SBG + HAUS PRODUCTIONS CO-ED PATAGONIA CAMP
April 29 - May 3, 2025
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 15, 2024
JOIN OUR LIST & BE REMINDEDABOUT SBG + HAUS PRODUCTIONS CO-ED PATAGONIA CAMP
Join Yuri Hauswald and Serena Bishop Gordon for four days of riding through the Sky Islands surrounding Patagonia, AZ. These remote gravel roads are full of beauty and wonder. We'll finish each day at the Gravel House, recovering, relaxing, enjoying shared meals, and sharing knowledge and experiences.
This camp is open to all genders, giving us the opportunity to grow our community and exchange knowledge, skills, and experiences with everyone.
This camp is open to all genders, giving us the opportunity to grow our community and exchange knowledge, skills, and experiences with everyone.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 4.5 days of riding, food, community, and coaching
- World-class gravel routes, complete aid stations
- Small group sizes with awesome professional coaches
- Dinner - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
- Breakfast - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
- GU Energy Recovery Bar + Lunch - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
- Lodging at The Gravel House Hotel
- Awesome goodie bag!
Camping & double occupancy lodging options are also available, email hello@specialblendgravel.com for additional details.
We want to create an immersive experience for all campers, one where we are all as present as we can be. In this effort, we ask that you leave your non-camper friends, partners, kiddos, and pets at home.
THE RIDING
Patagonia, AZ is located in the Sky Island region, where desert meets mountains in a landscape unlike any other. The rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and remote roads make this a perfect destination for early-season riding. Here, you'll experience a mix of environments, from rolling desert plains to tree-lined climbs that rise dramatically from the desert floor.
We won’t be sticking to the flatlands—this is a camp for those who thrive on challenge. Expect long, winding ascents that take you up into the heart of the Sky Islands, where breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges and sweeping valleys below await. The descents will be equally thrilling, with fast, technical sections that test your skills and leave you craving more.
Yes, it will be demanding, but the unique beauty of the Sky Island region and the thrill of the ride will make every moment worth it.
We won’t be sticking to the flatlands—this is a camp for those who thrive on challenge. Expect long, winding ascents that take you up into the heart of the Sky Islands, where breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges and sweeping valleys below await. The descents will be equally thrilling, with fast, technical sections that test your skills and leave you craving more.
Yes, it will be demanding, but the unique beauty of the Sky Island region and the thrill of the ride will make every moment worth it.
WHAT MAKES THIS CAMP SPECIAL?
Our Patagonia Co-ed Camp is designed for riders with the desire to log longer miles with a group, at a steady pace. We will ride an estimated total of 230 miles (mostly on gravel) over four days, with our longest ride totaling more than 80 miles and 5,500 ft of elevation gain.
During your rides, our professional coaches will provide feedback and direction to help you hone your confidence and skills, including pace lining, body positioning, cornering, braking, climbing and descending, and riding technical gravel terrain.
During your rides, our professional coaches will provide feedback and direction to help you hone your confidence and skills, including pace lining, body positioning, cornering, braking, climbing and descending, and riding technical gravel terrain.
ALL THE EXTRAS
We want your experience at Special Blend Gravel Camp to push you just a little out of your comfort zone (because that is where the growth happens), and we also want it to be a time you can tune out of all of “life’s” responsibilities and just focus on riding your bike.
Once you arrive at camp, your only job is to eat, sleep, and ride. We provide meals, top-notch aid stations, routes, and lots of snacks and beverages.
We take over the entire Gravel House, so we have space to spread out, relax, and feel comfortable.
There will be time to check out the Lumber Company, local food trucks, and Patagonia's quaint main street.
Once you arrive at camp, your only job is to eat, sleep, and ride. We provide meals, top-notch aid stations, routes, and lots of snacks and beverages.
We take over the entire Gravel House, so we have space to spread out, relax, and feel comfortable.
There will be time to check out the Lumber Company, local food trucks, and Patagonia's quaint main street.
