Cantu Wheels welcomes two Missouri riders onto the Cantu Gravel Ambassadorship

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It never ceases to amaze us. There are some awesome people in the gravel world. We want to welcome aboard Don Buttram and Jim Phillips as Cantu Gravel Ambassadors. Much like our other gravel ambassadors, these guys have a knack for crushing gravel and bringing out the smiles, even on the toughest rides. Well known in the gravel community and both getting ready for their upcoming event, DKXL. Two of the 34-riders invited to take on the new 350-mile challenge created by the Dirty Kanza promoters. Don will be riding the Cantu Rebel wheels. Jim will be on the Cantu Rova wheels. We are honored to have them on board and look forward to their adventure at DKXL. Get to know a little bit about them below.

Don looking strong at the front of the pack at Gravel Worlds photo:  Gravel Guru

Don looking strong at the front of the pack at Gravel Worlds photo:  Gravel Guru

Don Buttram

Hometown: Lebanon, Missouri
Day Job:  Process Engineer / Project Manager
Bucket list Gravel Events and why?: Belgian Waffle Ride: Because it Looks Brutal! :-)
Top Race Results/Resume: 016 TransIowa Finisher / 5 Time DK200 Finisher / 5 Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Finisher (Sub 9 hr Finish in 2017-Big Buckle) / Time Gravel Worlds Finisher
Upcoming Races: Bantam Classic (Petaluma CA) / Hairy Hundred (olumbia MO) / DKXL (Emporia KS) / Gravel Worlds (Lincoln NE)
Gravel Bike Setup: 017 Salsa WarBird

Jim looking chill and relaxed at Gravel Worlds photo:  Gravel Guru

Jim looking chill and relaxed at Gravel Worlds photo:  Gravel Guru

Jim Phillips

Hometown:  Springfield, Missouri
Day Job:   Legal Assistant
Bucket list Gravel Events and why?:  All of them.  I love riding new roads and having new experiences.
Top Race Results/Resume:   Placement is never my first goal.  I like to have fun and I like to finish.  When I finish I’m happy and when I don’t I’m sad.  
Upcoming Races:    DKXL, Gravel Worlds, Santa Fe Trail Race
Gravel Bike Setup:   Lauf True Grit Race

 

Give these guys a follow!
Jim's Instagram
Don's Instagram
 

The 2017 Dirty Kanza 200

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This past June, I completed my first Dirty Kanza 200, riding a custom set of Cantu Wheels built by my husband John and my trusty steel frame bike "Bumblebee" built by our friend, Hans Schneider. Here is my story...

riding through the jagged, sharp gravel of the flint hills. Photo:  matt Fowler/Gravel guru

**Article by Venny Wilmeth, first published in the Texas Racing Post. Video and Newspaper Article to follow.

The wonder and reward of the Dirty Kanza belongs to anyone who goes looking for it. Somewhere between a bustling start and the finish of a 200 mile race, limits are either made or broken. The Dirty Kanza is just as much a personal conquest as it is the Super Bowl of gravel events.

I first caught the gravel bug at Gravel Worlds in August of 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. 150 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing. There was a buzz in the air about the Dirty Kanza. 200 miles? I’m good. Who is crazy enough to ride 200 miles? I can’t ride 200 miles.

I laugh because five months later I proved myself wrong and signed up in January. There came the nerves clicking the ‘Register’ button. Luckily no hesitation because it sold out in less than an hour. One click and my journey to Kanza had begun. My husband was not so lucky. His category sold out within 13 minutes! He would settle for next year and be my one man support crew for this year’s journey.

The Dirty Kanza (DK200) celebrated its 12th anniversary and has grown to more than 2,000 participants. The town of Emporia, Kansas becomes a holy grail for any gravel rider. This is what happens when a the community is engaged and involved. The entire experience is not possible without them and it’s one of the reasons, if not the main one, why people come back for more.

The Dirty Kanza 200 is 206 mile course with roughly 9,000 feet of climbing. You are self-supported and self-navigated riding through remote and rugged regions given any weather conditions. No support is allowed along the course. There are three check-points where you can refuel and replenish with your support crew.

12 weeks of training, lots of mental preparation, hundreds of solo miles ridden (what I call character building miles), many miles with friends, and dozens of articles and videos later. The big day had finally arrived.

