The People Make the Weekend

I've been thinking a lot about Gravel Worlds lately. Not because of the miles or because we're getting close, but because I realized something the other day.

When I look back at the events I've ridden over the years, I honestly don't remember very many finishing times. I couldn't tell you what place I finished, what my average speed was, or even what the weather was for some of them.  Those facts are not important to me.

What I do remember are the people.

I remember the conversations before the ride while everyone was nervously checking tire pressure one last time. I remember laughing with complete strangers over a cup of coffee. I remember the rider who slowed down to make sure someone else was okay, and the volunteer who somehow knew exactly what to say at just the right moment.

Those are the things that stay with me.  That's also why Dirt Squad has grown into what it is today.

When I started this community, I never imagined we'd have riders traveling from all over the country to meet up at events like Gravel Worlds. I certainly didn't imagine we'd have partners who believed in what we're building or a booth where people would stop just to sit down, relax, and visit.

But here we are...and we have all those things!

As we've planned for Gravel Worlds this year, I've noticed something interesting. We haven't spent most of our time talking about the race itself. Instead, we've talked about how to make people feel welcome.

How do we create a booth where someone who doesn't know a single person feels comfortable walking in?

How do we encourage people to introduce themselves instead of standing off to the side?

How do we make sure first-time Gravel Worlds riders leave feeling like they already have friends waiting for them next year?

That's been our focus.

The Cuore banner we're bringing isn't really about collecting signatures. It's about creating something together that tells the story of everyone who stopped by.

The gong isn't there because it's loud—although it definitely will be. It's there because every rider deserves a moment to celebrate, whether they're racing for the podium or simply proving to themselves that they could do something hard.

Even the ARI bike in the booth isn't there just to show off a great bike. It's there because the people behind ARI believe in building community the same way we do, and I want you to have the chance to meet them.

When you step back and look at all of it, none of those things are really the point.

They're just tools to bring people together.

That's what I hope Dirt Squad becomes known for. Not the biggest booth, the loudest social media, or the fastest riders.

I hope people think of Dirt Squad and say, "Those are the people who made me feel like I belonged."

If you're coming to Gravel Worlds this year, I hope you'll stop by and spend a few minutes with us. Sign the banner. Tell us where you're from. Introduce yourself to someone you've never met before.

You don't have to be a member. You don't have to be the fastest rider. You don't even have to know anyone when you get there.

Just come say hello.

Because if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that the rides eventually end, but the people you meet along the way have a way of staying with you.

And that's what makes the weekend worth remembering.

See you in Lincoln.

— Crystal