Open Letter to the 2023 Gravelstoke Development Team

Thank you for being part of our community, and the 5th year of Gravelstoke Development Team. First started in 2019, I wanted to create the type of team experience I always wanted to be part of, but could never find. Membership over the past 5 years continued to grow to nearly 300 members from across the US and Canada. Inclusivity as a core value, we accepted all who were sincerely interested in being part of the team. 2023 was our best year yet. Members from across the US were beginning to connect in person at local rides and regional events. We hosted the best Great Western Reroute yet with ENVE joining from Utah and Jussi Oksanen behind the camera. Our kits looked great and we pulled off our first team overnighter on Catalina with 16 members from CA and UT filling up 4 tent cabins on the island. We were supported by the largest number of sponsors to date (9) and gathered for some unforgettable team meetings as we continued to connect with each other and included some of the most notable names and brands in gravel on monthly calls.

As with all great endeavors, several individuals were key to our success and overall experience. I'd like to recognize 4 members specifically who offered significant contributions to the team. Jason Rowland was our Team Partner Liaison, responsible for our successful partnerships with 9 brands including Squirt, Knog, JoJe, Swift, Kenda, Eliel, ENVE, Sage and Ombraz. Pat Connolly was our Virtual Event Organizer, bringing us all together for a total of 9 Zoom Calls while also managing to book several special guests including Dave Rosen, Neil Shirley, Jess Cerra, Ian Boswell, Ted King, and Bobby Wintle. Special thanks also to Danny Geary for being the mastermind behind this year's kit design, and to Adam Cooke for contributing his deep knowledge of East County to bring us our 2023 GWR route.

Gravelstoke Team 2023 Kickoff Ride, Feb 5, Encinitas, CA

Tony, Zach, Nguyen, and Nicoh making our 2023 kits look so good!

Great Western Reroute April 1, 2023. PC: Jussi Oksanen

Dev Team Overnighter, Catalina Island, May 2023

Matt, Ben L, Danny, and Ben Z at the 2023 ENVE Grodeo in Ogden, UT

I never intended to start a team, but here we are. And after 5 years of great memories, so many new friends, and unforgettable experiences, I wouldn't have changed a thing. That's why the decision I made this fall to pause the Dev Team experience in 2024 was not taken lightly. We've built something together that's simple and beautiful, yet extremely difficult to execute well. I hope to restore a better sense of balance with this decision between life, work, family, and my small business. I'm not sure fully what the future holds for Gravelstoke, but I'm excited to see what new projects, partnerships, and experiences come our way.

Community has always been at the core of what Gravelstoke is. We inspire one another to be better and collectively expose the best of what cycling can be. So despite this being the end of something unique and great, I'm excited to see what else we can create together. Thanks for your support and I wish you best in 2024! Sincerely, Dave Malwitz