Associate Editor & Events Manager
The 2026 East Texas Showdown is shaping up to be the biggest edition yet, with nearly 250 riders participating across three route options and a new gravel race on Sunday. With help from organizer Patrick Farnsworth and the riders, we collected details on over 60 rigs that will be out riding this weekend. Explore the 2026 East Texas Showdown Rigs here…
In 2021, around 40 brave souls lined up in the pouring rain in Point Blank, Texas, to participate in the inaugural East Texas Showdown. The following year, nearly 100 riders participated, and in 2023, over 130 riders showed up to tackle one of three route options. Each year, it continues to grow. The East Texas Showdown is part of the larger Texas Showdown Series, put on by the host of the Bikes or Death podcast, Patrick Farnsworth. There are now three events in the series: the West Texas Showdown, the Central Texas Showdown, and the East Texas Showdown, the latter being the longest-running. Patrick describes it as “extra special, more than just a bikepacking event; it’s become a family reunion as well.”
While I was putting together this roundup of race rigs, I couldn’t help but think about the Texas Showdown series and what Patrick has built around it. Although Texas might not seem like an exciting bikepacking destination to some, Patrick created the series to provide more cycling opportunities for Texans and to give visitors a way to experience what the state has to offer on two wheels. Having done a little riding in Texas, including an overnighter with Patrick, I can vouch for the unexpected beauty you’ll find there. The East Texas Showdown is particularly popular because it sits at the beginning of the season, serving as a season opener and an escape from cooler temperatures.
The 2026 East Texas Showdown has just under 200 riders registered, split among the main 395-mile Showdown route, the 273-mile Slowdown route, and the 160-mile Lowdown ride. There’s also a 69-mile and 42-mile gravel Throwdown on Sunday, March 29th, ahead of the after-party and official event wrap-up. With help from Patrick and the riders, we collected rider and rig details for over 60 participants of this year’s event. As always, we’ve included bike, bag, and gear details, as well as the navigation device each rider is using and the route they are tackling. Scroll through the rigs below, and then head over to the 2026 event page to track the riders live.
Jonathan Abdo
Age 25 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: 2024 Surly Midnight Special. The bike is a central Texas slowdown veteran with a Rodeo Spork, 1×11 Rival groupset, 44T Wolf Tooth front chainring, Profile aerobars for that extra lean, and 700 x 40mm Gravelkings.
BAGS: I got some po campo on Facebook Marketplace, and some roadrunner on wholesale. fork, handlebar, saddle, and stem only.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Shimano SD5s. IYKYK.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540 for nav, inReach Mini for tracking. Borrowed.
Julianne Agno
Age 39 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: All-City Space Horse.
BAGS: Ortlieb! 16.5L seat pack, 4L frame pack toptube, 3.5L accessory pack mounted on the handle bars. The seat pack and frame pack came in a set that included a handlebar roll pack, but it was too wide to use for this trip. I’m also using Brooks and Rockgeist stem bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m going for ultimate comfort since I’m riding the lowdown. I have the NEMO Dragonfly Bikepack 1P tent and a Sea to Summit ultralight sleeping pad. Both pack down small on my Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Roam.
Elena Alsides-Haynes
Age 33 / Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: Wilde Supertramp with SimWorks Fun 3 bars, Redshift stem, Reverb Dropper post, ENVE wheels, and a Son 28 hub connected to a Sinewave Beacon 2 light.
BAGS: I’m rocking a Sturdy Bags frame bag that was actually not made for this bike but is working pretty well, two Cedaero Devils Kettle stem bags (a personal fave gear choice), and have an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rear rack with a dry bag cinched to it.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m excited for the rear rack, especially with the extra Widefoot cage mounts I have on it, and I always love a dynamo light! Especially one that charges things!
GPS DEVICE: A very old Garmin 530 that *seems* to still be working, but I have my phone as a backup *just in case*.
Jacob Ashton
Age 34 / Bike Life (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: Coming in not so fresh from a decent race of Doom is Frankenstein’s Murmur. My Showdown setup is almost exactly the same even though I would have run 2.6″ tires for Doom, knowing what I know now. I went up to a 38T chainring since that’s the biggest one this bike will fit. All of the mechanicals from Doom are fixed as well as swapping out the chain and cassette since I burned through both of them in barely 1,000 miles *sad noises* while touring my way over to East Texas. It’s definitely not the aero gravel bike I would choose for this race but I don’t have the luxury of swapping bikes between races this time and I also don’t have an aero gravel bike. Somewhat ironically, I think my bike with this setup will be better suited to ETS than it was for Doom because Doom was hard. ETS should still be hard but hopefully it’ll be less hard and not take quite as long even though it’s longer.
BAGS: Frame bag by Merz Bags, Tribulus Endover handlebar bag, and a Revelate Mag Tank.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: New wheels and silent hubs with support from Onyx Racing. I had to buy everything else. Favero Assioma single for power data and Polar for heart rate. No sleep kit, full send.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, smartphone backup.
Reza Bloomer
Age 31 / Sunland, California (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding the ETS on a Co-op ADV 1.1 chromoly steel touring bike that I stripped down to raw metal and had clear powder coated to preserve the finish. It’s a durable, fully mechanical setup built for long days and field serviceability. Running 700c x 45mm Schwalbe G-One RX tires. Drivetrain is a 3×8 with a Shimano Deore LX rear derailleur and matching front derailleur. Cockpit features Nitto Noodle bars, TRP mechanical disc brakes, and Gran Compe bar-end shifters. Finished with Camp And Go Slow bar tape and a well-worn Brooks saddle that has been with me for over a decade.
BAGS: Outer Shell frame bag and seat pack carry the core load, supplemented by a few Blue Lug accessory bags. Up front is still evolving: I’m torn between a handmade Rambler handlebar bag or switching to a Nitto front rack with a wald-style basket and dry bag to open up the cockpit. Final setup will likely be a game-time decision.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Schwalbe G-One RX tires are the standout—they feel purpose-built for this route, especially with the mix of gravel, sand, and likely mud through the piney woods. If I end up running it, the Rambler bag is a favorite piece of gear—simple, handmade, and just works.
GPS DEVICE: iPhone with offline maps as primary navigation.
Brett Boles
Age 30 / College Station, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: Esker Japhy.
BAGS: I made all of these bags, and I’m stoked on them! Normally, the bags I make for friends are much nicer than the ones I make for myself, but I finally took some time to make my own the right way.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Tenkara rod. Some friends and I are taking the scenic route on the Lowdown and stopping at the many small streams that flow through the National Forest on the route to fish.