My first goal was to finish. I thought 16 hours was good, well safe, goal time averaging roughly around 13 mph. A bigger goal was to complete the Race the Sun challenge and finish before the sunset at 8:42 pm.

The start to an amazing day

I can’t think about the start without getting the chills. With a 6 a.m. start, riders start filling Commercial Street beginning at 5 a.m. in the morning. The broadway lights of the Historic Granada Theater serve as a beacon to the start line. We take a moment to celebrate the weather, because shockingly enough rain and thunderstorms had crawled along the forecast up until the day previous. What a break! Dawn is breaking, smiles, and sighs. “5 minutes to the start!” My stomach drops. I feel a sense of accomplishment just getting to this place. The countdown begins 5…4...3…2…1 “Let’s roll!”

This was the first of many cloud nine moments throughout the day. Around 2,200 riders rolled down Commercial Street escorted by police for the neutral start. Friends, family, and locals lined the streets cheering us on as we headed out of town to the gravel roads. The pros were up front leading the pack. I was about 40 seconds back playing it safe, knowing I would have to save my matches for later. The first section of gravel roads were hard packed. Everyone quickly organized themselves into one of the two pace lines that the road allowed room for. Trying to get around riders was tricky with looser gravel surrounding us. I trusted my skills and moved safely up when I had the opportunity.

winding gravel through the flint hills. photo:  Matt fowler/gravel guru

After mile ten I was opened up to a new country, the Flint Hills of Kansas. Open range, rugged, and rolling hills as far as the horizon. At the top of the climbs you could see the most stunning views of the sunrise, hazy blues mixed in with the peachy glows. Pinch me. I couldn’t be mesmerized too long. The Flints Hills is also infamous for flats. Given that the Native Americans used flint rock for arrowheads, one cannot be too zealous bombing down the fast, gnarly descents. I remember our friend saying, “Respect the descents and watch your line.” There were some drop offs where you couldn’t see the steepness of the slope until right before you came upon it. Large sharp edged chunks of rock awaited for you at the top, the bottom, and sometimes in between. At the bottom, several riders would be pulled over fixing flats. Respectfully, I descended.

Around mile 30 we were coming out of the Flint Hills and ranching region to more familiar fast gravel roads. I felt good and eventually joined onto a pace line. We averaged about a 20 mph hot pace into the first checkpoint in Madsion - mile 48. A welcoming crowd awaited us at Madision High School. My husband, John, quickly escorted me to the van to refuel. My face was all covered in dry Kansas dust. I splashed water on myself, drank a can of coconut juice, and restocked rice cakes and gels while John checked my bike and re-lubed my chain. After a quick bite, I was off.

staying hydrated and riding with a good group through the first leg. photo:  matt fowler/Gravel guru

refueling at checkpoint 1 in madison

56 miles to the next check point in Eureka. Three miles after leaving Madision, I feel like I’m missing something. I reach a hand behind and slap my back. Nothing there. “I forgot my CamelBak!” I decided not to turn around and make the best out my two water bottles I had. I start riding with a small group of 4 and the guy up front starts talking about Texaco Hill. He points off to the distance. “See that tiny tower, we’ve got a hard four mile climb ahead of us.” If it was one thing I felt good about, it was climbing. I had trained for this and felt prepared with a 46/36 chainring paired with an 11-28 cassette. I climbed a higher cadence than most and mixed in some out of saddle riding while staying in good rhythm. I survived Texaco Hill with energy to spare. Another tough climb was Teter Hill. It was long and steep, some people had to get off and walk their bike up. Ten miles from the Eureka awaited one last kicker. This one was a rough and steep, two-punch climb. I climbed around the bend and my head tilted up to see the top of another arduous climb. People were hiking their bikes left and right. I could here grunts of determination behind me. The last five feet to the crest, I begin inching my way forward using every part of my body to keep the pedals turning over. A group was cheering us on at the top. Once over the climb I quickly recovered and started tackling down the rollers that lay before me. They were nothing compared to the previous climbs. I soon found myself working in a fast pace line with 6 other friendly faces. We encouraged each other and communicated as we rolled into Eureka. Coming into checkpoint 2 (mile 104) we parted our ways to our support crew. I hoped to see them again.

