#DIYgravel, it's a Thing

I seem to be busier than ever despite the global pandemic that pulled the e-brake and brought life as we know it to a screeching halt. We could chalk it up as being new parents, although as much time as I spend changing, feeding, playing and just ogling at Hazel’s entertaining pandiculations, I don’t think that’s it.

Hovering over this flurry of work, there’s been an itch that I’ve been looking to scratch and that’s finding a way to find commonality. Of course we’re all stuck at home. There is suffering in one way or another across the globe, some heartwrenchingly severe and other mild. We can never put ourselves in other’s shoes; suffering is suffering. I’ve heard over and over again the desire to do something together. There’s strength in solidarity knowing that we will come out the other side of this pandemic.

Given that Rasputitsa was slated for last Saturday April 18 and given that it’s one of just a few events on my 2020 calendar a) within driving distance and b) here in the state of Vermont so that there would be no border crossing and requisite 14-day self-quarantine, I decided to ride the course and create a challenge to anyone out there bummed to be missing out on a season.

There are tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of people who are signed up for cycling events and chomping at the bit. We don’t know what will happen later this summer, into the fall and beyond. I’m optimistic that we’ll see a truncated season, but who am I to guess. So to generate some excitement for these tens of thousands of riders and beyond, to encourage the events that have unfortunately had to punt their events later into the year or off the 2020 calendar entirely, and to engage riders, sponsors, events, and people everywhere, I created #DIYgravel.

The rules are simple and you can find them here. In short, do it yourself. Go ride. Indoors, outdoors, on gravel, on pavement, on a track, on a bike path, around your house, just ride. Enter as many rides as you can within the week of an event on my calendar for chances to win.

The outpouring of support in the four days since launching this have been extraordinary. We’re approaching 700 submissions, the Strava club is almost 4-digits strong, and the hashtag isn’t too shabby either.

Be safe, be smart, try to have a little bit of fun. Thanks y’all.

-Ted