Talking Camp Life with Houda
Kevin “Houda” McDonald exploring the TRGR route.
Kevin “Houda” McDonald worked his first event assisting with logistics at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. A quarter of a century later, McDonald is still in the business of organizing good times.
McDonald has been managing operations at TransRockies Run since 2008 and will be in charge of venue operations at this year’s inaugural Gravel Royale. “It’s a rewarding job. People come away, and this sounds kinda drastic, but it [multi-day events] can change the course of someone’s life.”
The events McDonald runs offer opportunities for chance encounters that have sparked new lifepaths and lasting connections. Creating that atmosphere is largely due to a crew that shares McDonald’s and the TransRockies organization’s vision and values.
Multi-day events like the Gravel Royale are a chance to experience the collective nature of the alt-surface community. If only for a few days, riders will live a substantially different lifestyle- camping in wild settings alongside a few hundred like-minded folks.
“It’s a traveling circus. People think we have two sets of everything but we don’t.” Says McDonald. As soon as the gun goes off, the crew gets to work packing up camp, traveling to the next destination and setting up before the riders arrive.
So, What’s Camp Life Like?
Nipika Camp
After crossing the finish line, most riders have a salty snack. Then, they give their bike a rinse at the bike wash station. Next, riders head to the luggage truck to pick up their gear before choosing a tent for the night. Once settled, a well deserved suds up at the shower truck is in order. What comes after that is dealer's choice. Maybe your bike needs a more detailed look so you take it over to the Bike Therapy tent. Perhaps a nap, swim, massage, or some yard games before dinner?
One place that’s sure to be a good time is Chillville, the relaxed, social zone where riders can swap stories and enjoy a variety of refreshments. Adirondack chairs for lounging and a campfire keep the vibes on point.
All that riding means metabolisms will be stoked. Dinner opens at five p.m. each night. A delicious menu of healthy catered calories is followed by an awards ceremony for the stage and announcements are made about the day ahead.
After dinner is more free time. Chillville’s fire will be going until around nine p.m. when most racers make their way to their tents for the eventing.
Up Bright and Early!
Each day starts with a hot breakfast from six to seven a.m. After breakfast, riders get their bikes and kit ready for the day, pack their luggage and take it to the truck to be loaded. Stages start at eight!
Beyond the hundreds of kilometers of beautiful dirt roads, riders of the Gravel Royale have an opportunity to commune. “Camp life, that’s where the bonds form and friendships are created.” Says McDondald.