'You can’t do anything if you don’t believe you can do it': How gravel racing is embracing para-cyclists

Dr. Meg Fisher, Andrew Bernstein and Johanne Albrigtsen all found their way back to competition thanks to gravel cycling and hope to lead the way for others

Para cyclists Megan Fisher, Andrew Bernstein. Johanne Albrigtsen
(Image credit: Gretchen Powers, Tory Hernandez, Drake McCrimmon)

We are all accustomed to seeing photos of mass start events like a marathon. A number of professionals line up at the front, and a few minutes later a thousand additional people have crossed the start line. Most of them are there for a personal challenge, being pulled along and encouraged by the thousands of bodies doing the same. 

Gravel cycling has offered this experience to people who prefer to pedal instead of run. Some events, like Unbound Gravel, attract as many 4,000 participants. 

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Emily Schaldach
Freelance writer

Emily Schaldach has taken to writing and riding, both to near obsession. Her favorite moments are riding above tree-line, racing CX, or coaching high school mountain bikers. Schaldach writes a weekly Substack newsletter called Too Many Socks and has written for VeloNews, Gear Patrol and Experience Life. Schaldach was born in Durango, Colorado and currently lives in Reno, Nevada with her two best friends and big old black lab named Hoola. She races for the BitchnGrit Cycling Team with Firefly Bikes and TenSpeed Hero - creating a dream dynamic of artwork and hardwork on every ride.