4th Annual Gravel Rouser Classic
March 15-18, 2007
Event Recap

The 4th Annual Gravel Rouser Classic featured the coldest temperatures in the 'Rouser's history, a visit from some pros, a downright difficult water crossing, and lots of great miles.

Setting the Stage
For the past two years, Wisconsin pro mountain bike and 'cross racer Brian Matter has shown up for the Gravel Rouser, winning every stage that he entered. This left us locals thinking, "What do we have to do to keep this title in Ohio?"

We thought that offering a bounty might help encourage local talent to really put the screws to Brian. Unfortunately, Brian's friend and training partner Tristan Schouten set his eyes on the bounty. The Gravel Rouser Committee hadn't thought about the possibility of that happening. The stage was set for a battle between the Cheeseheads.

Making the Magic Happen
Our corporate sponsors made sure that there were plenty of prizes and plenty of trips to the keg. Athens Bicycle is grateful to the following sponsors for their generous support of this event:

• Trek Bicycle
• Kerr Distributing
• Cats Den
• O'Betty's Red Hot Dogs & Sausages

Important Title Stays in SE Ohio
Although out-of-staters again took home most of the Gravel Rouser titles, one particularly important title will stay in Athens County thanks to junior rider Kevin Deal. He won the Road Kill Points Challenge, which previously was held by local racer Craig Watson. Thanks, Kevin, for showing your Appalachian roots and keeping this title here in Athens.

The Coveted Wolfman Award
Only nine individuals participated in all four Gravel Rouser events, earning the coveted Wolfman Award. These hammers are:

• Matt Baker, Athens, Ohio
• Tony Bowie, Reedsville, Ohio
• Mike Brown, Macon, Ga.
• Corey Chambers, Athens, Ohio
• Kevin Deal, Athens, Ohio
• Duncan Green, Athens, Ohio
• Brian Matter, Sheboygan, Wis.
• Tristan Schouten, Sheboygan, Wis.
• Jim Schulz, Athens, Ohio

Links to Recaps, Results and Photos
Click on the links below to view individual recaps, results and photo galleries from each day of racing.

Sundown Time Trial Recap, Results and Photos

Grab N Git City Scramble Recap, Results and Photos

Gravel Rouser Recap, Results and Photos

Coolville Ridge Cooldown Recap, Results and Photos

Back to Info page