Who are Freedhem riders? We’ve gone under the helmet of some of our past riders to find out.
Meet Wendy Stocker from River Falls, WI. Wendy and some good friends rode the Freedhem 76 and 46 last year.

1. What is your fondest bike related memory?

Wendy- Mine would be racing Lutsen 99’er last year with my friend Kesha Marson. This is the longest race I’ve competed in before, a mix of single track, double track, ATV, gravel, pavement, beaver dams/marsh/mud – but the most fun I’ve had on my bike. We rode hard, safe and avoided crashes (which was a challenge with rain prior to the race, and downpour rains the final hour of the race, making the single track section very slick). Going into this race with the mindset that we were going to stick together gave me the confidence I needed to not give up. The icing on the cake was both of us earning a Leadville 100MTB gold coin to qualify for Leadville by placing top 3 in our age groups and stepping onto the podium.

2. How or why did you get started in gravel riding?

Wendy- The same friend, Kesha Marson and a few others within Big Ring Flyers encouraged me to give it a try. Although I don’t love racing long-distance gravel, I’ve come to enjoy distances that are 50 miles or less and riding these distances on my mountain bike have proven to be more enjoyable for me. I go into these rides/races with the goal to work hard, be safe, enjoy the scenery and have fun with friends. Miesville 56, Heywood 55, Freedhem 76, Epic Bike Fest Gravel, Chequamegon, and a few others have provided the opportunity to meet all of these goals.

3. Tell us about your most memorable experience riding the Freedhem 76?

Wendy- Last year I did ride the 76 (which ended up being over 80 miles in reality). It was hot/humid, I was on my mountain bike, and I did not have proper nutrition for the 5+ hour adventure. But there were so many positive take-aways: 1) I met so many great cyclists during the race who were positive, helpful and fun to be around 2) There were wonderful volunteers who provided nutrition/water along the way 3) The Freedhem 76 race hosts were amazing in hosting a well-organized event with a great after party gathering 4) The gravel roads were great! Some MMR/sandy areas (which I loved having my MTB on those sections) 5) I’m coming back for a 2nd round of fun this July…why? Because I love the people, I like to push myself to do hard things; and I’m opting to do the 44 miler this time as I’ll be on my MTB again, and I want to cheer all the 76’ers on at the finish and put my photography to use in snapping pics of everyone crossing that finish line

4. What advice would you give to someone considering entering a gravel race for the 1st time?

Wendy- Go into the race with the expectation to give it all you’ve got, plan out your nutrition, try to find a group to ride with as it increases the “fun” factor, and don’t forget to enjoy the scenery and beauty along the way

5. Most important question. What is your favorite ride snack?

Wendy- Anderson’s Pure Fuel (I mix it with coffee and put it in mini-bottles – so convenient and just the right surge of good sugar and caffeine to give me energy and prevents cramping in the heat!

BRF-Apex p/b Crank Worx Bike ShopBig Ring FlyersPanaracer

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