GPS DEVICE: Spot
Niklas Braun
Age 27 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: This is my Omnium CXC, I built it up with an 11-speed SRAM drivetrain and flat handlebars. I opted for 38T in the front and 10-42T in the back. I will be running Vittoria T50 tires set up with TPU tubes on DUKE rims laced to Hope Pro4 hubs. Grips, saddle, and pedals are from SQLabs for maximum comfort.
BAGS: I am rocking a custom set of Gramm bags together with an Ortlieb fork bag for quick access to my rain gear and extra layers.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Lupine MonoSL front light and my Lupine Penta headlamp will guide me through the darkness, while my RedWhite Apparel bibs keep me comfortable in the saddle.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.
Kevin Byrd
Age 54 / McKinney, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: Trek Checkpoint SL5 AXS (Gen 3).
BAGS: Bontrager top tube bag, ALMSTHRE framebag, and Topeak saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Changed out the front chairing from 40T to 38T.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1030+ and a Garmin InReach Messenger Plus for tracking.
Collin Caldwell
Age 25 / Fort Worth, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding a 1×12 Canyon Grizl CF 6 with 45mm Schwalbe G-One RX tires.
BAGS: My main bag is a double-decker Rogue Panda custom full-frame bag. I’ll also be running a Mag Tank top tube bag and some good old-fashioned jersey pockets.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite piece of gear is the Apidura Hydration Bladder with a Camelbak hose that will fill out the lower portion of my frame bag. I will be bringing my Nemo Fillo Elite pillow as my power nap tool.
GPS DEVICE: My trusty iPhone.
Shane Carbonneau
Age 55 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: Bingham Built
BAGS: Mix of Tailfin and Moosepacks. Light with no rain gear!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For safety love my Detour front; hangover helmet and Garmin Varia 820.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1050.
Ryan Clark
Age 48 / Noblesville, Indiana (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be racing the ETS on a 2023 Cervelo Aspero. The bike features a new pair of Schwalbe G-One RS Pro 40mm tires, a Shimano GRX 2x drivetrain, Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels, a Cane Creek eeSilk seat post, and Profile Design aerobars.
BAGS: I’ll be using a Rogue Panda top tube bag, USWE frame bag, and a Silca saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix BC26R lights will light the way. A Squishmallow mini-bear, gifted by my daughter, will bring me luck!
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 1040.
Chris Clodfelter
Age 64 / Seabrook, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: I’ll be cruising the Piney Woods on my Velo Orange Piolet. It has a basic SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain, my favorite Teravail Sparwood 29×2.2 tires, and stylish, powerful Paul Klampers for braking.
BAGS: I use a Rockgeist Loop Bar Harness with their double-ended dry bag, a Swift Hold Fast Frame Bag, a pair of North St. Micro Panniers, and a Randi Jo Bartender for snacks and beverages.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite piece of bikepacking gear is my Big Agnes Skyline UL chair
GPS DEVICE: I use a Wahoo Elemnt for navigation.
Ben Corda
Age 37 / Near Northside, Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown and maybe Gravel Throwdown
BIKE: After a successful lowdown on a 94 Rockhopper last year, I’m riding a Scott Contessa Speedster Gravel 15 with GRX 2×11 and on 700 x 40mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC. Added a Cane Creek eeSilk stem and the Bikes or Death Nalgene cage.
BAGS: mix of Swift Industries, Rei, and unbranded.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Eureka Solitaire AL tent; let’s see if I end up using it, sleeping gear is being reassessed in favor of camera gear.
GPS DEVICE: Coospo CS500 (it’s ok, but doesn’t count miles off route).
Ryan Crawford
Age 33 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: 2026 Lauf Seigla Wireless E1 in Glacial White, size Small. Goodyear 50mm Connector Ultimate tyres and Lauf Grit Fork for traction and comfort.
BAGS: Apidura bike bags across the board to carry my sweets.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lauf Grit Fork for some extra squish and a prime location mini pump, because my small frame couldn’t fit a second bottle.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 with a back-up Edge 530 and back-up back-up Garmin Forerunner 245.
Kelc Degnian
Age 33 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: My precious is an 2018 All-City Gorilla Monsoon. Ritchey WCS Beacon handlebars, Specialized mimic saddle. Redshift Shockstop suspension stem and seatpost. 1×11 drivetrain with a 40T chainring. 650B x 48mm tires. Super loud DT Swiss Hub (my friends hate me).
BAGS: I’ve got an Oveja Negra half-frame bag and a center snack bag. Farewell stem bags (<3). Salsa EXP Anything cradle up front. Ortlieb saddle bag from the scratch and dent. Glued that puppy back together.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: It is very important that you have a net to hold your chips. Bivo stainless bottles are brill! You can’t see my tiny bike flower vase here, but it’s one of my favorite pieces of gear.
GPS DEVICE: Good ol’ iPhone mini.
Diana Diaz
Age 42 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: Her name is Tomasa. Open UPPER with SRAM Force AXS 2×12, 46/33T chainrings, 10-36T cassette.
BAGS: Apidura 7L racing saddle bag, Apidura expedition top tube bag (perfect for snacks and cables), and Moose Packs frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m excited to try the Exposure Max-D light.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 2.
Brian Dowell
Age 51 / Allen, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Lowdown Route on a 2021 Obed Boundary. My Obed is set up with Shimano GRX Di2 2X with 48/31T Chainrings up front and an 11-34T cassette in the rear. I’m running 42mm Pathfinder Pro tires on Stans Grail Mk3 wheels.
BAGS: The highlights of my bag setup are my Alpine Luddites custom framebag and seatbag. Additionally, I have a Tailfin top tube bag and Rockgeist Honeypot feedbags. Rounding out my cockpit, I have an REI Link Handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For my sleep system, I have a Sea to Summit Telos TR2 bikepack tent, a Kilos Gear Aerocloud UL sleeping pad, and a Neve Gear Waratah quilt. For my bike light, I will be using a Fenix BC26R.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Hammerhead Karoo2 with an iPhone as a backup.
