Gravel-Cycling Bikers Crisscross Root River Valley in Competition

LA CRESCENT – Nearly 800 cyclists arrived in La Crescent on Saturday, September 20th, to compete in the 2025 USA Cycling Gravel National Championships. Featuring some of the most elite cyclists from around the country, the event offered multiple divisions with routes up to 100 miles long traversing the surrounding hills and valleys.

Combining elements of mountain biking and road biking, gravel cycling is gaining interest nationwide. A gravel bike features drop bars and a frame similar to a road bike but has tires similar to those of a mountain bike. This design enables riders to cruise efficiently down paved roads yet safely handle unpaved, gravel roads.

The competition’s demanding courses challenged even the most accomplished riders as steep climbs through lots of natural elevation took their toll and rainy weather early on threw a wrench in plans.

Competing cyclists passing through Hokah, Minn. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

“It’s an incredible course. I was blown away by how good the roads were, for how much rain we got,” said Kylee Rood, a competitor from Bend, Ore. “The course is super fun. So many hills, so much good terrain, super beautiful. I would totally come back and race here again.”

Organizers worked diligently over the course of two years to coordinate resources and provide logistical support, including organizing volunteers, developing traffic plans, securing permits and much more.

Jeremiah Burish, Director of Sports Sales for Explore La Crosse and one of the organizers for this event, says that extensive practical support ensures that events like the Gravel Nationals not only come to the region but also thrive and leave a positive lasting impact.

“This is an opportunity to showcase La Crescent, Southeast Minnesota, and the La Crosse Region as a premier bicycling destination,” said Burish.

“The roads winding through this region of Southeastern Minnesota are mainly gravel, making for challenging climbs and technical descents throughout each of the courses. This terrain is ideal for premier racing at the championship level.”

A group of Men’s Elite Division riders reflect after their race. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

La Crescent City Council member Teresa O’Donnell-Ebner concurs, citing natural beauty and ideal cycling terrain as big draws.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to feature La Crescent and Houston County,” O’Donnell-Ebner added.

The event also coincided with La Crescent’s annual Applefest. Organizers felt the integration of the Gravel National Championships with Applefest would highlight both events and encourage more local engagement.

A cyclist sprinting toward the finish line on Main Street in La Crescent (Photo by Greg Lovell)

La Crescent the place to be

La Crescent caught the eye of USA Cycling due to its location, infrastructure and course design options. Ultimately, it was an ideal place to host the Gravel National Championships.

“Critical to the bid was the cooperative and supportive relationships that exist in the region,” said Will Smith, Race Director for USA Cycling. “The nature of the region geographically supports this type of race well.”

Cyclists had several routes to choose from as they trekked north and south through Houston County. (USA Cycling Gravel National Championships map)

Smith says La Crescent is large enough to support event operations and provide amenities and resources while still being small enough so that road closures and build plans would have minimal community impact. Additionally, La Crescent is located close to multiple air hubs, making travel to the area easy.

“Houston County and Winona County showcase the region’s beauty with multiple towns to highlight where athletes can camp, sightsee, practice, and prepare while families have activities they can explore,” said Smith.

Purpose in pedaling

A race of this magnitude draws people from all over the country, many of whom have probably never heard of the Driftless Region, let alone tour it on bike.

Bicycle competitor Luke Schuttenhelm prepares for his race takeoff. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

“This is a rare opportunity to offer Minnesota gravel racing to all ages and strengths,” said Luke Schuttenhelm, 34, of La Crosse.

Schuttenhelm, who competed in the Men’s Singlespeed division and has raced in numerous events across the upper Midwest, says he relished the opportunity to compete in a high caliber bike race right in his own backyard.

For others, like Paul Reardon, owner of Event Support Professionals and Blue Steel Bikes in La Crosse, the Gravel Nationals offered another opportunity to be a part of a larger community of likeminded enthusiasts.

“The cycling community, the racing community, is where I spend my life,” said Reardon. “It’s just important to share this beautiful region with other people.”

Framed by the misty hills and drizzle, a large group of riders approaches Hokah. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

Reaching the finish line

Smith says that at the end of the day, whether one is a competitor or a spectator, cycling is a great sport to be engaged in.

“The athletes are very approachable and friendly, it’s a sport you can do for your whole life, and it builds health better than anything else.”

Fans and family gather at the finish line as one of the first riders crosses through. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

Additionally, many people, like Burish and O’Donnell-Ebner, hope that hosting the Gravel National Championships encourages future cyclists – both leisure and professional – to plan their next vacation or ride in the La Crescent area.

“I’ve had wonderful conversations with the cyclists,” O’Donnell-Ebner added. “Riders from Colorado, South Carolina, North Carolina, Vermont all mention how beautiful it is here. I’ve shared with them how excited we are to have them visiting and hope they return often.”