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! Majorkudos 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.
When choosing a mountain bike destination or gravel riding route, the trails or gravel roads are only part of the picture. The true essence of these places lies in the local businesses—especially coffee shops—that serve as community hubs. Whether you’re in a quiet town along a bikepacking route or stopping for a mid-ride espresso during a gravel adventure, coffee spots play a key role in connecting riders and supporting the spirit of exploration.
Spring is almost here, summer adventures are calling, and there’s no better companion than a cup of freshly brewed Loam Coffee. Whether you’re chasing the sunrise at a gravel race or dropping into a long technical descent on your enduro rig, Nacho the Van is there to fuel your adventure. This spring and summer, catch us at cycling events across the region, serving up the perfect blend of coffee and community.
Since the beginning, Loam Coffee has been attached to mountain biking and trails. Some of our earliest outings were serving coffee to volunteer trail builders here in the rainy Pacific Northwest. This past weekend, we linked up with a couple of other orgs for a day of free shuttles plus free coffee. The goal? Not only to get out and ride but also to raise funds for a local trail building and stewardship non-profit.
Nacho the van has come a long way from being an 11-passenger van used to carry collegiate athletes to games all over the Pacific Northwest. At the same time, there’s still a LONG way to go. Since I bought the van from the university where I teach, many students know its backstory as they see it sitting in the school parking lot. Some joke, saying, “Yeah … it still looks a little sketchy.”
So, what is the latest on the Nacho conversion process?
When I started Loam Coffee in 2015, I was only focused on roasting and selling bags of coffee. That was it. But things change. Businesses grow and evolve over time. Loam Coffee is going through an evolution right now.
Coffee. Photography. Why not bring them together?
