By: Anton Korolev
My First 117-Mile Gravel Race: A True Test and Triumph!
117 miles is in the books for my longest gravel race ever, and what an absolutely epic experience it was! The Rule of Three 117 mile course in Bentonville, Arkansas was a true mixed-terrain challenge, throwing everything imaginable at me. We had 30 miles of challenging singletrack – often loose, twisty, and technical – interspersed with 40 miles of diverse gravel, featuring both relentless climbs and exhilarating fast descents. The rest of the 40 miles were on the road, providing moments of swift cruising before dipping back onto the rough stuff. Through every single twist, turn, climb, and descent, my new Clydesdale BFG 32er gravel bike not only handled it all, but it truly crushed it.
The most impressive aspect was how seamlessly the BFG 32er transitioned between surfaces. One moment I was navigating technical singletrack, the next I was bombing down a gravel road, and then I was cruising efficiently on pavement. The carbon 32″ wheels with hybrid 2.1″ tires were an absolute game-changer; they rolled over roots, rocks, and rough gravel like they weren’t even there, providing incredible stability and confidence when things got gnarly. Then, on the road sections, they maintained surprising speed and efficiency, proving they are truly versatile. This adaptability meant I could focus on my effort and the course, rather than worrying about my equipment.
The real secret weapon throughout this entire journey was the quality titanium frame. As a 6’11 250lb clydesdale rider, durability and comfort are non-negotiable for me, especially on such long, varied distances. The titanium absorbed road chatter and trail vibrations beautifully, providing an incredibly smooth ride that significantly reduced fatigue. Even after 117 miles and hours in the saddle, I felt surprisingly fresh, a testament to how well this bike soaks up the punishment.
If you’re a Clydesdale rider looking for a truly versatile, high-performance gravel bike that’s equally at home dominating technical singletrack, flying across fast gravel, and efficiently covering long road stretches, the BFG 32er is it. It’s built like a tank but rides like a dream, ready to conquer any adventure you throw at it. So stoked with this machine – it made my first century-plus gravel race a monumental success!