Nick Elliott
Age 37 / Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: Wilde Heighliner frame, Berd Sparrow Wheels, laced to a SON 28 Dynamo front hub and Talon rear hub, Rene Herse Poteau Mtn. Front tire, Corkscrew Climb rear tire, Sinewave Beacon V2 light and power, SRAM Red shifting, a SRAM XX SL Eagle rear derailleur, and Rival XPLR crankset, Wolf Tooth Chainring, Enve en-route aero stem and G-series bars (44mm), Thomson Ti Seatpost, chair is a Selle Italia SLR Boost Endurance.
BAGS: Revelate Terrapin 8L Saddle Bag, Revelate Pitchfork Aero Bar bag for ALL the snacks, Revelate Mag Tank, Revelate Tangle frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Stoked on my aero bar set up with the addition of a FRED bar. Comfy as all friggin get out.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1050.
Tom Elliott
Age 46 / Midland, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: I’ll be mid-packing on my Chumba Terlingua Ti rolling on Vittoria T70s, which are basically a mini Mezcal tire. The bike recently got a new AXS Transmission drivetrain upgrade, I9 wheels, Thomson cockpit, Zipp aero bars, and Ergon saddle.
BAGS: Oveja Negra bags!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Forecast dependent if I take a camp setup or not. I’m currently planning on dirt naps.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin InReach Mini2 for tracking and Wahoo Roam3 for navigation.
Matt Emelett
Age 42 / Copperas Cove, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: Business in the front, party in the back. This Winspace G2 leans hard into its ‘Mullet’ identity. Beyond the paint, it runs a custom ‘mullet’ drivetrain—mixing Shimano 105 road brifters with a Deore MTB derailleur. For traction, it’s rocking 50mm Schwalbe G-One RS tires.
BAGS: The setup is adventure-ready with a Tailfin Cargo Pack System.
GPS DEVICE: Magene C606 GPS leading the way.
Thomas Everett
Age 33 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding the ETS on a Beach Club Al Dente that I very slowly built up last year. The bike features a 1×12 SRAM drivetrain with a 40T chainring and a 10-44T cassette, 45mm GravelKings (SK on the front and SS on the rear), and DT Swiss wheels that came off of another bike.
BAGS: Running a mixed bag of bags for this race. Out front on the handlebars is a new Dark Realm RealTree bag. I have an Oveja Negra snack pack on the top tube and their Gearjammer seat bag in the rear. Running under the top tube is a Swift Hold Fast 4L bag. I’ll have two 21-oz bottles in the cages and a 1L bladder in the top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Sea to Summit Ether Light air pad and cheap bivy will serve as the sleep system. My favorite part of the bike is the frame. Really love how the anodized colors turned out.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 840.
Wojtek Felendzer
Age 52 / Flower Mound, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: My 2016 Lauf True Grit with a recently upgraded 1×12 SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain, oval 46T Garbaruk ring and 10-46T cassette. Running a 2.2″ Continental Gravelking up front, which, as a friend pointed out to me at last year’s Rattlesnake Gravel Grind, is installed backwards. There’s a new 45mm Maxxis Rambler on the back wheel. I have a custom SMP TRK saddle. It’s held together by about 6 zip ties.
BAGS: USWE 3L hydration pack, “Amazon brand” frame bag that leaves enough space for 2 bottle cages on my frame and RockShox seatpost bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: On a long ride like the ETS you need a variety of hand positions, I added Profile Design Legacy III aerobars to give those hands and arms some rest. Lezyne and Topeak lights.
GPS DEVICE: Using a Garmin Edge 840 and , to conserve battery life, I’ll likely disable the heart rate monitor on my Garmin Fenix watch and turn off the Live Track function (because we have mandatory satellite trackers from Follow My Challenge).
Davey Ferry
Age 39 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: All City Super Professional, SRAM Apex 1×11, Tubeless 700 x 42mm Teravail Washburns.
BAGS: Ortileb QR handlebar pack, Ortlieb half gram bag, and Ortlieb saddle pack. Outer Shell Stem Caddy (borrowed one from my amazingly supportive wife)
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: REI Trailmade Tent, Nemo sleeping pad. And my father-in-law’s Woobie from Desert Storm.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540.
Stephen Fitzgerald
Age 47 / Denver, Colorado (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: I’m riding/racing a pre-production Rodeo Labs Flaanimal 6.0 steel frameset. I’m especially keen to do some quick riding on it, because steel bikes like to trot! The geometry is a departure from where we’ve been previously with steel, so I’m also excited to see how that translates to ergonomics over 400 miles.
BAGS: Bags are by Tailfin, and I’m using the full-length top tube bag and the classic pannier rack for my food and gear carrying needs. I hope to be efficient with stops in this event. The temps will hit mid ’80s farenheit, so I’d rather have too much water than not enough. For hydration, I’ll bring 3 bottles and a 70-oz Ultimate Direction hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For lighting, I’m running a Fenix headlamp and a Fenix stem-mounted light. I’ve got some backup battery cells, but I’m hoping to finish with one (long) night of riding instead of two. I’ve got some new pre-production 48mm deep Rodeo 3.0R wheels on the bike. This route is a rolling 400 miles with a split of 60% pavement and 40% gravel, so perhaps deeper (and wider) rims will provide a non-zero benefit. I’m skipping the trendy big tires for this one and plan on running these Challenge Getaway XP 40mm tires. These tires are always great in mixed conditions based on past experience. I’m using Vision aero bars, which I installed exactly one day before the event, so that should be hilarious in terms of getting my position on them right.
GPS DEVICE: I also just switched to a Coros Dura solar charging bike computer, so I’m excited to not have to worry about batteries, finally!
Ben Franchi
Age 43 / Anaheim, California (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown (and maybe the Gravel Throwdown)
BIKE: I’ll be racing the East Texas Showdown on my 2025 Ventum GS1. The bike sits with a set of 50mm Schwalbe G-One RS Pros, but I might swap them out to SKs or Thunder Burts depending on the conditions. The bike is set up with SRAM Rival XPLR E1 1×13 (10-46T), and a set of ROTOR inPower 165 cranks with a 38T oval. A Fizik Transiro seat and Crankbrother Eggbeaters keep it movin’. Finally, the headlights and bar lights from Outbound Lighting help me see the dogs at night.
BAGS: The frame bag is an Apidura Aero system, but with an old Wanderlust camo top tube bag, so I can actually carry gels. The seat bag is an Ortlieb 11L saddle pack. 2x 750ml bottles in the frame, and I’ll be carrying 3L in the backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Sea to Summit Spark sleeping bag and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir pad hide in the saddle bag. Hopefully I don’t need to use em.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540 on the stem, and my trusty Fenix 7 watch as my backup.
