I’m one registration click away from being officially in over my head. And that’s exactly where I I’m one registration click away from being officially in over my head. And that’s exactly where I want to be. Having ridden roads and trails, I’m now exploring the world of gravel racing!

They say that by mile twenty, your hands are numb, your legs scream, and you still have thirty more to go. Why would anyone agree to this kind of torture? Simple. Comfort zones never lead to transformation.

I’m already evolving, getting faster and stronger on my bike. If you don’t believe me, just ask the farmers around in the Pridgen area that have seen me training, attacking hills, and sprinting in the dirt. I’m not looking to land on the podium, but I’m aiming to finish, to learn, and maybe find out what I’m made of along the way.

To keep me accountable and give me some motivation, here are five races I’m eyeing…

The Holler in Walhalla

AUGUST 23, 2025 – I’m looking at “The Little Holler,” which is a 51-mile race with 4,700’ of elevation in Walhalla, SC. Riding in the mountains will be a new challenge, but I think I can… I think I can… I think I can.

This isn’t just a ride; it will be a vertical pilgrimage. The twisting gravel roads snaking through thick Appalachian Forest, echoing with the sound of my breath. Each climb preaching perseverance, each descent feeling like a prayer answered. I’ll be chasing not only the clouds, but clarity, too.

Check it out here: The Holler in Walhalla

Wild Chicken 100

OCTOBER 11, 2025 – Just through the woods in Fitzgerald, GA, David Dark is putting together another amazing event. I completed the Metric Century on a road bike a few years ago here. Now I’m coming face-to-face with the red clay and sand!

This year, there will be less smooth asphalt, more grit and grace. I’ll be dodging potholes, powering past peanut fields, and digging deep in terrain that humbles and shapes you. It’s not just racing. I’ll be remembering to embrace the mess!

Check it out here: Wild Chicken 100

The Pecan Shaker

OCTOBER 18, 2025 – A few years ago, Hurricane Michael canceled this gravel ride in Hawkinsville, GA, for me. However, I’m looking forward to earning this year’s T-shirt!

The course threads through pecan groves and two-path roads, where roots and ruts tell stories. The dust clings like regret, but I plan to leave some burdens on that trail. Redemption doesn’t always come easy, but it can come with a finish line and a T-shirt.

Check it out here: The Pecan Shaker

Middle Southern Georgia Loop

NOVEMBER 22, 2025 – Karlos Bernart, the @singletracksamurai himself, is coming to my favorite bicycle shop in Thomasville, GA, Hubs & Hops! This will be my first ultra-race, clocking in at 180 miles!

This is my leap into the unknown. 180 miles of pushing through fatigue, fighting mental fog, and learning that God sustains more than legs can. Through pine forests, plantation roads, and soul-testing silence, this will be more than a ride. It’ll be a reckoning.

Check it out here: Middle Southern Georgia Loop Tickets

Assault on Currahee Mountain

FEBRUARY 7, 2026 – This beast of a gravel race will be an early 44th birthday gift for me! Claiming a difficulty of 8/10, I hope this mountain will be nice to the ol’ man.

Currahee means “stands alone.” I’ve heard that this mountain makes you feel that way. It’s steep, it’s relentless, and it’s sacred ground. With every switchback, I’ll be asking not just “Can I do this?” but “Who am I becoming?” Maybe this birthday ride is about more than miles. Maybe it’s about the man being made.

Check it out here: Assault on Currahee Mountain

Ever signed up for something bigger than you? Something that tested not just your strength, but your spirit. Whether you’re cheering me on or riding your own impossible road, I’d love to hear your story in the comments. Let’s encourage each other to keep pedaling forward—through the pain, through the doubt, toward the finish that matters most.