Leaving the checkpoint, I didn’t forget my CamelBak this time. John helped me replenish with Pedialyte and it worked well. I was never extremely thirsty or hungry. After 104 miles, I was in good shape. Going into the third leg (miles 104-162) I was optimistic at first, but it became a slow drag and my mental energy went south. The third leg has been describe as some of the following descriptions: the dark place, where you’re mentally trying to climb out of the hole, dying a million deaths, and fighting demons. Fortunately, I had that little voice in my head. “Forward progress.” After all it was demoralizing to look down and see my speed under 10 mph. I thought about all my friends and family that were cheering for me back at home. I thought about how my husband was not going to let me quit. We were in this together. Quit wasn’t in our vocabulary for this journey, but it grazed my mind. My hopes to beat the sun were diminishing. “I just want to finish.” There were not many trains or pacelines created. Everyone seemed to be in their own solitary confinement, fighting cramps, overcoming mechanicals, or fixing their fourth flat. It was a long 58 miles.

trying to recover at the last checkpoint in Madison.

I came out of that hole once the town of Madison was in sight. The last and final checkpoint! Recovering from a demoralizing 3rd leg of the course, John looked at me, “You can do this, you can still beat the sun.” I had just under 3.5 hours to cover the last 45 miles, seems reasonable, but after 162 miles anything can happen. I was physically and mentally beat. Then suddenly a spark. Two guys pass me and we start pushing each other. We start working together to stay on pace, a small pain train was then created of 6 riders with one goal in mind, Race the Sun. The uplifting camaraderie of the gravel culture was in full force. It was suspenseful and hurtful, to watch the sun creep closer to the horizon while putting everything I had into each pedal stroke. Our pain train dwindled down to two riders, me and Steve. This was Steve’s fifth Dirty Kanza 200 on a fat bike. This would be his first time to beat the sun. Eight miles out and we’re making good time. Don't flat. Don't flat. Don't flat. Four miles out, the sun is just above the horizon. I was overcome with emotions seeing the town of Emporia.

steve cannon full speed ahead!

“We're going to do this!” I thought. I got goosebumps passing under the iconic I-35 tunnel coming onto the Emporia State University campus. That's when I could hear the loud speakers and crowd from downtown. I forgot about the pain, I was on cloud nine once again. One more hill then we winded through campus. The main street of Emporia was electric in the air. We approached the finishing chute down Commercial Street, lined with family, friends, and the fans roaring with pride, cowbells and high fives left and right. That feeling I will never forget. We beat the sun. I gave my husband a big dirty hug after crossing the finish line. I had finished my first Dirty Kanza 200. And yes, I plan on coming back next year for another unforgettable experience.

DONE!

covered in kansas dirt from head to toe. not ashamed.

It took about a day or so for it to sink  what I had accomplished. 

It took about a day or so for it to sink  what I had accomplished. 

Bumblebee post dk

Athlete Spotlight: Bobby Thompson aka The Casual Cyclist

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Gravel Worlds 2016. photo by Gravel Guru

This week we interview Bobby Thompson creator of the The Casual Cyclist blog and host for The Gravel Guru show "This is Gravel". Recently this year, we welcomed Bobby on as one of our gravel ambassadors. Hailing from Emporia, Kansas home to the Dirty Kanza 200, a 200 mile gravel grinder, Bobby has a playground of remote gravel roads intertwined within the locals' beloved Flint Hill region. He is out to finish his 5th Dirty Kanza next weekend on June 3rd. We talk to him about gravel riding, Dirty Kanza, and finish up with some of the fun, spontaneous questions in true Casual Cyclist fashion.


Cantu Wheels [CW]:  The Casual Cyclist, where did it all start?

Bobby Thompson [BT]:  Ha!  The Casual Cyclist.  I was worried that "Super Cool Old Dude Riding Bikes" would be really hard to fit on a t-shirt when I became famous. I was also afraid people would call me out on being "super cool".  I have a very casual take on cycling.  I only recently rediscovered my passion for being on a bike.  I know there are many more people like me who got caught up in the wave of "life" and forgot about bikes.  I wanted a way to spread my gravel cycling passion that was non aggressive.  Show me...don't tell me.  I love to show my passion for cycling through words and pictures.  I tend to be casual in this approach so it fits. When I'm at my best...cycling...working...being a dad...being a husband...I'm casual.  

