We love reading about your rides, now let’s hear about your ride. Tell us about the trusty steed that carries you toward your cup. Have any products or parts you swear by? What do you carry with you on your long rides? Show us the goods! We know you like talking about it, so send your write ups and pics to Rides@cupodirtchallenge.com and we’ll share them here.

I’ll get it started. I’m riding a custom Ti bike I designed for the sole purpose of long range gravel.

Here’s the breakdown….

Bones: Ti disc frame with 3 bottle mounts and carbon fork with room for 45mm tires
Drivetrain: Shimano 105 1×10, 34 wolftooth in front, 11-36 in back, Truvativ Noir Cranks
Brakes: TRP Spyres with 140 rotor in rear, 160 in front
Cockpit: Salsa Cowbell 2 bars, Ti Stem, Rock Bros bell, and Specialized S-Works HD bar tape
Butt: Brooks C17 (saddle perfection) bolted to a Specialized COBL Gobler post
Wheels: 50mm carbon rims on Novatec hubs, Tires change quite a bit, but usually Challenge Gravel Grinder Races in 38, Bruce Gordan Rock n’ Roads in 42, or Clement MSO’s in 40, all ran with tubes

I carry all of my tools and extra bits in a custom JPaks frame bag, which has been fantastic. It leaves my jersey pockets open for food. In it goes a multitool, extra chainlink, pump, spare tube, and my flat kit in a Backcountry Research TulBag to keep things tidy. I usually have an emergency gel, mustard packet for cramps, and some ibuprofen in there at all times, as well as any extra food I need for the ride. I prefer rice balls from the Feedzone Portables book as my main fuel source.

When the going gets dark, I have both helmet and bike mounted lights from Aye Up, with 6-12 hours of battery. These have been fantastic lights and I recommend them to anyone spending lots of time on night rides.
I’m also a huge fan of Enzo’s Button Hole chamois cream. A hardy slathering on your underbits will keep you comfy on the saddle for hours.
All this seems to be the winning combination for me. If you have any questions, just comment below. Now let’s hear about yours…