I took a gravel bike to a mountain bike race (Road Apple Rally 2025)

Video Description

This video is sponsored by Zero Zero Robotics. Make sure to check out the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX 8K self-flying camera: https://sydandmacky.com/hover (use code "HOVERAir15" for $15 off) It seems like the thing this year is putting drop bars on mountain bikes, but I decided to take it a step further and race my gravel bike at a mountain bike race. Over the last few years Syd and I have raced the Road Apple Rally a number of times. Held annually in Farmington, New Mexico since 1981, it's the longest continuously running mountain bike race in America. The 30 mile course over sandy and swoopy singletrack isn’t technical – but what it lacks in rocks and roots it makes up for with fast-paced tactical racing and a high caliber field. Due to Farmington’s proximity to Durango, Colorado, it isn’t unusual to see former Olympians, world cup racers and top young talent on the start line. I’ve raced this event a number of times, and never finished better than 5th. I've also always wondered how it would be to race the Road Apple Rally on a gravel bike. So when our bike sponsor, Ari Bikes, announced the new Shafer 3.0 gravel that has clearance for up to 2.25" mountain bike tires, I decided I was going to try something different. If you want to help keep this channel going: https://www.sydandmacky.com/joinus Join team Syd and Macky on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sydandmacky Not into Patreon but still want to help? Hit that "Subscribe" button - it's free! Join us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/sydandmacky/join https://venmo.com/u/sydandmacky https://www.paypal.me/sydandmacky Or hit the "Thanks" button above Eating Wins Races cookbook: https://eatingwinsraces.com/ Syd and Macky merch: https://sydandmacky.com/store Our gear recommendations (with tips, tricks and commentary): https://www.sydandmacky.com/gear The companies that support our racing: Ari Bikes - https://www.sydandmacky.com/ari (use this URL to automatically get for a free tubeless upgrade -- just make sure to add the tubeless upgrade when customizing your build) Shokz headphones - https://sydandmacky.com/shokz COROS DURA cycling computer - https://sydandmacky.com/dura Skratch - https://www.sydandmacky.com/skratch (use code SYDANDMACKY for 20% off your first order) Lazer Helmets - https://www.sydandmacky.com/lazer (15% discount should show in cart, if not, use code "SYDANDMACKY") Durner Performance (Coach Mike's training plans) - https://www.sydandmacky.com/durnerperformance Feedback Sports - https://www.sydandmacky.com/feedbacksports NOBL wheels - https://www.sydandmacky.com/nobl (use code "sydmackynobl10" for 10% off) Berd spokes - https://www.sydandmacky.com/berd (use code "sydandmacky" for 10% off) Maxxis - https://www.sydandmacky.com/maxxis Primal bike clothing - https://www.sydandmacky.com/primal Shimano - https://www.sydandmacky.com/shimano Xpedo pedals - https://www.sydandmacky.com/xpedo (select the "Syd and Macky" checkbox and enter your email to get 20% off) Velo saddles - https://www.sydandmacky.com/velo (use code "sydandmacky" for 20% off) Fox suspension and dropper posts - https://www.sydandmacky.com/fox Fanttik X10 Ace mini air compressor - http://sydandmacky.com/x10mini HOVERAir drone flying camera - http://sydandmacky.com/hover (use code "sydandmacky" for $10 off) Muul Mounts - https://www.sydandmacky.com/muul (use code "sydandmacky" for 15% off) Check out our other YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/sydfixesbikes Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/sydandmacky/ *Disclaimer - some of our links are affiliate links so we get a small percentage of any purchase you make via our link. It doesn't change the price for you, just helps us keep making videos! Also, we're professional athletes, so many of the products we use and mention we didn't pay for.