The gravel event season shifted into high gear this past weekend at The Mid South, a grueling but exhilarating gravel biking and endurance running challenge that takes participants across the rolling, red dirt roads of Stillwater, Oklahoma. This year competitors were treated to warm temperatures and fast roads. BikeFlights’ team members Kerry Werner and Michael Potter were there to work the expo and compete in the event.
The annual migration to The Mid South starts with a gathering of industry brands and packet pickup at the event’s expo. Calm winds and moderate temperatures created a welcoming environment where the gravel community could come together from all over the U.S. and catch up after the long off season.
BikeFlights' newest team member and Event and Marketing Support Specialist Kerry Werner and Partnerships Director Michael Potter spent the expo day connecting with current and future BikeFlights shippers among the nearly 2,500 like-minded people celebrating the ride that would follow the next day.
Race day featured sunny skies, warm temperatures and strong winds. The pace was fast over what were smooth, dry roads, causing the field to break into many smaller groups. As the winds pushed out of the south, it challenged riders from every direction as they pedaled clockwise around the course throughout the day.
In the men’s race, the deciding move occurred 89 miles into the 100-mile course. A sandy, twisty mountain bike trail section took the lead group of 12 down to three. Payson McElveen, John Borstelman and BikeFlights’ own Kerry Werner emerged from the trails and sprinted for the top three podium spots, crossing the line in that order.
The women’s race was shaken up halfway through the race when the leader was held up at a railroad crossing by an unfortunately timed freight train. During the delay the top five women regrouped. Keeping calm and continuing to push the pace, Lauren De Crescenzo would again ride away from her competitors to repeat her 2022 victory with her teammate Caroline Wreszin claiming second place and Heather Jackson rounding out the last podium spot.
In the event’s first-ever non-binary category, Rach McBride claimed victory by riding a consistent, strong effort from start to finish. Apollo Leonard and Sam Hansen completed the podium in second and third places.
Special congratulations to BikeFlights Team Members Justin Barr and Zach Heyer who spontaneously decided to ride the 100-mile route after originally registering for the 50-mile route. Both pushed themselves hard and finished in impressive form.
Lastly, BikeFlights Brand Ambassadors Jessica Brunson, Maria Doering, Enzo Moscarella and Sarah Bowman inspired us with their efforts in the 50, 100 and ‘the double’ routes. Congratulations to you all!
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“Together we are heavy. Separate we are weak.” Those were the words uttered by The Mid South Promoter Bobby Wintle as the gravel community gathered in Stillwater, Oklahoma for the 10th anniversary edition of the race that many riders consider to be the annual gravel season opener. Bobby’s message set a tone that would inspire us all weekend and beyond.
Kelly Ann Freire celebrates her completion of The Mid South 100 mile ride.
There are a few things you need to know about The Mid South to better understand why this event is so renowned.
Firstly, it isn’t just a gravel race. It is an endurance festival that celebrates challenges and the beauty of Oklahoma’s dirt roads. Folks attending can register for a ride, a run or both.
The second is the weather. It’s a well-known fact that weather in north-central Oklahoma is unpredictable in early March, and so are The Mid South riding conditions. In recent years, folks have had dry, wet, muddy, snowy, hot and cold conditions to contend with en route to the finish line.
Last but not least is Bobby Wintle. Bobby is the owner, the ring leader, the entertainment and the cheer squad all in one. His energy is contagious, and it creates a positive buzz throughout the weekend that you can’t help but enjoy.
Glencoe road, mile 24. The mud.
Together we are heavy.
Each year Bobby kicks off the weekend with a speech that is aimed to not only motivate you but also provide a thoughtful conversation about the world around us. Unity, support and inclusion were the staples of this year’s lesson as the community came together to celebrate and to persevere the obstacles that we have all faced in the past and will continue to face in the future.
Separate we are weak.
Since our last gathering in Stillwater in 2020, our world has changed. The pandemic, racial injustices and war have divided communities. These experiences have shown that division creates strain and that we can only become stronger together.
Angela Peterson, Jess Brunson and Michael Potter at the expo.
Results
In the 100-mile gravel race, a who’s who of the strongest riders were in attendance to contend for the glory of winning The Mid South. Dry roads and strong winds would play a role in determining who would cross the finish line first.
Men
1st - Cole Patton (Durango, CO)
2nd - Dennis van Winden (Allensville, PA)
3rd - Adam Roberge (Montreal, Canada)
Women
1st - Lauren De Crescenzo (Atlanta, GA)
2nd - Moriah Wilson (Mill Valley, CA)
3rd - Savilia Blunk (Durango, CO)
Non-Binary
1st - Apollo Leonard (Bellingham, WA)
2nd - Samuel Hansen (Ypsilanti, MI)
3rd - Jonathan Neve (Austin, TX)
Michael Potter placed 2nd in the Men’s Single Speed.
BikeFlights Representation
BikeFlights Customer Experience team members Renee Hernandez and Angela Peterson and Customer Development Manager Michael Potter conquered the 100-mile distance course.
After finishing, Angela said, “The Mid South is truly something spectacular! The whole weekend was jamming with energy and that buzz of the gravel fam being back together. I was really happy that those roads were solid and dry, too! The most memorable parts of my day were conquering Mt Butt'r and the magical golden hour riding into the sunset after the wind calmed. Oklahoma, I'm coming back!”
BikeFlights Brand Ambassadors Annie Davis, Derek Braun, Charley Erickson, Jess Brunson and Kelly Anne Freire also competed. Across the 100-mile, 50-mile and 50k races, they absolutely crushed it!
