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I first heard of the MidSouth Gravel race a few years ago on Instagram - images of thick clay mud clogging derailleurs and talks of some Bobby guy who gave epic finish line hugs. Honestly, it didn’t register as much of a thing for me - why would I use precious vacation time and hard-earned money to ride my bike in Oklahoma?
Well, fast forward two years and even though we’re already a week post-event I can’t stop gushing about MidSouth. This is a truly special event. What follows below is part ride-recap and part thank you to the organizers and community. It might be a bit chaotic at times but I think that reflects the manic energy of the weekend that I’m still buzzing on. Enjoy.
The Ride
The MidSouth Gravel course is infamous for its variable conditions - if it’s dry, the course is fast and zippy. If it’s wet, the red clay turns to thick peanut butter, eating derailleurs and forcing many to hike their bikes.
This year’s weather forecast did not make preparation easy. In the week leading up to the event, the forecast called for snow, rain, wind, and sunny skies. With this potential weather mess, I seriously considered taking my single speed Surly (that I had raced cyclocross on.) I know how this bike fits and rides, and while it might not be the most fun with only one gear, it seemed the most logical choice.
If you’ve seen photos, you’ll know that I did not end up riding this bike .
With freezing temperatures and snow falling on Friday before the race, the real question was what would actually prevail on race day?
I ended up on my Velo Orange Piolet, the same bike I rode for the All Bodies on Bikes film and my attempt at the Baja Divide. With a Shimano GRX drivetrain with12 speeds in back and a teeny-tiny little climbing gear, there was no question I could climb the hills of Oklahoma. To be determined if the roads would be passable or pure peanut butter, but the decision was made.
As predicted, a cold front blew in on Thursday afternoon, dumping an inch of snow on Stillwater, Oklahoma. The wild weather didn’t seem to deter anyone, as nearly 40 people turned up for my Chamois Butt’r pre-ride, and even more took on the 50k Ultra Run in the snow. Brrrrrrr.
Throughout the day on Friday, the sun came out and the snow melted away, clearing the way for the winds to whip through and dry out the course. All my fears about a muddy course were gone - it was almost entirely dry on the course by the time we rode on Saturday.
And ooh, that course. I would ride that every day if I could. Punchy climbs, fast descents and absolutely gorgeous views. Every time I ride in the MidWest I’m astounded by how pretty it is - you really just don’t get that when you’re driving through on the interstate.
Most of the course looked like the photo above - red dirt, small gravel - overall easy to handle gravel. The 56 mile route had a really fun little double-track section that led into shale steps, requiring a bit of mountain bike style handling. This was my absolute favorite section of the course and while I wish there were photos of it, for once I was too busy riding to get out my camera.
My goal for MidSouth was to use it as a gauge of my fitness and readiness for this upcoming season. I’ve signed up for more gravel events and riding than I ever have before, including a quickly approaching 100 mile attempt at Unbound Gravel. Overall, my body felt great throughout the entire ride, minus the need to poop from mile 33 on. You haven’t lived until you’ve searched desperately for a porta-potty in the middle of Oklahoma and come up empty. *(I’m happy to report I made it to the finish line without a poop incident.)
Sweet sweet salvation
I rode most of the day alone, but surrounded by some incredibly kind, inspiring and fun people. At the back of the pack, we’re all out there on our own journey. It’s kind of funny - I’m pretty slow, but my body felt good the whole time, so I found myself often cheerleading struggling riders, offering food and letting people ride my wheel into the epic headwind.
I finished my ride in a little over 7 hours, with 6ish hours of riding time. I met my goals of limiting my time at rest stops, eating consistently throughout the day, and having a good time. Crossing that finish line I definitely still had a lot of miles left in my legs which I think sets me up well for the rest of the season.
Community is everything
If you read or hear anything about MidSouth, you will undoubedtly hear about the magical community surrounding this event. It’s not a lie. The intentionality, love, care, and energy that Bobby, Joshua, Sally, Crystal, Clare, Trevor & so many more people have put into this whole weekend is unreal. I’ve never attended a more welcoming, inclusive, and downright fun event. Bobby and his team go out of their way to ensure that every single rider/runner/family member feels just as welcome as the winners and the pro’s. And that finish line hug from Bobby was truly amazing.
As an event planner myself, I know the work that this takes. It doesn’t come automatically. But damn this team is doing a phenomenal job, and I hope that other event organizers take a page from their book. Great work MidSouth - can’t wait to go back to Stillwater for more.
