Rebecca Rusch
2022 Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame inductee, Rebecca Rusch, has spent more than 30 years chasing ‘firsts’. From championship titles, to race wins and endurance records, Rusch lives in pursuit of what’s next. And through her success, she inspires others to strive to achieve their own goals.
Already an accomplished multi-sport adventure and mountain bike racer when she found gravel, Rusch is a three-time DK200 (now Unbound Gravel) champion. Her grit, determination, and persistence made her evolution into a gravel racer a seamless one.
In addition to competing in gravel events, Rusch also hosts her own annual gravel race, Rebecca’s Private Idaho. The four-day event explores the roads around Rusch’s Sun Valley, Idaho home.
Rusch’s impact on the cycling world is underscored by the numerous awards and recognitions she’s received. Outside Magazine recognized her as one of the Top 40 Women Who Have Made the Biggest Impact, and by Men’s Journal as one of the 25 Most Adventurous Women in the past 25 years. She has also been inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. To highlight her prowess, she has been named “Queen of Pain”.
Today, Rusch’s performances on the race course continue to inspire athletes to push themselves further. Her work through her Be Good Foundation™ has helped to create lasting positive change by using the bicycle as a catalyst for healing, empowerment, and evolution. To date, Rusch’s events have raised more than $500,000 for bicycle-related charities.
Rusch’s deep belief in the power and freedom of the bicycle has driven her to continually expand opportunities for women to participate in cycling and outdoor sports. Her women’s-specific bike clinics and organized rides have successfully introduced countless female athletes to cycling.
As one of the greatest endurance athletes of our time, Rusch is committed to using the bike not just to express her own desire for discovery, connection, risk, reward, and satisfaction, but also as a vehicle for positive change. Her work inspires and challenges others to find fun, adventure, fulfillment, and purpose in pursuit of their personal and community goals.
