, thanks to you all!

The race itself was special, but what made it truly memorable was being part of a community that lifts each other up and celebrates every win, big or small. I couldn't have asked for better people to share this experience with. 💙

Here's to many more adventures together — and to the power of community on and off the bike!