CW:  What inspires you everyday to get on your bike?

BT:  When you ask about being inspired everyday then I have to think about my wife.  She's the foundation of our family.  No matter what drama is going on in the world around us...she keeps moving forward.  She keeps the family moving forward.  I've adopted this thinking in my life and the way I get through the dark times of an endurance ride.  Just keep moving forward...even if it's slowly at the time.  Move forward.

Bobby and his wife at the 2017 Dirty Reiver gravel grinder in England.

CW:  Describe a perfect day of riding in and around Emporia, Kansas?

BT:  Perfect riding around in Emporia.  Gotta have wind.  Wind gives you a sense of determination when you're fighting into it, a sense of accomplishment when you've made it to a turn around point and a sense of "I could be in the Tour De France" when you are racing with a Tailwind. 10-15 mph.  Sunny and 70's.  80's gets hot quick with a tailwind on that white gravel.  Dry and white hard pack when you wanna go fast and chill.  Bombing the Flint Hills chunky downhills when you want some thrills and are ready to focus.  Sunny with a few wandering clouds for the occasional shade.

CW:  Advice to people curious about or interested in gravel riding?

BT:  Stop thinking about it and just go ride.  Treat it as an adventure.  Explore.  Find out why it's a dead end road.  Is the bridge really out or can you walk across? Minimum maintenance road, travel at own risk?  Challenge accepted.  Go play.  Bring water.  Bring a snack.  Have an alternate way home if something breaks you can't fix.  Don't make that call for a pick up though unless you really need the help.  Challenge yourself a little.

CW:  Top 3 tips to tackle the Dirty Kanza 100-200?

 BT:  1.  Stay hydrated.  2.  Race it Checkpoint to Checkpoint instead of thinking about the whole day.  3.  Keep moving forward.  You are capable of so much more than your mind is telling you.

CW:  What has been your most memorable travel experience for a gravel event?

BT:  A hard one but I have to saying driving the 20+ hours the past two years to Rebecca's Private Idaho.  That's a long drive.  A lot of time spent with friends on the way there.  Not so much on the way home when you are exhausted but talking strategy, bikes, nutrition...on the way there is a blast.  

CW:  Favorite songs or playlist to listen to while training or warming up?

BT:  Soundtrack to Footloose.  Seriously.  How can you not wanna start running around jumping off the walls??  Long steady state intervals or climbing intervals...angry music.  Rage Against the Machine, Disturbed, Korn, Rob Zombie, Bodies by Drowning Pool.  My radio station is country, I grew up loving big hair rock and late 80'is hip/hop and rap.  Lol.  I'm all over the place.

CW:  What is something “If you would’ve known then what you know now?”

BT:  Can I say everything?  I mean my first endurance race was the Dirty Kanza 200.  I just jumped right in...and failed.  Maybe not though because the failures are what drives me to this day.  I do not like to fail.  So to make it a simpler focused answer...spinning up a hill because mashing. Using you gears.  Really understanding how gears can lengthen your day.

Bobby's Salsa Warbird equipped with a lauf fork and our Cantu Gravel Rebel Wheels.

CW:  What is your super power?

BT:  I'm the Casual Cyclist.  It's being "casual".  Okay, yeah that's just lame.  I never call myself the Casual Cyclist...except when I'm signing autographs.  No um, you know the superpower I wish I had is Wolverines regenerative power.  I'm getting old and the hills aren't getting any smaller. The superpower I actually have is the ability to adapt to a situation.  Don't judge my initial reaction.  Let me think and I'll adapt and figure it out.

CW:  How long would you last in a zombie apocalypse?

BT:  Oh dude I'd rock in a zombie apocalypse.  I'm not much of a fighter but I know I could run...or ride...circles around them.  Wait are we talking slow historical zombies or new age advanced zombies??  Let's go with the old school casual clumsy zombies...cause in the end...being casual is the best way to be.  

Bobby and his Co-host Lelan Dains on "This is Gravel"

Check out Bobby's adventures on Instagram, Facebook, The Casual Cyclist, or through The Gravel Guru. Be sure to connect with and follow us on Cantu Cycling Wheel's Facebook & Instagram.