Get Gravel Miles: My First Long Gravel Ride - Scheels Rutlader Gravel Fondo, Where Dreams Meat Gravel

There’s nothing quite like embracing a wild idea that excites and challenges you! That’s exactly how I felt leading up to The Scheels Rutlader Gravel Fondo. This ride takes you through the breathtaking Kansas countryside, beginning and ending at the beautiful Isinglass Winery in LaCygne, Kansas. With a mix of gravel and paved roads, riders are treated to stunning views of the Rutlader Preserve.

Spoiler alert: gravel is tough!

Now, I’m no stranger to long rides. When I initially signed up, I was convinced the 100K would be my speed. Go big or go home, right? Enter Troy, who the night before, gently suggested I aim for the 50K instead. Naturally, I reacted with the calm maturity of a seasoned cyclist and said, “Why are you trying to crush my dreams?” Because, really, nothing says ‘I’m ready for this challenge’ like a last-minute crisis of confidence.

The Ride Begins

We arrived a little late, just in time to watch the 100K riders take off. There’s something oddly satisfying about watching others set off on an adventure you were once determined to join, only to realize (with increasing clarity) that maybe you dodged a bullet. The energy was contagious, and while they pedaled into the distance, I silently blessed Troy’s wisdom as we lined up for the 50K start.

Gravel: Where Fitness Dreams Go to Die

The ride began with a neutral start, and everything felt fine. Great, even! But as soon as we hit the gravel, it became clear this wasn’t your average Sunday cruise. Gravel riding, as it turns out, is like trying to ride a bike while constantly dodging landmines. Every pedal stroke took a little more effort, every wobble required a little more focus, and I quickly realized my bike and I were not friends that day.

Despite the struggle, the scenery was unbeatable. We rolled past grazing horses, cows, and sheep, and I thought, “Well, at least someone here looks calm and collected.” Along the way, I met two kind souls, Virgil and Angelica, who quickly became my unofficial coaches. They kept my spirits up as I struggled to find any rhythm on the shifting terrain. Little did I know, these gravel gods would be my saving grace.

The Plot Twist: No Phone, No Music, No Distractions… Just Me

Somewhere along the way, I realized I had forgotten my phone. That meant no music, no podcasts—just 35 miles of my own thoughts. And let me tell you, if you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to be alone with your mind for a few hours on gravel roads, the soundtrack is a mix of, “You’ve got this!” and, “Why didn’t you stick to pavement like a sane person?”

Humbled by the Hill

By the time we hit the last five miles, my confidence was pretty bruised. Then, we came face to face with a monster gravel hill. The ultimate decision: ride or walk. Spoiler alert: I walked. With each step, I gained a whole new appreciation for Troy’s earlier wisdom. Yeah, that would've been my undoing. Sometimes, walking’s the victory!

But, hey, I crossed that finish line. Second to last place, sure, but who’s counting? (Well, they were, but I digress.)

Lessons Learned: Gravel is Not Pavement, But It’s a Whole Lot of Fun

Here’s the thing about gravel riding: it’s tough. It’s humbling. And it’s wildly different from what I expected. The fitness required for these rides isn’t just about endurance—it’s about balance, determination, and occasionally surrendering to the fact that gravel doesn’t care about your pride.

Crossing that finish line makes every moment on the gravel absolutely worth it! The post-ride celebrations at Isinglass Winery were the perfect reward, filled with joy and camaraderie. But the best part? The event supports an amazing cause, raising awareness for pediatric Myocarditis and helping Kansas City-area families facing childhood cancer through the For Elysa Foundation  and Supporting Kids Foundation. It’s not just about getting miles—it's about making a difference!

So, Will I Be Back?

Absolutely. Will I be tackling the 100K next time? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. But I’ll be back, maybe a little stronger, definitely more prepared, and with fewer dramatic speeches about dream-killing. For now, I’m just proud I showed up, gave it my best shot, and learned that every ride—no matter how tough—is worth it for the miles, the memories, and the cause.

Because in the end, it’s not about where you finish. It’s about showing up, getting miles with purpose, and having a good laugh along the way.

Ride With Us Next Year!

If you’ve been looking for a way to challenge yourself, soak in some unbeatable scenery, and support an incredible cause, Scheels Rutlader Gravel Fondo is the event for you. Whether you’re a gravel newbie like me or a seasoned rider, there’s a distance for everyone—and I can promise you, the post-ride wine is worth every mile. Plus, every pedal stroke helps raise awareness for pediatric Myocarditis and supports KC-area families dealing with childhood cancer. Keep an eye out for next year’s date announcement!

If you’ve got a first-time gravel story of your own, we’d love to hear it.

Drop a comment below and share your wildest, funniest, or most humbling gravel moments. Let’s keep the stories rolling—and keep getting miles with purpose!