The Takelma Gravel Grinder 2021 was nothing short of grueling climbs up and down many rugged logging roads in the scorching heat. These brave adventure cyclists confronted the intense, extended heatwave that Southern Oregon has been experiencing over the past week with temps over 100-Fahrenheit, yet they battled the mountain roads of the beautiful Takelma Valley with gusto and smiles!
Yes! Bikes in Casinos!
This is one cycling event that boasts a very unique start with a slow-paced fan-fare ride through slot machines and blackjack tables at the host location, Seven Feathers Casino & Resort. Apparently, this is a historical event for casinos overall! (Check out my photo journal video of this at the end of the post). If you’re interested in this event, get registered for 2022 here at Mudslinger.com.
These great events can’t happen without amazing sponsors! This is where my photography is focused.
The event coordinator, Mudslinger Events have great sponsors such as the host, 7 Feathers, and the local, Takelma Roasting Co., and of course nutrition products like Hammer Nutrition and Bob’s Red Mill, and don’t forget, some great sponsored prizes for the athletes, primo gravel ready tires by Panaracer Gravel King +. I love the quaint coffee grinder trophies too!
I’m hired by the event director through Mudslinger and my primary photography role is to capture great shots for social media and heavily highlight the sponsors of the race. That can be anything from the city and venue hosting, product sponsors, and athletes with sponsor kits (see the first image of rider, Denny with Hammer Nutrition) or hardware (tires handlebars, frames, helmets, etc.). When possible, capture sponsored tents and products at Aid stations (couldn’t get them at this one) and anything that will work for media and marketing purposes.
Smiles for miles even in the scorching heat and steep climbs!
Along with my other jobs, I of course capture so many fun athletes cycling their hearts out on these crazy gravel roads, enjoy some of my favorite shots of these amazing people!
🎥 Check out this short video-photo montage from my stationed spot at the top of mile 35, sweating my eyeballs out just watching these guys and girls making the treacherously hot climb! 🚴🏼♀️
I enjoy capturing some simple video clips with my iPhone when I’m out at events, especially when I’m stationed on a beautiful, remote mountaintop waiting for cyclists to make the strenuous climb in this intense heatwave we’ve been experiencing. I’m no videographer but have for a long time, wanted to start putting together small “photo journals” on the great jobs I get to take on as a photographer… if for anything but a little video editing practice. Enjoy this video-photo montage of my primary view from the top of the 57-mile BOLD Route. I believe I was around 35-miles in on this crazy climb.
