Slawta and Nystrom fastest at the 2025 Takelma Gravel Grinder

Perfect weather for a good day of gravel grinding in Canyonville with friends with a challenging loop of 55 miles with 43 of those timed with 6,000 ft of climbing

Photo: Amy Vantassel racing down the steeps of Canyonville for a 2nd overall finish in 3:33:59!

Photo: Amy Vantassel racing down the steeps of Canyonville for a 2nd overall finish in 3:33:59!

Amazing accommodations, service and support from Seven Feathers Casino Resort staff and volunteers was second to none. During the ride, aid stations with electrolyte drinks and other items were provided. Bike support offered on the course, as well as SAG vehicles.

The ride began inside the casino, before rolling towards the town of Canyonville and onto rural Tiller Trail Highway. Passing farm sand ranch landscapes along the South Umpqua River, soon riders experience the first climb of the ride with an average gradient of 9%, cresting to a spectacular valley view of Days Creek.

They continued to Chief Miwaleta Park, where refreshments awaited, before finishing the timed portion 13 miles from the Casino and then returning to Seven Feathers Casino Resort.

Upon completion, riders washed off their bikes and relaxed at the Squatchee Fest, enjoying food and beverage from the Seven Feathers Food Truck, compliments of the race organizers.

Overall Felipe Nystrom (Costa Rica p/b Gavia 88) was fastest in a time of 2:43:05 (15.7 mph) ahead of Broc Atkinson (Thirsty Bear) in second and Austen Davis (Adventure Squad) in third place.

In the women's category, Jenny Slawta (LandShark) was fastest in a time of 3:29:34 ahead of Amy Vantassel (ANTHM Collective) in second and Kim Ely (Boneyard Cycling) in third place.

In the team event, Adventure Squad consisting of Austen Davis, Eric Pitman and Julian Small were fastest in a combined time of 9:26:36 ahead of Landshark in second place and Perthes Awareness Cycling Team in third place.