Episode 21 - BWR Arizona and Grasshopper Huffmaster Race Recap

n this episode, Ed Philbrick joins Derin aka DS and Kurt “KS” Stockton to recap two key events in the gravel calendar: Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona and the Grasshopper Adventure Series Huffmaster Hopper 2026. The hosts discuss race tactics, equipment trends, and bike handling insights that influence performance on modern gravel courses. They also reflect on the evolving technology behind gravel bikes, including tire size, suspension, and wheel design. Along the way, they share personal riding experiences and highlight the community spirit that defines gravel racing. Chapters (00:00:00) - Service Course Report(00:04:31) - Modern Tech(00:07:13) - How To Mount A Tire(00:12:17) - Riding the Grasshopper(00:17:15) - Who Won the Hoof Master and Women's(00:18:40) - The Short Course Championship(00:21:34) - Haley Batten Solo Wins Desert Grand Prix(00:27:09) - Dirt Cactus Cup(00:32:14) - Matthew Vanderpool's Flanders Crash(00:36:34) - Trentine's fall at the Tour(00:41:06) - What Went Wrong With The Tour?(00:46:24) - Carbon spokes in female cycling(00:50:03) - Amateur Cycling: What Went Wrong?(00:53:21) - Blinded by Science(01:00:49) - Wide Tire Early Adopters(01:02:43) - Gravel Bikes: Suspension(01:07:59) - Full Suspension Gravel Bikes(01:12:03) - Mountain Bike Keeps You Away From Cars(01:13:39) - I Blinded By The Science Of It(01:17:34) - Cyclist on a 4610 Chainring(01:19:15) - The Positive Pete(01:20:59) - BWR Arizona Event Production Team Positive Pete(01:25:07) - Episode 21