The Real West Gravel race isn’t for the faint of heart. Out in the rolling, rugged terrain of Pendleton, Oregon, riders face a test of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude. This year’s edition was a true proving ground, with relentless wind, slick mud, and bone-chilling temperatures pushing every racer to their limits. But for those willing to embrace the challenge, it was an opportunity to showcase just how deep they could dig.

Off the Front: The Elite Battle

From the gun, the race took shape with an elite group breaking away early thanks to an attack at mile 6 by Argonaut’s own Matthew Wiebe. Alongside him were Max Ritzo and seasoned veteran Stefano Barberi. Unfortunately, the bitter cold forced Stefano to withdraw, leaving Matt and Max to brave the headwinds alone as they crested the climb out of Aid 1. With treacherous wet gravel on the descents, this was the kind of course where the right equipment made all the difference—and the GR3, paired with Matt’s trusted 45c Schwalbe RS tires, was built for exactly this kind of challenge.

The Chase and the Fight for Position

While Matt and Max continued their battle at the front, the chase groups behind told their own stories of grit. Ben Farver, riding strong in a two-man move, kept spirits high despite the punishing conditions. Further back, Cory Sullivan took a calculated approach, working within a larger group to conserve energy for the final push.

The course itself was a mix of crushed gravel and rolling hills, deceptively smooth but riddled with hidden challenges. The overnight rain turned the surface into an unpredictable mix of deep ruts and slick mud—demanding constant vigilance and confident bike handling. Those who miscalculated paid the price. And while the front group hammered on, the drama behind them was just as intense.

Crashes, Sacrifices, and Comebacks

One of the biggest stories of the day came from Ryan, who found himself in the middle of an unexpected crash on the exposed plateau. A rider went down behind him, setting off a domino effect of chaos. Instead of chasing back, Ryan made the selfless decision to stay behind and assist an injured rider—putting community before competition. That’s the kind of integrity we’re proud to see in the sport.

Ben, meanwhile, had his own run-in with adversity. A risky line choice through the mud led to a crash, and when he got back up, his GRX shifter had locked into crash mode. By the time he managed to reset it, his group was long gone—leaving him to battle the wind solo for the remainder of the race. It was a brutal way to finish, but in true Argonaut fashion, he never quit.

The Final Showdown

At mile 63, Matt and Max were still in control, marking each other closely as they approached the decisive final climb. With four miles of rolling terrain before the finish, it was a game of patience and strategy. Matt, knowing the course inside and out, launched his attack at the base of the last climb. The GR3 responded flawlessly, translating every watt of power into forward momentum. For a moment, it looked like he might have the edge—but Max had just enough left in the tank to counter in the final meters, slipping by to take the win.

Matt crossed the line in second place with a time of 3 hours and 39 minutes—a full 16 minutes ahead of the next competitor. It was a showcase of tactical racing, pure determination, and the kind of performance that defines Argonaut’s approach to cycling: precision in every turn, commitment in every effort.

Closing Thoughts

This year’s Real West Gravel was a race of attrition, resilience, and heart. From Matt’s relentless drive at the front to Ryan’s selfless sacrifice, from Cory’s patient pacing to Ben’s refusal to quit, every Argonaut rider left it all out there. Gravel racing isn’t just about speed—it’s about problem-solving, adaptability, and an unwavering mindset.

Hungry for more? Check out Matt's firsthand race report, where he breaks down the action from his perspective and takes us inside the breakaway battle.

Until next time, keep pushing limits.