ADVANCED WINTER RIDING CAMP: PATAGONIA, AZ
DECEMBER 3-6, 2025
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW
ABOUT WINTER CAMP
At Special Blend Gravel Winter Riding Camp, we'll spend three days riding through the Sky Islands that surround Patagonia, AZ. These remote gravel roads are full of beauty and wonder. We'll finish each day at the Gravel House, where we will recover, relax, enjoy shared meals, and share knowledge and experiences.
Can you think of a better way to spend the first week of December than pedaling bikes, among friends, in an awe-inspiring landscape?
WHAT'S INCLUDED
3.5 days of riding, food, community, and coaching
World-class gravel routes, complete aid stations
Small group sizes with awesome professional coaches
Dinner on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Breakfast on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Lunch/ GU Energy Recovery Bar Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Lodging at The Gravel House
Awesome goodie bag!
PRICE: $2,250, including single occupancy lodging at The Gravel House
Camping & other lodging options are also available at registration, or email hello@specialblendgravel.com for additional details.
We want to create an immersive experience for all campers, one where we are all as present as we can be. In this effort, we ask that you leave your non-camper friends, partners, kiddos, and pets at home.
THE RIDING
Patagonia, AZ is located in the Sky Island region, where desert meets mountains in a landscape unlike any other. The rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and remote roads make this a perfect destination for winter riding. Here, you'll experience a mix of environments, from rolling desert plains to tree-lined climbs that rise dramatically from the desert floor.
We won’t be sticking to the flatlands—this is a camp for those who thrive on challenge. Expect long, winding ascents that take you up into the heart of the Sky Islands, where breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges and sweeping valleys below await. The descents will be equally thrilling, with fast, technical sections that test your skills and leave you craving more.
Yes, it will be demanding, but the unique beauty of the Sky Island region and the thrill of the ride will make every moment worth it.
WHAT MAKES THIS AN ADVANCED CAMP?
Our Patagonia Winter Camp is focused on more advanced riders with the desire to log longer miles at a steady pace and more technical terrain, including loose rocks, sand and steep climbs and descents. We will ride an estimated total of 150 miles (mostly on gravel) over three days, at an average pace of 12-14 miles per hour.
During your rides, our professional coaches will provide feedback and direction to help you hone your confidence and skills, including pace lining, body positioning, cornering, braking, climbing and descending, and riding technical gravel terrain.
ALL THE EXTRAS
We want your experience at Special Blend Gravel Camp to push you just a little out of your comfort zone (because that is where the growth happens), and we also want it to be a time you can tune out of all of “life’s” responsibilities and just focus on riding your bike.
Once you arrive at camp, your only job is to eat, sleep, and ride. We provide meals, top-notch aid stations, routes, and lots of snacks and beverages.
We take over the entire Gravel House, so we have space to spread out, relax, and feel comfortable.
There will be time to check out the Lumber Company, local food trucks, and Patagonia's quaint main street.
THE LODGING
We've reserved the entire Gravel House Hotel; each room is a single occupancy with an ensuite bath. We'll share common space, dining area, secure bike storage, and laundry facilities.
The Raven's Nest, a private one-bedroom house, is also available for camper lodging; it is around the corner from the Gravel House Hotel and adjacent to where we will share dinners and fireside chats.
If you have questions about lodging options, please email hello@specialblendgravel.com.
GETTING TO PATAGONIA
Patagonia, AZ is located 55 miles (1:10 hours) from the Tucson International Airport and 170 miles (2:45 hours) from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
If you fly into Phoenix, we recommend renting a car. This is a major airport, and rental car lots are off-site and require a shuttle to and from the terminal. Please give yourself plenty of time.
If you fly into Tucson, you can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle to Patagonia. The Tucson airport is small and easy to navigate.
A few shuttle options:
Uber is also a good option from the Tucson Airport to Patagonia. On the return trip, be sure to schedule ahead to ensure you arrive at the airport on time!
If you are driving to camp, click here for directions.
Please plan to arrive no earlier than 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 3, and check out of your room by 11 am on Saturday, December 6. We will have a place to store luggage and change post-ride.
Special Blend Gravel is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive space where all people, including members of the LGBTQ+ & BIPOC communities, feel safe, respected, and celebrated. Special Blend Gravel is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background.
You belong here
PAST CAMPERS
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SARAH - WINTER 2024
What an incredible experience! Patagonia's stunning landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for an amazing few days with Serena and crew. If you’ve been to a Special Blend camp you know that the on- and off-the-bike support is next level. I can’t wait to go back!
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KYLEE - WINTER 2024
Special Blend's Patagonia Gravel Camp offers incredible accommodations, amazing food, challenging routes, and top-tier support—but what truly sets it apart is the supportive and inspiring community Serena has built. Through on-trail coaching, shared meals, and fireside conversations, riders push their limits while feeling encouraged every step of the way. This experience didn’t just expand my comfort zone—it showed me that, with the right people, it’s bigger than I ever imagined, and that sense of connection stays with me long after the camp ends.
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CARIJEAN - WINTER 2024
Wow – what an amazing ride! The SBG Patagonia camp was an absolutely incredible experience – inspiring, humbling, and empowering! We traveled over beautiful and rugged gravel with engaged and experienced coaches who imparted bike skills that made us safer and faster. I met some amazing women who are now my best Strava buddies while sharing our adventures and next rides all over the country. I can't wait to attend again!
