Episode 418: Crystal Kovacs

We're back! After a small hiatus due to busy season (planning for this little event called Gravel Worlds, have you heard of it?!) we're BACK and better than ever- with an awesome interview! This episode features Anne Hed, owner and operator of Anne Hed, who has changed the wheel game in the cycling industry! As a wealth of knowledge in gravel, triathlon, and road, Anne makes this an episode a must listen!

An episode long overdue, we finally got the chance to chat with Morgan Chaffin, a back to back two time champ of the Gravel Worlds 75, to talk about her wins, her journey into cycling, and her very unique training program! This episode is sponsored by GOODLIFE Nutrition. Fuel your GOODLIFE with nutrition that works! Head over to www.fuelyourgoodlife.com and use code GRAVELFAMILY for 20% off your first order.

On this episode we talk with Bobby Wintle, the lead promoter of The Mid South Gravel. This past weekend Stillwater, Oklahoma experienced unprecedented wildfires that burnt thousands of acres of forests and grass lands, destroyed wildlife habitats and farmland, took over 70 homes, and ultimately cancelled one of gravel’s most beloved events. We sit down with Bobby to process through the highs and lows and aftermath from this weekend. This is by far our most emotionally charged podcast as we let Bobby talk through all the feelings, actions, and timeline of the entire Mid South week. This is also the first video podcast we’ve done and will be released on Mid South’s Youtube very soon. -Thank you to all the first responders who tirelessly worked to keep everyone safe. Because of them, there were no reported deaths and hundreds of homes were saved. -You can support Stillwater by donating to the https://www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org/form/donate-or-pledge-2022. Gravel Worlds will also be donating 50% of race entry fees between now and April 8 to support #StillwaterStrong-This episode is sponsored by GOODLIFE Nutrition. Use code GRAVELFAMILY for 20% off your first order.

Last weekend, Chase Wark had his eyes on winning the 2025 Mid South Gravel, but his plans were cancelled by catastrophic wildfires that wiped out homes, land, and animals. While Chase could have gone home, he instead decided to stay and chase the Mega Mid South FKT with eyes on now raising money for the community of Stillwater. This podcast is about how he did it. To donate, head to: https://www.midsouthgravel.com/shop/p/stillwater-wildfire-relief

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!