Charlotte Green
Age 29 / Henderson, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: All City Spacehorse with NX Eagle drivetrain and Zipp Course 30 Wheelset.
BAGS: Oveja Negra frame bag, Chrome feedsack, Camelbak saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My rose bud valve stem covers, 3D printed by BDubs in Longview, Texas.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Bolt.
Scott Gregoire
Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: 2021 All-City Gorilla Monsoon setup with 700c wheels and 45mm wide tires. Fully mechanical with bar end shifter. Paul brakes stop good.
BAGS: Salsa full frame bag, cheap top tube bag, two cheap feed bags, cheap handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Favorite piece is my Dragonfly from Botched Bikes. It lets me run two bottles with the full frame bag for convenient hydration.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin InReach Mini 1 for tracking, Wahoo Bolt Gen 1 for navigation.
Byron Griffin
Age 36 / Waco, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: Stinner Refugio Select with a mechanical 2×12-speed GRX setup. Thomson seatpost and stem, Ritchey handlebars. 50mm Schwalbe G-One RX Pro tires.
BAGS: I’m a DIY-er, I made all of my bags! My favorite material so far has been the blue woven Dyneema composite on the frame bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I made a Bilgy tarp tent that I’m quite proud of. It’s a trail-tested tent design that worked for me last year during the CTS Lowdown, even in the pouring rain.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540.
Robert Grobe
Age 43 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: June the trans Possum Queen is a 2013 Salsa Vaya sporting Pirelli Cinturato Gravel tubeless tires, a Brooks Cambium C17 saddle, and a Velo Orange front rack.
BAGS: Brooks frame bag, top tube bag, and handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A KingCamp air mattress and camp pillow for sleeping under the stars.
GPS DEVICE: My phone.
Preston Gromer
Age 27 / College Station, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding a 1990 Trek 830 (Antelope) in the silver/intense blue colorway (thank you, vintage-trek). My buddy at Aggieland Cycling hooked me up with some Sim Works Super Yummy 26 x 2.22″ tires, and that’s about the only classy thing on this bike. Some parts-bin v-brakes, Sunrace M40 derailleur + thumbies, and Ergon GP-1s on VO swept-back bars complete the steed.
BAGS: REI saddle bag and Blackburn frame bag. The handlebars are sporting the brain of my old Osprey hiking bag. Probably need to find one or two places to fit more water bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Eagle Claw Pack-It Rod and white Mister Twister grubs for the streams and bayous along the way.
GPS DEVICE: iPhone.
Meaghan Hackinen
Age 41 / Kelowna, British Columbia (Canada)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: I’m racing on my new Flyway C Rival XPLR SUS, Salsa’s versatile carbon gravel bike. The build runs a SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1X drivetrain with a 42T chainring and 10–44T cassette. Up front is a 40mm RockShox Rudy fork to smooth the rough sections. Running aerobars for comfort. Wheels are Light Bicycle AR45 Plus carbon rims with Pace hubs, paired with 700C x 44 mm Rene Herse Poteau Mountain tubeless tires (with Rene Herse sealant), a fast, light, and capable combo for dirt and pavement. Lighting from Fenix with a spare battery, plus a Petzl headlamp.
BAGS: Apidura Expedition Series packs: 6.8L full frame pack with a 2.5L hydration bladder in the bottom and nutrition up top, 1L bolt-on top tube pack for electronics and first aid, 1L tool pack for tools and spares.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m running pretty lightweight, so I don’t have much gear to talk about, but I can share that my new Flyway is named Pamela—named after BC’s very own icon, Pamela Anderson. She’s bold, confident, and just a little bit rebellious.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELMNT Roam.
EUGENE HAN
Age 47 / DALLAS, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: 2023 Ventum GS1v2 gravel racebike. 47mm Tufo Thunderos tires setup tubeless with Orange Seal. 48/31T Rotor Power2max cranks on a waxed chain. GRX 11-speed Di2 shifting. Carbon LightBicycle wheels. Zipp Aerobars with maximum stack.
BAGS: Tailfin top tube bag and Tailfin rear pack on a carbon arch. REI framebag for food storage. Top tube bag carries a 38,400mAh power brick (stays connected to GoPro and front light) with room for my phone. Underbelly cage holds pre-portioned electrolyte powder. 950ml bottles for electrolytes. USWE hydration vest (2.5L capacity plus food storage). 5L Patagonia Black Hole waist pack may tag along for a down jacket/incidentals. Rear pack houses the sleep system: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, MSR Hubba NX tent, sleeping bag, pillow, and toiletries — tent poles ride on top. Whether or not I bring it is a game-time decision, as we have a room reserved at mile 160. I figure it adds about 10lbs to the rig.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Zipp Aerobars with max stack may be key — hoping they get me through this test with my lower back issues. The 38,400mAh power brick keeps the GoPro and front light topped off while fitting snugly in the top tube bag with my phone. Also loving my Lezyne Mega Drive 2400 as the primary light. Testing my own electrolyte powder, pre-portioned in mini ziplocks — a little DIY touch. I was glad to get the REI framebag that fits pretty well in short notice. I literally registered for this race a week out.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 mounted on the aero bars. Garmin Varia 820 radar behind the seat.
David Hernandez
Age 36 / Longview, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: Salsa Stormchaser SS with a Wolf Tooth 40T chainring and 17T cog. Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V kicks strapped with Panaracer Gravelking X1 40mm front and SS 38mm rear rubber.
BAGS: I’ll be running a Waxed Buckhorn Barrel XL handlebar bag, Oveja Negra Bolt-on Large Snack Pack and Small Snack Pack on the top tube, an Oveja Negra Superwedgie Frame Bag, and an Oveja Negra Gearjammer Saddlebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The lack there of.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Bolt v2.
David H.
Age 44 / Denver, Colorado (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: Rodeo Labs TD4. Lots of sparkle and glitter. Especially when the sun is right. Rodeo 3.0 rims with Berd Spokes, Challenge Getaway 45mm tires, Vittoria inserts. SRAM 12-speed.
BAGS: Class4Designs Speed bag set. Custom fit for the frame. Tapered at the ends for a slim profile/knee room. Tailfin rear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This bicycle has been everywhere. Lots of usage. Trains, Planes, Automobiles. A nicely utilized patina of dings and dents. Oh, the adventures we have been on!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.
