So before I was “Mr Bum Butter” I started the UK's first ever Gravel cycling event.
Now in its 14th or 15 year it still a brilliant 100 mile weekend adventure…. a true classic.
Last week I was interviewed by Beyond Tarmac… with some great questions that had me thinking hard and looking at things from fresh angles. It was rather therapeutic.
“It’s not a race. It really is not. Racing is for losers. No one gives a flying hoot if you won a race. Your sponsors don’t care; they are just doing their job. Your family REALLY don’t care after years of standing around in a wet field waiting for you. Your colleagues don’t want to hear any more about it. Fact: over 99% of people who race… lose!”
I have been known to enjoy and endure a race from time to time... but I think 100 miles is the challenge, just doing 100 is a great achievement. So, why add the layer of nonsense that is doing it quicker than everyone else? It makes no sense to me. At the Gravel dash you are a winner, you just did a beautiful 100.
Beyond tarmac / Gravel Endurance is a great journal and source of cycling inspiration. Pop over and read the interview. It will ask you to subscribe, but don't worry, its a fully free subscription.
CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERVIEW
CLICK HERE FOR THE DORSET GRAVEL DASH
Written by Charlie Hobbs: Founder of Bum Butter
Charlie Hobbs (formally known as Charlie the Bikemonger) is a veteran of the British endurance sports industry and the founder of Bum Butter, the UK’s premier 100% natural, vegan anti-chafing cream. With a career spanning over four decades in off-road riding, Hobbs is a recognized pioneer in the UK gravel cycling scene, having founded the Dorset Gravel Dash—the UK's first ever gravel event—and invented the Clunker Classic. He was also a long-standing columnist and Merchandising Manager for Singletrack World Magazine, one of the world's leading cycling magazines and media outlets.
While his roots are in cycling, Charlie is also an active hiker, mountaineer, and runner, regularly testing the limits of Bum Butter on the trails of the Dorset Coast and Hebden Bridge. This "on-the-ground" experience as both a cyclist and a runner ensures that every batch of Bum Butter is formulated to withstand the specific friction demands of ultra-running and high-mileage training.
After 16 years as the owner of the renowned retail shop Bikemonger, Hobbs transitioned to focus on high-performance athlete care. He currently serves as the Lead Director of Bum Butter Ltd, where he oversees the business of handmade, petrochemical-free chamois balms used by Olympic gold medalists and everyday athletes alike.