The Mix Tape 2024

It's been a while since the 2024 edition of The Mix Tape gravel race took place, but I figured a late recap is better than none. This year's ride featured the absolute best route in the three years that I've ridden this race. At roughly 50 miles, it was somewhat shorter than its predecessors. Yet, it featured just the right balance of road, gravel, and trail riding. Many riders opted for mountain bikes or even flatbar gravel bikes, but I'm pretty sure the fastest times were accomplished on dedicated gravel bikes. I rode a beefy Nukeproof Digger RS which handled the trails and descents quite well, but was quite heavy and sluggish on the climbs and flats. You can even see it and my bright green jacket at the starting line in this video.  

                                                                    Before the race...

                                                                    During the race...

                                                                        After the race

The race course followed roughly the same footprint as the 2022 and 2023 routes, but started in Dartmouth instead of Lakeville this year. This change was purely logistical because apparently the good folks of Lakeville (which actually only has ponds) didn't want the race passing through their pristine landscape. So much for them! 

Another aspect of this race that I really appreciate is the segment timing. Unlike a typical road or mountain bike race, the Mix Tape uses each racer's individual Strava data to time specific segments throughout the course. At the end of the race, awards are handed out for each segment. This year there were four or five segments along the Mix Tape course. For a professional amateur such as myself, who really doesn't enjoy racing, this takes some of the competition out of the equation and simply allows me to enjoy a long ride...but also motivates me to pedal faster so I don't come in last. 

                                                                    Lots of mud

Despite the temperatures hovering in the 40s, I really enjoyed this race so much. Although it's in the spring, it's probably my favorite cycling event of the season. Each year I look forward to the different routes and appreciate that there's just one mass start for all races as opposed to staggered starts that seem to take forever to get rolling. The Mix Tape really captures the spirit of gravel by making this event accessible to both racers and amateurs (like me).