Ken Holmes
Age 45 / Clifton, Virginia (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding the ETS on a “hobbybuilt” Habit Workshop steel gravel frame fitting 2.1″ Dubnitals. 1×12 Shimano/SRAM mix with shifting handled by AXS and a 36T front ring, a SP dynamo hub powers a Sinewave front light keeping everything charged.
BAGS: Oveja Negra for the frame at top tube bags, with Revelate Designs panniers on a Tumbleweed rear rack. Front rack is from Allygn.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Favorite bit of gear on the bike is the Redshift suspension seatpost, which smooths out so much of the rough sections of road and trail.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin 1040 Solar.
Yui Iwase
Age 35 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be doing my first ETS in my Salsa Vaya. I’m riding tubeless 45mm Specialized Pathfinders.
BAGS: Most are borrowed from dear friends. Mine include Revelate Terrapin and a feed bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Pocampo handlebar bag carrying all my essentials.
GPS DEVICE: Whatever came with registration.
Alex Kowalski
Age 32 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding on my beautiful Black Sheep Speedster with a 32x15T ratio. Likely the last race for my trusty Nox/Berd/i9 wheelset, but they’ll be rocking 2.4″ speedy dubnitties. Incredibly gracious for all the folks who have and continue to support me, including Zach at South City Stitchworks, Cane Creek, Carborocket, Absolute Black, and Roka and Teravail for hooking it up with crash replacements after my mishap last month! My mechanic and great friend Jacob lent me his crankset for this race because I don’t know the difference between 3 bolt and 8 bolt chainrings yet. Thanks, dude! Aside from that minor change (and ideally a fresh wheelset from some kind new friends!), I’ll be rocking the same build for my triple crown this year.
BAGS: The bags are always South City! Two top tube bags will do the trick for this one. Also rocking my Mica rat tail to hold my tpu tubes. Albion reflective vest to house some extra goodies, a tracker, and personal items.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: There isn’t one singular highlight. I’ve been perfecting this build throughout the past year, and I’d say it’s all pretty damn close to my absolute liking.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura the goat.
Evan Lee
Age 36 / Belton, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be racing the Slowdown Singlespeed on my Moné El Continente. This is my dream rig, built to conquer long distances on rough terrain in style. Carbon dynamo wheelset, K-Lite v1, AluGear 34T chainring on 165mm XT cranks (trying them out), Thomson/King, Woodchippers, and Profile Aerobars with an Opossum jaw affixed. Tires are Schwalbe G-One RS Pro in 50mm to float through sand, and my ratio is 34x15T if I can push it!
BAGS: Cheap placeholder full length toptube, and saddlebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A gorgeous Tri-plane fork, canvas safety triangle from Nunez Hesser, custom 3D-printed light mounts.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura + printed mileage list.
Beca Llamas
Age 27 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be racing on my trusty Salsa Journeyer! I’m running with Teravail Cannonball 650b x 47mm tires and a Sora 2×9 groupset. Honestly, the components overall aren’t crazy special but they’ve been dependable so far.
BAGS: I’m especially excited to talk about my bags! I just got new Mountain Laurel Designs panniers that are incredibly lightweight and waterproof that I can’t wait to break-in on the Slowdown. I also have a top tube bag and feed bags from Moosepacks, and last, but not least, a Dark Realm bar bag. (I also have a small frame bag who’s name I can’t recall right now).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m super stoked to try out the MLD panniers. I used to have a pretty streamlined set-up (ie. large saddlebag, large front bag, frame bag), but something feels easy about coming back to panniers. I guess we’ll see if the switch pays off or not! My Big Agnes Bikepacking tent comes with me on all bikepacking trips, we love her. Also, I have a small Beanie Baby of an orange fish I call Freddi that keeps me company hanging on my saddle.
GPS DEVICE: I have a Spot 4.
Phillip Loya
Age 39 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2025 Pinarello Grevil F9 for the ETS Slowdown. The bike has Shimano GRX RX825 drivetrain with a 48x31T chainring setup and 11-36T cassette, 50mm Schwalbe G-One Pro Tires (RS rear and RX front) rolling on Princeton Carbonworks Grit 4045 wheels. Lights are from Exposure with a Race MK17 front and BoostR 3 rear.
BAGS: Bags are a mix from what I have learned over the years of racing and include: My trusty Restrap Race 7L Saddle Bag, Apidura Racing 2.5L Frame Bag and 2L Long Top Tube Bag, and Almsthre Stem Bag (for my emergency vanilla coke!).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Profile aerobars design bars with 60mm of spacers to get me more comfortable. I’ve had enough long days of struggling with back pain, trying to get super low and tucked. Gotta get nice and comfy.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation will be on a Garmin Edge 840 with an Edge 530 for backup.
Gregory Frank Machotka
Age 47 / Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: Ibis Hakka MX with a Shimano GRX group.
BAGS: I’m running a hodgepodge of bags from Ortlieb, USWE, and Rapha. I have no real commitment, so long as the bags keep bagging.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I switched up to Redshift Kitchen Sink handlebars with fat grips and super soft bar tape because last year, I scratched out with cyclist palsy around mile 200. That led to four weeks of physical therapy, and I’d rather not suffer the same fate twice.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.
Frank Mendez
Age 41 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Slowdown route on my 2023 Bombtrack Arise Tour, 2×10 Microshift XLE with 46/30T in the front and 11-42T 10-speed in the rear. The front hub has a KT dynamo hub with the Supernova E3 front light. With tires, I went with the WTB Nano 40mm in the front, WTB Vulpine 40mm in the rear, both setup tubeless. In the rear, I got the Tubus Logo Evo rack, and the Brooks Cambium C-19 carved for that extra support on the bum.
BAGS: I’m not tied to one brand when it comes to bags, but here’s my breakdown: Got the Swift Industries Bandito bag on the handlebar, Rhinowalk 2.1 top tube bag, Oveja Negra 1/2 pack 3L, and REI Co-op Link Seat Pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Planning to ride overnight on night one, so the highlight would have to be the KT dynamo with the Supernova E3… don’t have to worry about my lights losing charge during daylight. As a backup, I have the Fenix BC26R on my fork light mount.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura along with my Coros Pace Pro watch as backup.
Thomas Miller
Age 48 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: I’ll be single-speeding on my Rodeo Labs Traildonkey. The new build features a Black Inc. bar, stem, aerobar, and seatpost. Drivetrain is a 40T White Industries crankset with a pretty trick Boone Ti 17T cog. Wheels are White Industries hubs laced to Light Bicycle carbon rims, with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H 700 x 45mm tires. Wolf Tooth pedals, cages, and bottom bracket round out the spec.
