Bighorn Gravel has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most demanding and rewarding gravel races in Colorado. With a rugged route that traverses over 85 miles through the White River National Forest and climbs more than 10,000 feet—topping out above 11,000 feet—this is an event that challenges both mind and body.
For Pactimo athletes Sam Brown and Haley Dumke (Mountain Pedaler/Dusty Boot), Bighorn Gravel is more than a race. It’s a home turf proving ground, a place where training, strategy, and resilience are put to the ultimate test.
On a course defined by steep fire roads, deep “moon dust,” and unpredictable winds, every decision matters. From pacing on the climbs to line choice on the descents, Bighorn Gravel demands experience and composure.
Sam stayed tactical throughout, managing his effort early and reconnecting with the lead group just before the day’s biggest climb—an 18-mile grinder with 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
“It wasn’t just about fitness,” he said. “It was about smart riding, working together, and knowing when to push and when to recover.”
Partnering up with a former teammate, Sam handled the gnarly terrain and fast, technical downhills with confidence. After a brutal final climb and solo time trial effort to the finish, he clinched 4th place—his second year finishing just shy of the podium, but a personal win in terms of progress.
Haley’s race was a test of patience and perseverance. Dealing with harsh conditions—dust, wind, and heat—she started conservatively to manage her breathing and overall effort. Riding solo for much of the day, she pushed through over 8,000 feet of climbing before being caught by two riders from a rival team.
“I was told Sam had a great result, and that gave me the motivation to dig in on the final climb,” she shared.
Haley’s technical skills helped her catch one of her competitors just before the pavement section. Despite pushing over 50 mph on the final descent, she narrowly missed the podium, finishing 6th—just 10 seconds out.
“I’m proud of the ride,” she said. “I gave everything I had and was able to celebrate with Sam and our community at the finish line.”
At Pactimo, we’re proud to support athletes, clubs, and events that represent the true spirit of cycling—resilience, camaraderie, and passion. Bighorn Gravel embodies everything we love about the sport: a connection to wild places, the thrill of performance, and the strength of community.
From elite racers to weekend warriors, we’re committed to outfitting every kind of rider with the custom apparel they need to perform their best, look great, and celebrate the ride.
Whether you’re climbing your first gravel pass or chasing a podium spot at altitude, Pactimo Custom is here to support your journey.
Follow Haley and Sam at @itshaleydumke and @sambrown.748
Learn more about Bighorn Gravel
