Amanda Nauman Sheek
Athlete,Promoter,Storyteller,Industry Leader,Routeur
While Amanda Nauman Sheek may be best known as a professional gravel cyclist, her work to promote the positive aspects of gravel cycling has had a profound and lasting impact.
With an early background in mountain bike and cyclocross racing, Sheek’s transition into the gravel world was met with quick success. Her resilience and detail-oriented nature combined with fierce competitiveness to propel Sheek to the top of the podium in the gravel’s largest events. And she’s done it all while also working full-time as a quality manager in the Aerospace industry.
Sheek is a two-time Unbound 200 champion and holds the distinction of winning one of the toughest editions of the event –– the infamous “mud year” in 2015. She followed it up with another victory at the event in 2016, and two second place finishes in the subsequent years. A podium threat anytime she toes the line, Sheek is a five-time winner at the Rock Cobbler. She’s also topped the podium at Mid-South and Belgian Waffle Ride California and has finished on the Unbound XL podium.
Beyond her on-bike achievements, Sheek is a recognized thought leader in gravel cycling. Her long-running podcast, Groadio, provides inspiration for aspiring cyclists, and insight on the sport’s toughest topics. Her development into a media role gave her the opportunity to host some of the earliest social media live streams for big events, where she gave the women’s race the coverage it deserved.
Sheek’s acumen for product testing has also made her a valuable asset to the companies she’s partnered with. Additionally, Sheek demonstrates her commitment to preserving the rich history of gravel cycling as a Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Advisory Board member.
Sheek and her husband, Dave are co-founders of Mammoth TUFF, a challenging gravel event in Mammoth Lakes, CA. The event showcases the beauty and challenge of the local terrain, and its culture has positively contributed to the growth and diversity in the gravel cycling scene.
After three years of running Mammoth TUFF as an independent event, in 2025 the Sheeks made the event one of the first ever US-based UCI Gravel World Series events. The move showcases Sheek’s desire to continually innovate, raise the bar and push the sport forward.
Sheek’s impact as an athlete, promoter, industry leader and advocate for the gravel cycling community is significant. It’s helped countless athletes and enthusiasts find their own unique love of the sport through a unique combination of inspiration, empowerment and shared perspective.