BAGS: I’ll be running fairly minimal this year, using an Almsthre handlebar, top tube, frame, and seatpost bag. I’ll also be using the Restrap Race Hydration Vest with a 2L bladder and a little extra room for storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lighting will be provided by a Magicshine Monteer 5000s. It’ll easily hold 1000 lumens for the night.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using my Coros Dura with an iPhone as backup.
Matthew Montgomery
Age 29 / Belton, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: Time ADHX: this bike features a 2×11 Shimano Di2 drivetrain with 48x32T absoluteBLACK chainrings, Panaracer GravelKing SK 38mm tires, ENVE SES Aero cockpit with clip-on extensions.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Tangle and Shrew.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain Laurel Designs FKT bivy.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Roam v2.
Bonnie Nelson
Age 39 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: Surly Gurly is a 2024 Surly Midnight Special with a Redshift stem, MIMIC saddle and new tubeless Teravail Washburn 650bx47 tires.
BAGS: Front to back – Rapha Explore Bar Bag with all my gas station stop essentials and snacks; Outer Shell Handlebar Harness w/ Seal Line dry bag protecting my sleeping bag; Bontrager half frame bag with bike tools, electronics and toiletries; and Topeak 15L Backloader Seat Bag perfect for my clothes, tent, sleeping pad, campsite shoes and, of course, more snacks
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My setup is high-comfort, minimalism finding the balance of riding at the optimal level of comfort without the extra weight; it’s about knowing exactly what I’ll want and need to get me through the hard times, to finish strong and enjoy my time in the woods. My goals for this ETS are 1. To finish and 2. To have more fun than I did last year. This setup is going to set me up to succeed.
GPS DEVICE: uh, iPhone 12 with downloaded route on Ride With GPS app.
Conor O’Brian
Age 33 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: I’m taking on this year’s ETS on a 2025 Moots Routt RSL. The bike features a fresh set of Continental Terra Speed 45mm tires on Zipp 303 XPLRs wheels, and 1×11 SRAM Force AXS drivetrain. Clip-on Vision aero bars installed for long-distance comfort.
BAGS: Restrap Race Top Tube bag to hold phone, headphones, and snacks, and then a Restrap Race Frame Bag to hold layers…and more snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure Lights Race MK18 up front – one light for all night!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 Solar.
Lorena Perez
Age 36 / Fort Worth, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding at a party pace on my 2021 All-City Space Horse. Details? Built from the ground up, it has a GRX RX810 1×11 drivetrain, the rear derailleur is GRX RD-RX812 (the long cage version for the 1×11 for max rear cog of 42T), rims are DT Swiss R500db, Industry Nine hubs, Salsa cowbell handlebars, and a Brooks C17 saddle. The bike has an added Specialized Pizza Rack and an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Tall Rack.
BAGS: My friends’ bags: Ortlieb Gravel Panniers and ILE Porteur Rackbag. My bags: Apidura frame bag, Specialized top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Favorite gear? I love my handheld fan and fun bandanas.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a SPOT tracking device.
Anthony (Pezza) Perry
Age 58 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: JLaverack- Ti Grit Di2 Shimano GRX (UK Custom Build), Front: 30/46T, Rear: 11/46T with Wolf Tooth Road link ext. Wheels: Custom BlackCat carbon 32 spoke with 700 × 45mm Rene Herse Oracle Ridge tires.
BAGS: Tailfin Rear and one side pannier, REI mini frame bag, Blackburn Top tube bag, Apidura feedbags x2.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Saddle Brookes B17, Front hub SON Dyno running front and rear lights, Stem mounted USB charging system, Nemo Dragonfly Bikepacking Tent, Sleeping Pad: Big Agnes Deluxe QCore.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 2.0.
Cori Persinger
Age 27 / College Station, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2009 Kona Dew Drop aluminium boneshaker with a Kona Project Two steel fork, 700 x 45mm Panaracer Gravel Kings (SS), and some TLR wheels taken from an old Gary Fisher 29er. It’s got a 3×9 drivetrain + Shimano Deore derailleur (you’ll never convince me to go 1x!!), Avid BB-7 road disc brakes, PD Airstryke aerobars, and an Ergon saddle (for the girlies), which has been, frankly, life-changing.
BAGS: Running an Blackburn Outpost frame bag that fits almost as if it were custom, a real blessing from the bike gods, an REI saddle bag, and the Blackburn cargo cages which will be strapping on anything from an oversized water bottle to a stuff sack, sandals, or a subway footlong from our friends in Apple Springs (iykyk).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hammock + Hohner Special 20 harmonica.
GPS DEVICE: iPhone.
John Petrus
Age 22 / San Marcos, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be attempting the ETSlowdown on my trusty 2024 Trek Checkpoint set up with SRAM XO Transmission, Bontrager carbon gravel wheels, Ritchey Venturemax WCS bars, 44t absolute black oval chainring, 700 x 50mm Teravail Updraft tires, clip-on aero bars that I borrowed from a homie (thanks sam I owe you one), and a Brooks b17 saddle.
BAGS: On the rear, I have a Bontrager saddle bag stuffed with my sleeping setup. My frame bag is one of Trek’s fitted half-frame bags filled with tools, film camera stuff, and other electronics. I have my top tube bag and snack sack stuffed with nutrition. Finally, in the front i have a Swift Industries Zeitgeist with more food, clothes, and a handful of spares.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m actually bringing a spare phone with me. It’s an old iPhone 7 that I have full of music that will just be used as a glorified iPod. Additionally, shout out to Ocean and San for making the most comfortable riding shirt I’ve ever worn.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura with my phone as a backup.
Peter Rajcani
Age 63 / Arlington, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: 2023 Lauf Seigla, SRAM Force 1×11 drivetrain, Lauf suspension fork (30mm travel), Maxxis Rambler 50mm tires.
BAGS: Serfas frame bag, Topeak Backloader Rear Bag and feed bags and a small handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will be traveling light with just a 40-degree sleeping bag, small bivy, and a sleeping mat. I am using a bottle cage splitter which allows me to mount two water bottle cages on each side of the frame so I can have a full frame bag and carry two water bottles.
GPS DEVICE: I will be using Garmin eTrex 22x for navigation and Garmin Edge 530 to record the ride.
