ADVANCE WINTER RIDING CAMP

December 4-7, 2024

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

ABOUT WINTER RIDING CAMP

At Special Blend Gravel Winter Riding Camp, we'll spend three days riding through the Sky Islands that surround Patagonia, AZ. These remote gravel roads are full of beauty and wonder. We'll finish each day at the Gravel House, where we will recover, relax, enjoy shared meals, and share knowledge and experiences.

Can you think of a better way to spend the first week of December than pedaling bikes, among friends, in an awe-inspiring landscape?

WHAT'S INCLUDED

3.5 days of riding, food, community, and coaching
World-class gravel routes, complete aid stations
Small group sizes with awesome professional coaches
Dinner on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Breakfast on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Lunch/ GU Energy Recovery Bar Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Lodging at The Gravel House
Awesome goodie bag!

PRICE: $2150 including single occupancy lodging at The Gravel House
Camping & other 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 winter 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.

WHAT MAKES THIS AN ADVANCED CAMP?

Our Patagonia Winter Camp is focused on more advanced riders with the desire to log longer miles at a steady pace. We will ride an estimated total of 150 miles (mostly on gravel) over three days, at an average pace of 12-15 miles per hour.

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.

Campers sitting around a campfire chatting.

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.

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 two-bedroom house or camping, please email hello@specialblendgravel.com.

Campers sitting around the lodge eating breakfast

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, December 4, and check out of your room by 11 am on Saturday, December 7. We will have a place to store luggage and change post-ride a short distance away.

CAMP SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY
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.

THURSDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head south into the Sky Island region, climbing to up to 5,800ft with sweeping views of the San Rafael Valley before returning to Patagonia via Harshaw Creek.

We'll return to the Gravel House for Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar and a bit of downtime before the afternoon’s education session. We cap the day off with dinner and good conversation.

Ride stats: 58 miles, 4,000 ft of elevation

FRIDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out for our longest ride of camp, 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. Looking forward to the final ride tomorrow!

Ride stats: 47 miles, 5,000 ft of elevation, option for 70 miles.

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.

Ride stats: 28 miles, 2,400 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 Gordon

IG: @serenabg
- Founder of Special Blend Gravel
- Off-road adventurer
- Lover of coffee and chocolate
Serena has been racing professionally for more than a decade, specializing in mountain bikes and gravel. She is a great descender and understands the importance of the details when it comes to off-road performance.
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!
MOLLY CAMERON

IG: @themollycameron
- Fueled by cookies and coffee
- Takes a lot of photos
- Loves riding with friends
Molly is an internationally accomplished athlete and community builder. A long-time bike shop owner, women's team manager, coach, photojournalist, storyteller, and champion of women's cycling, she founded R.I.D.E. (Respect Inclusion Diversity Environment) to advocate for and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and the environment across outdoor industries and in sport. She can be found somewhere in the SW or PNW on her bicycle, camera in hand, most likely taking your photo.
Yuri Hauswald

IG: @yhauswald
- Gravel Hall of Fame
- Elite Athlete Manager for GU Energy
- Wanderer & gravel racer
After a successful collegiate career playing lacrosse for UC Berkeley, and armed with a degree in American Literature, Yuri discovered the joys of mountain biking while teaching English at a prep school in Pennsylvania, and hasn't looked back. He's two-time solo winner of the 24-Hours of Adrenaline and 9th place finisher at the 2006 24-Hour World Championships. He turned pro at the tender age of 36, won the 2015 Unbound when he was 44, and is currently obsessed with everything gravel.
VANESSA HAUSWALD, CATERING & SUPPORT

IG: @vhaus
- Executive Director, NorCal Interscholastic Cycling League
- Ambassador, Juliana bicycles
- Food and wine enthusiast
Vanessa has been riding bikes for fun, and for work, for the past 15 years. As the Director
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 & SUPPORT

IG: @eekachorek
- Life adventurer
- Happiest when outside and moving
- Sun lover
Emily grew up in San Diego where she found joy and energy from the sun and outdoors early on. She started riding bikes and racing in college and has raced professionally for 8 years on the road and in the dirt worldwide, competing across Europe, Japan, China, Australia, Canada, and the US. Emily has a Master's Degree in conservation biology, an artistic flare, has traveled to over 30 countries, finds adventure in daily life, and loves to backpack, bike pack, and share her passion for the outdoors. Emily lives on the border of Mexico in the small town of Patagonia, AZ.
Colleen Quindlen, Director of Logistics

IG: @trailc upcake
- Logistics Wizard
- Champion for women in sport
- Dog-mom to Tukka and Mr. Bobo
For over a decade, Colleen Quindlen has played a pivotal role in the country's most significant cycling races. She spent seven years overseeing logistics and operations for Rebecca’s Private Idaho before transitioning to Breakaway Promotions in 2022, where she assumed the role of Director of Operations. In her current position, she manages the logistics and operations of major cycling events across North America, including the Oregon Trail, Gorge, Cascade, Lost and Found Gravel, and the Downieville Classic MTB Festival.
Colleen's unwavering commitment to increasing women's participation in cycling is evident through her advocacy and implementation of various programs and opportunities catering to riders of all abilities and backgrounds. Her dedication to Special Blend Gravel is unmatched, and camp would not be possible without her.
Colleen resides in Hailey, Idaho, with her husband Billy Cook and their two adorable dogs, Tukka and Mr. Bobo.

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.