Chris Skogen and the Ethos of Adventure
/When a few locals recently floated the idea of nominating Chris Skogen (Almanzo race founder) to the new Gravel Cycling hall of fame, I dashed off a nomination. I didn’t care about the viability of a Hall, I just had to acknowledge a man and his event that had a great impact on me.
Then all the pontificating and debate broke out. Pro racers, once again, thinking it was all about them. Pioneers attempting to keep the peace (without much teeth). And trusted stalwarts with great histories yet vague conclusions.
So I resubmitted my nomination. For you here as my own commentary on gravel adventure and one individual who mattered to me - Thanks Chris!
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For my 40th birthday, I bought my first new bicycle in 20 years. I told my wife that I would be taking the start line for the Almanzo 100 in May, a mere five months away. It was essentially ‘couch to 100 miles’. Her first statement was one of excitement! Her second 'you won't die right? promise me you won't die'. I did not die.
Well, at least not literally. Figuratively, a part of me died, and I was reborn on that ride. From the deepest lows, grinding through that achingly beautiful, yet punishingly tough course. To the euphoria of making it, and enjoying what was around the next corner even at 99 miles. That event has brought a return to real fitness, a tenacity outside of cycling I couldn't access before, a true love of cycling adventure including countless other races, and a published bikepacking route on bikepacking.com.
None of this would be possible without Chris Skogen. It's not just the race, It's Chris himself. His ethos shows up in every aspect of the experience. You are responsible for you. Ride YOUR race. He may not have invented everything about early free gravel rides, but he perfected it. The free postcard registration. Starting more than 1300 rides one year at a free event. Personal encouragement in the race packet, and through the bullhorn at the start line. Honestly it made the experience a bit of a holy pilgrimage.
And not anyone could plot this course; there are some true gems that just seem to show up at the right time. The ridge above Preston before you are tired, the water crossing... and the dreaded Oriole Hill in the 90 mile section. Endless rollers, a ribbon of white limestone hero gravel through some of the Midwest's best pastoral landscapes. Beauty only matched by unforgiving toughness.
Chris was ground-breaking. His event, and his approach, inspired many of the other great Minnesota gravel events (and I'm sure in other states as well). And he was principled. He knew what gravel was about. That conviction may make him bristly at times, or obtuse. But in my personal interactions with him he was always humble, focused, and encouraging.
He is O.G., and my only regret is how the Spring Valley version of the Almanzo shrunk after his departure. But as he reminded me once when I asked if I could bring an unregistered late entry along - ’the roads are free - go ride them' The route lives on.
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This is my second nomination for Chris Skogen, Gravel Raconteur. After the recent hullabaloo over whether the hall of fame should even exist, I thought I should clarify.
Gravel is a state of mind. It is the essence of cycling - that every ride can be an adventure! Solo, shared with friends, or… hundreds of like (state-of)-minded strangers. It is not about professionals, or new products, or sporting history.
I KNOW this because of Chris. And I don’t know of anyone else who embodies this essence more than Chris and his groundbreaking event. It was never about the race, it was about getting people to experience that adventure. That. was. Chris. Thousands experienced this. No entry fee or vendors or professional racers required (though they were welcome to join).
If this is the gravel ethos you are after, then Chris is a top choice. And I salute and support the Hall. And if Chris isn’t a fit, well you can join all your inane self-serving racers and vendors and pontificators and fuck right off. I’ve got adventures to be had.