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Paulina Simons

@paulinermonster

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Cycling Squad: @rescue_racing
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The first stretch of the Mountaineer Monster is quite remote, at least in terms of a town with resupply options, so we set up a neutral aid station at Mile 29 for all riders. Water, Coke, candy, chips, and more filled the folding table, and a few chairs were available for weary riders to rest.

@bluecollarbicycle showed up with his mobile repair van and was promptly put to work, lubing chains and fixing flats.

With this morning’s 30ºF merely a memory, layers were shed as the sun blazed down and temps rose into the 60s. Bellies and feed bags full, cyclists focused on their next goals. For many, a shorter ride to @screechowlbrewing is all that’s on tap for the day, but for riders on the 275 and 465, their next moves and sleeping destinations are less certain.

Photos by @dennypry

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Emotions were mixed in the pre-dawn light as riders gathered for the mass start of the Mountaineer Monster Grand Depart. Race Director David Landis (@dplandis) gave some final words of wisdom as cyclists made sure their trackers were working with the @followmychallengeusa map. The horn of a bugle rang through the hills as Grant Rumble (@g_rumble_93) sent the cyclists off on their adventures.

The race is officially underway. Head over to the tracking map in our bio for all your dot-watching needs. Keep your eyes peeled for more visual coverage right here on our socials.

Photos by @dennypry

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Riders of the Mountaineer Monster (Part 3)

While this year’s weather forecast might be more welcoming than last year’s, the route is the same, and the roads are still chunky. Like autumn leaves clinging to trees, West Virginia’s hills will show their true colors, as pavement gives way to gravel and eventually dirt.

More than 70 riders will set off for a wild and wonderful experience today at 7:30AM, tackling either 110, 275, or 465 miles through Mountaineer Country. Follow their dots, and keep an eye out for Mothman, on the @followmychallengeusa map, linked in our bio.

Photos by @dennypry

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A pretty good September.

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Meet Paulina Simons (@paulinermonster), the first rider in our series Riders and Rigs of the Mountaineer Monster!

Paulina will be riding the 275-mile route on her custom steel bike from @bigblockbikes. “It’s my daily driver gravel rig - I’m hoping to set the women’s FKT on it! Ideally I snag the overall FKT, but we’ll see who all shows up :)”

“I ride for a team called @rescue_racing based out of Raleigh/Durham, NC! Our goal is to raise awareness for and support our local rescues and shelters - we really love dogs (and cats)!”

Good luck, Paulina! You’re gonna smash it.

#hereforthewomensrace

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July

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GRUSK 2026
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Best weekend with the best people 🚵🏼‍♀️ 55 miles + 5000' of climbing + 3rd female 🥉

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As always @gruskwv reminds me what heaven must look like. Beautiful views, the funnest descents ever and even a ton of climbing can't keep a smile off yr face

So so happy I got to share this weekend with such an amazing group of folks. Couldn't ask for much more

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Pink Podium Club 🩷💚 GRIT 2026
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2nd place 🥈
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Thanks to @latham_hardee for the photos, @bell_lap_cycleworks for the new bike, @dani.k.king and @hannah_zz for pushing me on the course, @paulinermonster for the pasta party and the whole @rescue_racing squad for showing up and crushing it 🚴🏼‍♀️⚡

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GRIT 2026 🔥 11 of our riders came out, we rolled DEEP y’all!!!
FULL PINK PODIUM for the Ladies 4/5!!!!!!! 💖
2nd in the Ladies P/1/2/3!!
3rd in the Open 3/4!!

Thank you @oakcitycyclingteam and @torc_nc for putting on our favorite event of the year!

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@bell_lap_cycleworks
@ventumracing
@addra_labs
@fsa_road
@vision_tech_usa
@varlo.apparel
@thedailydurham
@stadlerdesign_architecture

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There is still time to sign up for the May 10th GRIT race. There's a variety of categories including mtb. Come out to the Wake Med Soccer field and watch some great racing. The @oakcitycyclingteam always host fantastic events! Don't miss it.
#gravelcrit #gravelbike

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My last official group ride in the triangle before I head out was indeed a success. Thanks @old_north_cycling_team for an incredible last roll around Umstead! I can't wait to be back with cool bikes and cool stories. #ridebikeshavefunfeelgood

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