Episode 418: Crystal Kovacs

Crystal Kovac's impact on our sport has been felt so heavily in the last few years as she has been an advocate for women and beginners in the gravel world! She also happens to be the founder of Dirt Squad, a team aimed at educating and creating community. We talk all about this endeavor, as well as her journey into the world of gravel and how she became an advocate for people new to this sport! If you are interested in joining Dirt Squad go to https://dirtsquad.co/This episode is sponsored by GOODLIFE Nutrition. Check out their line of performance fueling products at https://fuelyourgoodlife.com/

On the heels of his brand new film premiere: LUKAS, we had a chance to sit down with the movie star himself, Lukas Coon, and his amazing mom, Jen, to talk about his incredible journey in gravel. Starting out at the first Adventure for All Lincoln athlete to learn how to ride a bike, to completing Gravel Worlds, his story is one that inspires. The Film LUKAS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ3PGQ9uRvw This episode is sponsored by GOODLIFE Nutrition. To learn more about GOODLIFE's lineup of nutrition products go to www.fuelyourgoodlife.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Marcus Robinson, one of the founders of Ride for Racial Justice, a powerful movement combining cycling with the fight for racial justice. Marcus shares the mission behind the organization, the events they’ll be attending this year, and how cycling is used as a tool for advocacy. We also take a detour into some BBQ talk- because why not? You won't want to miss this one to hear about how Ride for Racial Justice is making strides in our community!To get involved with RFRJ, you can email Marcus at [email protected] and give them a follow in Instagram: @rideforracialjusticeThis episode is sponsored by GOODLIFE Nutrition, check out their line of breakthrough fueling products at www.fuelyourgoodlife.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Heidi and Jeff from Rasputitsa for a conversation that’s a little heavier than usual. We’re talking about Anthony, one of the founders of Rasputitsa, and his ongoing fight with stage 4 lung cancer that’s spread to his brain and bones.Heidi and Jeff open up about what Anthony’s going through and how his strength continues to inspire everyone around him, even in the toughest moments. It’s a powerful conversation about this gravel community, resilience, and supporting each other through life’s hardest challenges. Plus, we also talk a bit about their incredible Rasputitsa event and some memorable moments from that race. This episode might be emotional, but it’s also about the bonds that brings this Gravel Family together.

Lauren Stephens is back on the Gravel Family Podcast to talk about her 2024 Gravel Worlds WIN! As the back to back Champion of the Gravel Seas, she shares about her experience winning yet again and what her 2025 year will look like!This episode is sponsored by GOODLIFE Nutrition, check out the line up of performance fueling products at www.fuelyourgoodlife.com and use code GRAVELFAMILY for 20% off your first purchase.

On this episode, we chat with Becca Book, the 2024 Gravel Worlds Long Voyage champion who finished in just over 18 hours making her the Gravel Worlds Long Voyage record holder. We also got to chat with her about her epic adventure in Chile for a thrilling backpacking race!

In this episode, we sit down with Luke Hall, the 2024 Long Voyage 300 winner, to dive into his incredible record breaking journey at Gravel Worlds, his personal cycling story, and what’s on the calendar for 2025. Luke shares insights into the challenges and nutrition strategy of his 2024 victory, how Gravel Worlds tested his limits, and what drives him to continue pushing the envelope in the sport. We also get a glimpse of his goals for the upcoming year, including the races and ambitions for his 2025 season.

In this episode, we sit down with Simen Nordahl Svendsen, the youngest-ever winner of Gravel Worlds and an absolute powerhouse in the gravel racing scene. Riding for PAS, Simen has made a name for himself with back-to-back wins at the Rifts and a dominant performance in the 2024 Gravel Earth series. We dive into his journey into the sport, what it was like to conquer Gravel Worlds, and the unique tradition he’s created for himself whenever he races in a new location. Whether you’re a fan of gravel racing or just love hearing from rising stars, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in for insights into the mind of one of the sport's most exciting up-and-comers! This episode is sponsored by GoodLife Nutrition. To learn more GoodLife Nutrition's lineup of science backed products, head over to www.fuelyourgoodlife.com

*Please note we had a few technical difficulties including the mic picking up Jason and Sofia's keyboards to take down show notes, and some microphone feedback* Sam Hansen, the 2024 Gravel World's Non-Binary Champion is not only a cyclist, but a mathematics communicator, librarian, and a podcast producer! Having years of experience in the cycling world, they are an activist for Gender Expansive categories in the cycling industry. We chat all about their professional work, Gravel World's experiences and where they hope to see the sport in years to come!

Happy Holidays to our Gravel Family listeners! We appreciate you more than you know and we're so lucky to be able to have the best listeners in the world. We will be taking a few weeks off to celebrate the holidays, but we will be back in 2025 with brand new episodes for you!