Casey Ramsey
Age 40 / Fort Worth, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: 2024 Cervelo Aspero with SRAM Rival electronic shifters and derailleur. One Zipp XPLR wheel in the front and stock wheel in the back. I broke my rear ZIPP wheel at another race and it will not be rebuilt in time for ETS.
BAGS: I am only using one frame bag because I don’t need to carry camping gear. This also forces me to make it at least 190 miles before I have the option to sleep.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Aero bars for changing positions throughout the day and night. Cateye AMPP 2200 Headlight because it can last 12 hours on the lowest setting of 200 lumens. I will be wearing SHOKZ headphones to keep morale high. Camelbak for easy access electrolytes.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar to navigate without needing to charge.
Jonny Reeves
Age 32 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: I’ll be racing the ETS Showdown 400 on an Allied Able. The build runs a 1x drivetrain with a Wolf Tooth 46T Aero chainring paired to a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed cassette. Wheels are Zipp 303 XPLR, wrapped in Continental Race King 2.2″ tires. Profile Design aero bars round out the cockpit for the long miles ahead.
BAGS: The bag setup is an Apidura aero bar bag (2.5L) up front. A Tailfin top tube bag (1L), Apidura frame bag (4L), with a Silca saddle pack rounding out the on-bike carry. A USWE hydration pack (1.8L) handles half my fluids and I’ll be deploying a packable, frame-stashed, Apidura 7L packable musette along with two Hyperlyte 600ml collapsible soft flasks to carry me through the long overnight stretch.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Navigation is handled by a Garmin Edge 1030 plus, and my satellite tracking will be run off my Garmin InReach mini3. Lighting is a two-system setup: an Exposure Toro MK16 on the bars and a Fenix BC26R on the helmet, giving me flexibility and redundancy through the night. I’ll also be using the Fenix rear light for additional safety and visibility throughout the race.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin InReach Mini 3.
CJ Rhodes
Age 35 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: Surly Cross x Check aka CrossRhodes with 700x42mm Cannonball font and Washburn Rear. Velocity Pink Quill rims laced to Velo Orange Hubs. 44T oval x 18T. Paul MiniMoto Brakes with TRP Levers.
BAGS: Mix of everything, gotta spread the love! Ortlieb, PNX Bags, Rockgeist, Outer Shell.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Safety Pizza that has been through it all, dating back to the fixed gear days. Fancy Wolf Tooth single speed cog.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 2 and a compass as backup.
Andrea Roelofs
Age 37 / San Antonio, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: Riding the Otso Wahella C. Standard build with 1×11 drivetrain and putting on a new pair of 700 x 40mm Schwalbe G-One R Pro for the ride.
BAGS: My favorite part is always the bags! I’m running a mix of bags I sewed up myself and purchased bags. Up front, I made the snack pack, top tube bag (pattern from the Functional Sewing Project), and the front handlebar bag. To round out my setup, there’s the Rouge Panda Bismarck bottle bucket and my Oveja Negra saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For this event, just packing the basics to get me through the ride: bike repair items, nutrition snacks and drink mixes, power bank, extra layers for the overnight riding, and some just in case sleeping items.
GPS DEVICE: Using a Garmin 530 to navigate with an iPhone as backup.
Gavin Scott
Age 52 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding a Surly Ghost Grappler from my friends at Clown Dog BIkes in Austin, TX. Running Schwalbe G-ONE Allround 27.5 x 2.8″ tires, a mostly Microshift 2×10 drivetrain with 11-38 cassette and 38x22T RaceFace cranks. Paul Klampers for stopping.
BAGS: Oveja Negra Superwedgie frame bag, Rogue Panda Alamo top tube bag, Ortlieb fork packs, and compression bag on a Tumbleweed rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping in a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.
Andrew Shepherd
Age 41 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: 2024 Chumba Terlingua (Steel).
BAGS: San Util and Dispersed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Handlebar roll where my sleep kit lives, keeping as much clutter off my bars. I need to change my bars. And find my headlight.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Roam 3.
Amanda Shih
Age 37 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding ETS on a 2021 Priority Apollo, basically stock, with the exception of the tires, GravelKings 38mm SK and 40mm X1 front and back, respectively.
BAGS: An amalgamation of hand-me-downs and gifts – a lovely green Cedaero Top Tube bag mounted by the seat, a once-sleek Brooks Scape Top Tube bag, a robust Revelate Egress Pocket at the handlebars, and an XLabs saddle bag. I have an Aeroe Spider rear rack fitted with Voile straps to tie down Sea to Summit dry bags, along with gear strapped along the rack and top tube. Additional water bottles are mounted on the fork with Rockbros magnetic strap holders. My sleeping kit includes a Sea To Summit UL Air Mat and a Featherstone Granite 2p tent.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: It’s belt-driven (Gates) and internally geared (Shimano Alfine). It’s my commuter and my adventure bike—a little rough, a little tumble, a little MacGyvered.
GPS DEVICE: My phone (Pixel) with Ride with GPS, Garmin Varia rearview radar.
Doug Shotts
Age 54 / The Woodlands, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: For this effort I’ll be partnered with a 5-year-old aero 3T Exploro Racemax, rolling 650b x 2.1” Schwalbe Thunder Burt tires. Shifting will be executed on my 11-speed Shimano GRX 2x drivetrain by Shimano Di2 electronic shifting and my SPD clips will keep me securely engaged to the bike. Riding comfort will be provided by my Infinity Seat Adventure Series saddle, my Redshift aerobars with extra-large cups, Redshift Shockstop stem and extra supple 5mm bar tape by Wolf Tooth. Nighttime activities will be made possible by my Sinewave Cycles Beacon 2 that is powered by my Shimano dynamo hub for unending light and backed up by my trusty Lezyne 1400 MacroDrive. Secondary helmet-mounted lighting will be powered by my Fenix BC26R light with backup battery stowed away. My Garmin Varia RearVue 820 will help me keep track of any cars approaching from behind with a redundant Fenix BCO5R rear light in flash mode mounted to my helmet.
BAGS: No overnight stops planned so storage was kept minimal. There will be a small handlebar bag, small top tube bag, custom Rogue Panda half frame bag and a small seat bag. 3 total insulated water bottles will provide for hydration needs with one mounted under the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This setup prioritizes reliability, comfort and self-sufficiency on the gravel while keeping the weight down to move easily on the pavement sections of the course. I’m looking forward to seeing if I’ll be able to outrun all of the dogs waiting to cheer me on.
