We always leave Mid South Gravel with a lot of emotions. It's our favorite gravel event, and usually, those feels are of the warm-fuzzy variety. This year, when we left Stillwater, Oklahoma, things felt different — honestly a bit bittersweet and raw.
If you followed along, then you already know that Mid South was cut short by unprecedented wildfires that left a swath of burnt fields, forests, and houses in their wake. The area is still picking up the pieces, and if you want to support the locals as they rebuild, we encourage you to donate to United Way of Payne County.
But we won't dwell on that too much. The first day we were in Stillwater was packed with riding and denim activities.
Later that Thursday, we took part in what has to be the world's largest gathering of denim-clad cyclists, teaming up with Salsa Cycles to promote Mid South's famous Denim Ride. By all accounts, this ride now attracts more participants than the first few editions of the gravel race did, before it started selling out immediately.
Thursday's highlight had to be the party we hosted with Stargazer Edibles. Now a mainstay of the Mid South calendar, this "secret" party at a warehouse in a (mostly) undisclosed location in Stillwater is a chance for everyone to dress up, cut loose, and get down.
Working with Contrarium Chainstitching, we had five Sport Utility Jackets customized for this event with special western-themed art created by Champagne Rodman. All hat, no cattle, y'all.
And just like that, 24 hours later, Stillwater was choked by wildfire smoke, and we were holed up in an AirBnB with the folks from Hush Money Bikes, with just the jorts on our legs and the shirts on our backs.
We made it out okay on Saturday. Compared to some who lost so much in this firestorm, we can't complain. Our only hope is that they're able to rebuild and recover after this unbelievable turn of events, and that we can return next year and come away with the purely positive vibes we've come to expect from Mid South.