Some of the ways they are working on this is by providing early and discounted registration for women and BIPOC athletes. Providing equal prize money and representation on the starting line among other things. Ned Gravel is also partnering with Ride for Racial Justice to give several athletes of color a spot on the starting line, personalized coaching and some basic gear. Ned Gravel will also be hosting women led/women only clinics aimed at reducing barriers around things like riding in remote areas, on trail bike maintenance and gravel specific skills.
“I’m so excited to be able to share all that Nederland and the Peak to Peak area has to offer, especially when it comes to having fun riding bikes on our amazing network of gravel roads,” said Gavin Coombs, founder of Ned Gravel. “This is going to be a fantastic event that hopefully helps continue to move the needle for increasing diversity and inclusivity in cycling, and giving people another much needed summer gravel race event outside of Boulder.” A former professional runner, Coombs is also the founder of
Peak to Peak Endurance, an event management company that is putting on Ned Gravel as well as hosting retreat weekends and endurance coaching.
Coming out of the gate in partnership with Ned Gravel is Cutaway USA, a premium cycling clothing company based out of Charlottesville, Virginia. Inspired by their location in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cutaway clothing is known for design, color, innovation, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Cutaway USA is an outdoor industry leader in cycling kit design for cyclists, triathletes, and runners.
“We’re excited to work with Ned Gravel as they represent two things we hold dear at Cutaway USA: a desire to explore, and to share that exploration with as many people as possible,” said Cutaway founder Phillip Robb. “We look forward to partnering with one of the new challenging gravel races that showcases the best that their hometown has to offer. Rooted in east coast exploration and gravel riding, Cutaway is excited to see the continued growth of gravel across the US and especially excited to partner with such a unique event in Colorado.”
Additional sponsors and partners for Ned Gravel in year one include: Carbo Rocket and Spring Energy at the Gold Level; Stages Cycling and Eldora Mountain Resort at a Silver Level sponsorship;
TheCyclist-lawyer.com, Kim Hullet Real Estate Broker Associate at Porch Light Realty and Knotted Root Brewing at a Bronze Level; Pure Power Botanicals, Weller CBD and Panaracer Tires at a Community Level; Look Cycles as our official pedal supplier; Elevation Outdoors is our official Media Partner.