Tracy's story: Gravel Worlds

BaseCamp athlete Tracy Gravlin shared her experience at the 2025 Lauf Gravel Worlds bike race in Nebraska.

Finally made it home, and I am reliving all the wonderful things about the Lauf Gravel Worlds this past weekend. The best was being with my BaseCamp friends and that sweet Lauf lounging area. 😁

I came into this weekend with many doubts about being able to do the mileage. My training was waylaid by many things, and I felt horrible on my long rides. Thankfully my coach, Shannon Mathis, kept positive thoughts in my head and adjusted my workouts many times. Thank you, Shannon!

I was happy I had 2 shakeout rides to bring my confidence up on riding that Nebraska gravel. Race morning it felt good to take off and get it going! Many others mentioned how frustrating it was to climb, get to the downhill, and have other riders coasting down in the good lanes. Especially in the beginning, there was lost time not being able to pass and not being able to pedal down those great hills! It certainly was very challenging, as the never-ending rollers went on and on. The MMRs that I had been dreading were actually fun and great change of pace!! I met up with Jody Twer, and we rode a long way with each other. That was just great. I spent too long in the 45-mile aid station. I wanted 5 min but ended up 11 by the time bottles and pack were refilled and a Coke downed.

There were sections around 35 miles where I didn’t know if I would make it. But after Weeping Water, I knew I could get it done. I must say that the hills coming back on Havelock were wearing me down, but once we headed down toward the finish, I pushed as hard as I could. I almost wiped out on the chunky gravel in the finish. Somehow I got unclipped on my right foot. I seriously was leaned over going down! I do not know how I corrected and stayed upright!!!! Then I couldn’t get clipped in again and struggled doing that. I got to the curve, got on the grass, and pedaled as best I could unclipped. The finish line looked great to me, and seeing my husband and Tina there to greet me was the best. This was the biggest biking challenge of my life, and I am proud of the effort and know full well I could not have done it without BaseCamp!!