THE LODGING
We've reserved the entire Gravel House; each room is a single occupancy with an ensuite bath. We'll share common space, dining area, spacious yard, and laundry facilities.
Lodging at The Gravel House is included in the cost of camp. If you are interested in alternative options, including a double occupancy room or camping, please email hello@specialblendgravel.com.
Lodging at The Gravel House is included in the cost of camp. If you are interested in alternative options, including a double occupancy room or camping, please email hello@specialblendgravel.com.
GETTING TO PATAGONIA
Patagonia, AZ is located 60 miles (1:15 hours) from the Tuscon International Airport and 170 miles (2:45 hours) from from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
If you fly into Phoenix, we recommend renting a car. This is a major airport and rental car lots are off-site and require a shuttle to and from the terminal. Please give yourself plenty of time.
If you fly into Tuscon, you can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle to Patagonia. The Tuscon airport is small and easy to navigate.
A few shuttle options:
Uber is also a good option from the Tuscon Airport to Patagonia. On the return trip, be sure to schedule ahead, to ensure you arrive at the airport on time!
If you are driving to camp, click here for directions.
Please plan to arrive no earlier than 4:30 pm on Wednesday, April 30, and check out of your room by 11 am on Sunday, May 4.
If you fly into Phoenix, we recommend renting a car. This is a major airport and rental car lots are off-site and require a shuttle to and from the terminal. Please give yourself plenty of time.
If you fly into Tuscon, you can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle to Patagonia. The Tuscon airport is small and easy to navigate.
A few shuttle options:
Uber is also a good option from the Tuscon Airport to Patagonia. On the return trip, be sure to schedule ahead, to ensure you arrive at the airport on time!
If you are driving to camp, click here for directions.
Please plan to arrive no earlier than 4:30 pm on Wednesday, April 30, and check out of your room by 11 am on Sunday, May 4.
CAMP SCHEDULE
CAMP SCHEDULE
TUESDAY
Arrive at The Gravel House for social hour and to settle in. We’ll kick things off with a welcome to camp and what-to-expect intro session followed by dinner. Before we hit the hay, we’ll prep you for tomorrow’s ride and answer any questions.
WEDNESDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head, south to the ghost town Lochiel, first settled in the late 1800s and once home to five stores, three saloons, a brewery, a butcher shop, a bakery, livery stables, and a boarding house.
Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by some downtime, a stroll into town, or maybe a nap! We cap the day off with dinner and Coaches Q&A.
Ride stats: 49 miles, 3,200 ft of elevation
THURSDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head southwest from town on seldom-ridden roads and then climb the "Duke", topping out at nearly 6,000ft. From there, we head south toward the Mexican border before turning north through San Rafael Valley and returning to Patagonia via Harshaw Creek.
We'll return to the Gravel House for Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar and some downtime - allowing for a recharge before Saturday's Queen Stage. We cap the day off with dinner and good conversation.
Ride stats: 67 miles, 6,300 ft of elevation
FRIDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out for our longest ride of camp. We will head west today to Canelo, and then turn south towards Parker Lake. The majority of the climbing in the first half of the route, and we finish the day with a 10-mile descent back to Patagonia.
Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar upon our return. It's time to start thinking about packing up before tomorrow's final ride and camp checkout. We cap the day off with "Happy hour" at the Patagonia Lumber Co and dinner. Looking forward to the final ride tomorrow!
Ride stats: 80 miles, 5,400 ft of elevation
SATURDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out for the last ride of camp, an out and back to the historic town of Alto, where we might be able to see the adobe ruins of the post office.
Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by good-bye high-fives and hugs. We will plan to get out early today, as we need to check out of the Gavel Hotel by 11 am!
Ride stats: 28 miles, 2,800 ft of elevation
Arrive at The Gravel House for social hour and to settle in. We’ll kick things off with a welcome to camp and what-to-expect intro session followed by dinner. Before we hit the hay, we’ll prep you for tomorrow’s ride and answer any questions.
WEDNESDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head, south to the ghost town Lochiel, first settled in the late 1800s and once home to five stores, three saloons, a brewery, a butcher shop, a bakery, livery stables, and a boarding house.
Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by some downtime, a stroll into town, or maybe a nap! We cap the day off with dinner and Coaches Q&A.
Ride stats: 49 miles, 3,200 ft of elevation
THURSDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head southwest from town on seldom-ridden roads and then climb the "Duke", topping out at nearly 6,000ft. From there, we head south toward the Mexican border before turning north through San Rafael Valley and returning to Patagonia via Harshaw Creek.
We'll return to the Gravel House for Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar and some downtime - allowing for a recharge before Saturday's Queen Stage. We cap the day off with dinner and good conversation.
Ride stats: 67 miles, 6,300 ft of elevation
FRIDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out for our longest ride of camp. We will head west today to Canelo, and then turn south towards Parker Lake. The majority of the climbing in the first half of the route, and we finish the day with a 10-mile descent back to Patagonia.
Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar upon our return. It's time to start thinking about packing up before tomorrow's final ride and camp checkout. We cap the day off with "Happy hour" at the Patagonia Lumber Co and dinner. Looking forward to the final ride tomorrow!
Ride stats: 80 miles, 5,400 ft of elevation
SATURDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out for the last ride of camp, an out and back to the historic town of Alto, where we might be able to see the adobe ruins of the post office.
Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by good-bye high-fives and hugs. We will plan to get out early today, as we need to check out of the Gavel Hotel by 11 am!
Ride stats: 28 miles, 2,800 ft of elevation
OUR COACHES & STAFF
We bring together the country's best cyclists and support staff to instruct, encourage, and support our campers.
- Serena Bishop GordonIG: @serenabg
- Founder of Special Blend Gravel
- Off-road adventurer
- Lover of coffee and chocolate
Serena lives in Bend with her husband, Ben, and medium-sized pup, Piper, and loves her morning coffee almost as much as she loves riding her bike. She is stoked to share what she knows with others and elevate women in the sport of gravel racing! - Yuri HauswaldIG: @yhauswald
- Gravel Hall of Fame
- Elite Athlete Manager for GU Energy
- Wanderer & gravel racer
- MOLLY CAMERONIG: @themollycameron
- Life adventurer
- Happiest when outside and moving
- Sun lover
- Vanessa Hauswald, Catering & SupportIG: @vhaus
- Executive Director, NorCal Interscholastic Cycling League
- Ambassador, Juliana bicycles
- Food and wine enthusiast
of one of the largest youth cycling Leagues in the country, she has spent much of her life
dedicated to getting more teens on bikes. She is a mtb skills instructor and co-owner of an event production and consulting business in her hometown of Petaluma, CA. Vanessa is a proud cancer survivor and volunteers her time mentoring other women who are experiencing cancer. She is also known to specialize in yard sales, cooking, art, and, most recently, hat making. She and her husband, Yuri, and dog, Angus, love exploring in their van and riding bikes with friends. - EMILY KACHOREK, ONSITE LOGISTICS & SUPPORTIG: @eekachorek
- Life adventurer
- Happiest when outside and moving
- Sun lover
REGISTRATION OPENS January 15TH
OUR PARTNERS
A huge thank you to our partners.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge that the Patagonia Advanced Winter Riding Camp, held in Patagonia, Arizona, within the Sky Island region, is situated on the traditional lands of the Tohono O'odham, Chiricahua Apache, and other Indigenous Peoples. As we ride through these stunning landscapes, we recognize the historical and ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous communities. We express our deep gratitude to the Tohono O'odham Nation, Chiricahua Apache, and all Indigenous Peoples who have cared for and continue to steward these lands.
During our time here, we commit to being mindful stewards, fostering unity, inclusivity, and gratitude for the diverse Indigenous cultures that have shaped and continue to influence this land.
During our time here, we commit to being mindful stewards, fostering unity, inclusivity, and gratitude for the diverse Indigenous cultures that have shaped and continue to influence this land.