GPS DEVICE: My long-lasting Garmin 1040 Solar will keep me on course with minimal missed turns and supplemented by by iPhone for emergency issues as well as on-the-bike entertainment.
Thomas Simpson
Age 36 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding a 1×8 Surly Crosscheck, freshly spit-shined, with Surly Moloko handlebars and 38mm Terravail tires.
BAGS: I’m rocking with the ROCKBROS handlebar bag, an ALMSTHRE frame bag, Swift Industries for my snacks, and a Sea to Summit stuff sack on the black back rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll swingin’ among the East Texas trees in a hammock, staying cozy with my Hammock Gear underquilt.
GPS DEVICE: Ankle monitor.
Michael Staton
Age 43 / Conroe, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: Orbea M41e Team.
BAGS: Outer Shell and a borrowed top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A pocket full of nerds clusters and bar end storage.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 540.
Chris Sturm
Age 55 / Tyler, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Lowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) a B.A.R. Custom Titanium frame made by local builder Seth Davis. The bike features Teravail Sparwood 2.1″ tires, Industry Nine wheels, Shimano XTR brakes and drivetrain, Fox suspension, and Hudski Longhorns (27°).
BAGS: Bags are a hodgepodge of tried and true designs that happen to fit this frame. They include an Oveja Negra Gearjammer seat pack, Rogue Panda frame bag, Road Runner Middle Earth Jammer up front, and stem bags from Jack’s Sacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Gear highlights for me are always my patches. I think it’s important to add a little personal flair to my ride as motivation.
GPS DEVICE: I will be using a COROS Dura for navigation and Lezyne headlamp for the night.
Miles W. Swanson
Age 47 / New Orleans, Louisiana (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: Bearclaw Thunderhawk, GRX 1×11, rolling on Simworks Homage 650b x 55mm with Chris King rear and SON dynamo front.
BAGS: A mix of Rockgeist and Carradice.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sinewave Beacon for light and power, Brooks B17 and carbon eeSilk+ for my butt, Redshift suspension stem and Scott AT-4 for my hands. OR Helium bivy for sleep.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 2.
Christie Tracy
Age 46 / Austin, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown (and maybe Throwdown?)
BIKE: 3T Extrema Italia Project X – Her name is “Wicked”. I’ve swapped the 3T HBs for Ritchey WCS Butano Internal Routing HB, which will support my Profile Design Aero Bars. I LOVE the ergonomic flare of these bars! I’ve got a custom 3D Printed (by my hubby, Jamie Tracy!) Light Mount that fits between my aero bars, holding my Outbound Light out front and preventing the beam from vibrating down. I’m running a BiSaddle SRT 1.0, Custom HED Lancaster Wheels with a SON Hub laced in, Panaracer X1 50mm tires, and a BBInfinite Ceramitech Bottom Bracket. Arundel Mandible Sideloaders with Wolf Tooth Components Cage Bolts will hold my Feed Race Day 950ml bottles, and I’m also running a 2L USWE pack. My frame is protected by Pelli Bike Care Ride Repel, which helps to diminish bag rub, and makes dirt and mud fall right off of it!
BAGS: Tailfin Cargo Pack, Apidura Top Tube Bag, Small Speed Sleeve HB Bag housing my KLite Converter, which will trickle charge my battery pack, which will trickle charge my Outbound Lighting Front Light.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love the custom 3D Printed Light Mount and also the 3D Printed cable guides that are mounted to my front fork to guide the cable from my hub to my HB bag.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, and I’ll never ever use another, I love it so much!
Ryan Weller
Age 41 / Houston, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Showdown
BIKE: 2018 Fairdale Weekender. 1×11 with a 42T chainring. 650b x 47mm front and 45mm rear de-branded tires (I just get sick of excessive logos).
BAGS: 2x Oveja Negra chuckbuckets, Nuclear Sunrise snack tank, Ortlieb saddle bag-two, and an undersized Oveja Negra frame bag (might change frame bag pending a last-minute delivery of a Botched Bikes dragonfly adapter to run double bottles…)
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Redshift seatpost and stem have really knocked the edge off bumpy terrain.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.
Ally White
Age 38 / San Antonio, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown and maybe the Gravel Throwdown
BIKE: I’ll be tackling the ETS Slowdown on my Canyon Grizl CFSL 7 or as I call her “Bliss”. SRAM Rival 1×12 eTap drivetrain with a set of Schwalbe G-One R tires.
BAGS: A mix of Restrap, Almsthre, and Oveja Negra bags, as well as a snack bag made by my friend Andrea.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Light via Outbound Lighting (can charge as it lights the trail in front of me).
GPS DEVICE: COROS Dura.
Kyle White
Age 30 / Louisville, Colorado (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be racing the Slowdown on my trusty Salsa Cutthroat. I am running Teravail Updraft 50mm tires and a GRX 810 2x drivetrain.
BAGS: I have a REI Link frame bag and seat pack, with a top tube bag for holding snacks and a battery pack. I’ll bring 3 bottles with me as well.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I packed a hammock in the seat pack in case I spotted a nice-looking pair of trees for a nap along the route. I am also particularly excited about my new Outbound Detour light for the night riding portion of the event. Camp and Go Slow bar tape has been added for that extra little somethin’.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 2.
Mark Wilson
Age 37 / Round Rock, Texas (USA)
ROUTE: Slowdown
BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2024 Canyon Grizl SLX Di2. Provided it stays dry, I plan to run 700 x 50mm Maxxis Ramblers and a 2×11 GRX groupset. I have modified my cockpit to include an 80mm Redfin Shockstop suspension stem, along with Profile Designs TI+ aero bars with 60mm risers. I have also added an Ortlieb Quick Rack L to help store gear in the back and keep things as aerodynamic as possible.
BAGS: I am going to run Blackburn dry bags on the rear rack secured with MODL Infinity Tool straps. My setup also includes three Tailfin bags, including the 1.1L Top Tube Bag (zipper), 1.9L Wedge Frame Bag, and 1.9L Rear Top Tube Bag. I also have a Kokopelli feed bag up front on the bars. Cargo bibs for extra snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I plan to bring the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack Solution Dye Tent, which has extremely short tent poles that can fit anywhere on the bike. I’m also bringing a Sea to Summit Flame FM1 sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be navigating with a Bryton Rider S800 with an iPhone for backup.
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