Gravel road races draw a tough crowd. Rough dirt and seasonal roads, big climbs, and unpredictable fall weather make the perfect mix for a suffer-fest. The Michigan Mountain Mayyem Gravel Grinder did not disappoint. As Daniel Yankus, Team OAM NOW racer said, this year’s full course had wind as an appetizer, climbing as the main course, and some boulder filled descents for dessert. Dan was joined by teammates Chris Abston, Collin Synder, Alex Vanias, Amy Kimber and Kaitlyn Patterson for this year’s 60 mile Michigan Mountain Mayhem Gravel Grinder. Jon Morgan went after the 45 mile version. This year, the race rolled out at a fairly easy pace due to the big headwind. A solo ride went off the front right away, but no one panicked. Everyone made it up over the 1st KOM and a small group of 20-25 rolled into the Diablo’s Mountain 1.8 mile long, 500ft climb KOM. Alex set the pace from the bottom and trimmed the group down to 10 good climbers. From there, 4 racers bridged across to the lead the group with Alex and Dan in pursuit. Alex and Dan managed the gap and began closing in on the lead group. One rider had a mechanical and another we picked up shortly after. It appeared the 3 up the road were working together well as the gap quickly went out to a minute where it stayed on the plateau. Not far behind, in a large chase group, Chris, Collin and Kaitlyn worked together. Through the seasonal road Alex and Dan were able to shake a guy out of the lead group and they knew that working together was their only option. At the halfway point, disaster struck Dan. He flatted, leaving Alex solo in the chase. With Alex pushing on, Dan changed the flat as quickly as he could and charged on. Meanwhile Chris and Collin had a little collision in the feed zone, putting a damper on Chris’s good legs.  Racing on his own through the second half, Alex bonked with about 8-10 miles to go and settled for 4th. Dan made lemonade out of lemons for 6th. Collin grabbed 11th. Then closely behind, yes very close behind was the overall female winner Kaitlyn finishing 12th overall. With some bruised ribs, Chris followed as well for 14th. Amy Kimber rolled in 3rd place overall female, reserving 2 out of 3 podium spots for TEAM OAM NOW/Athletic Mentors strong women racers! The team rode very well together and each had the opportunity to support teammates. Awesome race all!   The post Michigan Mountain Mayhem Gravel Grinder – that which doesn’t kill you… appeared first on Team Athletic Mentors.