The first step is the hardest

Every time Gravel Worlds gets closer, I find myself thinking back to my very first gravel ride. Not because it was some incredible accomplishment, but because I can still remember exactly how nervous I was before I ever rolled up to the start line.

I wasn't worried about the miles nearly as much as I was worried about showing up. I wondered if I'd be the slowest rider there. I wondered if everyone else already knew each other. I questioned whether I belonged at an event where people seemed so much more experienced than I was.

Looking back now, I wish I could tell that version of myself to relax.

Over the years I've met thousands of riders at events all over the country, and I've learned something that's easy to forget when you're looking at everyone's highlight reels on social media. Every confident rider you admire was once asking beginner questions. Every experienced gravel cyclist once wondered if they could finish. Every friendship that exists in our community started with two people who didn't know each other.

Nobody starts as an expert.

Somewhere along the way, they simply decided to take that first step.

I think that's one of the reasons Dirt Squad has become so important to me. It was never meant to be a place where you had to prove yourself before you belonged. I wanted it to be a place where someone riding their first gravel event felt just as welcome as someone who's been doing this for years.

Because when I think about the people who have had the biggest impact on my own cycling journey, I don't remember how fast they rode. I remember how they made me feel. They encouraged me when I doubted myself. They answered questions without making me feel embarrassed for asking them. They reminded me that everyone starts somewhere.

As Gravel Worlds gets closer, I know there are people reading this who are feeling those same nerves. Maybe you're wondering if you're ready. Maybe you're worried that you won't know anyone. Maybe you're questioning whether you'll fit in.

If that's where you are today, I want you to know something.

You don't have to earn your place here.

You don't have to ride a certain distance, average a certain speed, or show up on the newest bike. None of those things are what make you part of this community.

You just have to show up.

The confidence you're looking for probably isn't going to arrive before the event. It usually shows up afterward, when you realize you were capable of more than you believed. It grows with every mile you ride, every conversation you have, and every person who reminds you that you're not doing this alone.

If you're coming to Gravel Worlds this year, I'd love for you to stop by the Dirt Squad booth. Introduce yourself, sign our community banner, take a look at the ARI bike, and tell us your story. Whether it's your first gravel event or your fiftieth, we'd love to meet you.

Years from now, you probably won't remember every mile you rode that weekend. My guess is you'll remember the conversations, the laughter, and the people who made you feel like you belonged.

And who knows? Someone else's first step might begin because you took the time to say hello.

I'll see you in Lincoln.

— Crystal