This past weekend, I had the chance to serve coffee at the Gorge Gravel race for the very first time — and let me just say, it was an unforgettable experience.
From the moment I rolled up with Nacho the Van, I knew it was going to be a special day. The energy was electric, the community was welcoming, and the winds … well, let’s just say they added a little extra adventure to the day! Major kudos to every racer who braved those crazy gusts and powered through. Gravel events are always about grit and perseverance, and this weekend definitely delivered on both fronts.
A huge shoutout to Breakaway Promotions for putting on such a top-shelf event. The organization, the vibe, the course — everything was first class. It’s clear that a lot of heart and hard work went into making Gorge Gravel a standout experience.
For me, it was also a day of firsts behind the coffee bar. I’m still dialing in my setup with Nacho the Van, testing out the best ways to keep the coffee flowing smoothly while serving a crowd of racers and fans. By firsts, I mean I also switched from my normal one-cup-at-a-time pourover setup to brew coffee in large commercial batch brewers instead.
If you’re heading to Cascade Gravel on June 1st, you’ll notice a few little tweaks and improvements based on everything I learned this weekend.
Another highlight was rolling out our newest coffee: the Ethiopia Dry Process Senna Katta Mountain. It’s a mild, sweet offering that felt just right for a day full of sun, wind, and miles of gravel. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a cup — your support means the world.
And if you loved the vibe (or missed out this time), stay tuned: I’ll be unveiling a brand new coffee just for Cascade Gravel. Can’t wait to share it with you.
Thanks again to all the racers, families, and gravel fans who came by to say hi, grab coffee, and swap stories. Gorge Gravel, you set the bar high — and I’m already looking forward to the next adventure.
See you on the dusty roads ahead.
