2024: Postcard Registration

In the annals of gravel cycling history, there exists a quaint yet profound tradition, a relic of a bygone era when the world moved at a slower pace, and the thrill of adventure was accompanied by the flutter of paper and the placement of a stamp. We honor and immortalize this practice as we induct “Postcard Entry” as the next Gravel Icon into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame.

Picture it: a rider, fueled by passion and a passion for the open road, sitting down at a wooden desk with pen in hand, carefully inscribing their name, address, and race preferences onto a simple postcard. With each stroke of the pen, they commit not only to the race itself but to the journey of preparation and anticipation that lies ahead.

The act of registering for a gravel race by postcard was more than just a logistical necessity; it was a ritual—a tangible connection between rider and event, a gesture of commitment that transcended the digital realm. Now in an age when instant communication reigns supreme, the simplicity of the postcard harkens us back to a time when patience was a virtue and anticipation was savored.

But the significance of this practice extends far beyond mere nostalgia. It speaks to the heart of gravel cycling—the spirit of community, camaraderie, and shared experience. For every postcard that found its way into the hands of race organizers, there was a rider eagerly awaiting the challenge that lay ahead, united by a common love for the open road and the thrill of the ride.

As we honor the sometimes forgotten practice of registering for races by postcard with its induction into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame, let us also celebrate the riders and promoters, past and present, who have embraced the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines our sport. May the memory of this tradition serve as a reminder of the simple joys of gravel cycling, and may it inspire future generations to cherish the journey as much as the destination.