Gravel isn’t just a surface. It’s a test—of strength, patience, resolve. At Unbound Gravel, North America’s most iconic gravel race, every mile writes its own story. And this year, Pactimo was proud to ride alongside the Mountain Pedaler/Dusty Boot Team as they added a powerful new chapter.

Racing the legendary 200-mile course through Kansas’ unforgiving Flint Hills, Haley Dumke made her debut in the elite women’s field. The conditions were brutal: early crashes, thick mud, unrelenting heat. But with teammate Sam Brown by her side for critical miles, Haley didn’t just survive—she earned a Wild Card spot in the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix.

“Well, I can now confirm that the Flint Hills are as chaotic and challenging as they say!” Haley said after the race. Her race-day began before dawn, coming off a tough week of illness and uncertainty. “I decided to at least start the race and see how I was feeling—if it was bad, I’d call it.”

From the first 10 miles, it was clear that Unbound would demand everything. A crash at mile four left her with a bruised bicep and bent hoods. Another forced her off-road to avoid the pileup. But she found her rhythm—and Sam.

Together, they moved through the chaos: regrouping after aid station mayhem, navigating greasy minimum maintenance roads, and setting a steady tempo through the hottest part of the course. “Sam put together a fun and spicy bike setup for me,” Haley noted, referencing their strategic choice to prioritize comfort and control with a suspension fork and burly tires.

By mile 168, the effort was taking its toll. “My stomach took a bad turn and I couldn’t hang onto the pace,” Haley said. But knowing Sam and the Dusty Boot team were behind her kept the fire lit. “I was too far in to quit.”

With no teammates in sight, she soloed the final 35 miles, pouring water over herself, pushing through cramps, and—true to gravel form—towing a few weary riders who promised her beers at the finish. “Haven’t seen any of those yet!” she laughed.

She crossed the line exhausted, elated—and qualified for one of off-road racing’s most elite series.

“I’m still taking all of that in,” Haley said. “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to race in this elite field and I’m looking forward to going on this ride together.”

Sam, who’s no stranger to the suffering of Unbound, saw in Haley a rising talent—someone who pushed past pain, heat, and doubt to show what’s possible with support, preparation, and belief. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “The Dusty Boot Team’s mission is to lift up developing riders. And Haley showed exactly why we’re doing this.”

At Pactimo, we’re honored to support athletes like Sam and Haley—riders who aren’t just racing; they’re leading. Through every rough mile, every quiet push, and every breakthrough moment, they remind us that greatness is forged—not found.

Next up: the GoPro Mountain Games, where Haley will trade gravel for dirt in short track and XC MTB. This time, she’s not chasing a breakthrough—she’s building on it.

Follow Haley and Sam at @itshaleydumke and @sambrown.748