CAMP SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY
Arrive at The Gravel House for social hour and to settle in. We’ll kick things off with a welcome to camp and what-to-expect intro session, followed by dinner. Before we hit the hay, we’ll prep you for tomorrow’s ride and answer any questions.
THURSDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride meeting, we'll head south into the Sky Island region, climbing to up to 5,800ft with sweeping views of the San Rafael Valley before returning to Patagonia via Harshaw Creek.
We'll return to the Gravel House for Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar, and a bit of downtime before the afternoon’s education session. We cap the day off with dinner and good conversation.
Ride stats: 58 miles, 4,000 ft of elevation
FRIDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride meeting, we'll head out for our longest ride of camp, south to the ghost town of Lochiel, first settled in the late 1800s and once home to five stores, three saloons, a brewery, a butcher shop, a bakery, livery stables, and a boarding house.
Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by some downtime, a stroll into town, or maybe a nap! We cap the day off with dinner and Coaches’ Q&A. Looking forward to the final ride tomorrow!
Ride stats: 47 miles, 5,000 ft of elevation, option for 70 miles.
SATURDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride meeting, we'll head out for the last ride of camp, an out-and-back to the historic town of Alto, where we might be able to see the adobe ruins of the post office.
Lunch/GU Energy Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by good-bye high-fives and hugs.
Ride stats: 28 miles, 2,400 ft of elevation
our coaches & staff
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Yuri Hauswald
* Gravel Hall of Fame
* Elite Athlete Manager for GU Energy
* Wanderer & gravel racer
After a successful collegiate career playing lacrosse for UC Berkeley, and armed with a degree in American Literature, Yuri discovered the joys of mountain biking while teaching English at a prep school in Pennsylvania, and hasn't looked back. He's two-time solo winner of the 24-Hours of Adrenaline and 9th place finisher at the 2006 24-Hour World Championships. He turned pro at the tender age of 36, won the 2015 Unbound when he was 44, and is currently obsessed with everything gravel.
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Serena Bishop Gordon
IG: @serenabg
* Camp co-founder
* Off-road adventurer
* Lover of coffee and chocolate
Serena has been racing professionally for more than a decade, specializing in mountain bikes and gravel. She is a great descender and understands the importance of the details when it comes to off-road performance.
Serena lives in Bend with her husband, Ben, and medium-sized pup, Piper, and loves her morning coffee almost as much as she loves riding her bike. She is stoked to share what she knows with others and elevate women in the sport of gravel racing! -
Molly Cameron
IG: @themollycameron
* Fueled by cookies and coffee
* Takes a lot of photos
* Loves riding with friends
Molly is an internationally accomplished athlete and community builder. A long-time bike shop owner, women's team manager, coach, photojournalist, storyteller, and champion of women's cycling, she founded R.I.D.E. (Respect Inclusion Diversity Environment) to advocate for and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and the environment across outdoor industries and in sport. She can be found somewhere in the SW or PNW on her bicycle, camera in hand, most likely taking your photo.
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VANESSA HAUSWALD, CATERING & SUPPORT
IG: @vhaus
*Executive Consultant for the She Sends Foundation
* Ambassador Juliana bicycles
* Food and wine enthusiast
Vanessa has been riding bikes for fun, and for work, for the past 15 years. As the Director
of one of the largest youth cycling Leagues in the country, she has spent much of her life
dedicated to getting more teens on bikes. She is a mtb skills instructor and co-owner of an event production and consulting business in her hometown of Petaluma, CA. Vanessa is a proud cancer survivor and volunteers her time mentoring other women who are experiencing cancer. She is also known to specialize in yard sales, cooking, art, and, most recently, hat making. She and her husband, Yuri, and dog, Angus, love exploring in their van and riding bikes with friends. -
EMILY KACHOREK, ONSITE LOGISTICS & SUPPORT
IG: @eekachorek
* Life adventurer
* Happiest when outside and moving
* Sun lover
Emily grew up in San Diego where she found joy and energy from the sun and outdoors early on. She started riding bikes and racing in college and has raced professionally for 8 years on the road and in the dirt worldwide, competing across Europe, Japan, China, Australia, Canada, and the US. Emily has a Master's Degree in conservation biology, an artistic flare, has traveled to over 30 countries, finds adventure in daily life, and loves to backpack, bike pack, and share her passion for the outdoors. Emily lives on the border of Mexico in the small town of Patagonia, AZ.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge that Special Blend Gravel Camp, held in Dufur, Oregon, takes place on the traditional lands of the Wasco and Paiute peoples, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, who include Wasco, Warm Springs, and Northern Paiute peoples. We honor the enduring presence and stewardship of these and other Indigenous communities who have lived on and cared for this land since time immemorial.
As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of this region, we recognize the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples. We express deep gratitude to the original stewards of this land and commit to honoring their legacy.
During our time here, we aim to be respectful guests and stewards, fostering unity, inclusivity, and appreciation for the diverse Indigenous cultures that continue to shape this land.
Our Partners
A huge thank you to amazing partners.
