In a cycling world increasingly driven by exclusivity and rising costs, The Ten Thousand reminds us what gravel riding is really about—community, accessibility, and shared experience. This piece reflects on how event pricing affects the spirit of gravel, highlights voices like Stu Garwick and Bobby Wintle, and shares the mission behind RIDE GRVL: to build something free, authentic, and rooted in connection. Gravel isn’t a product—it’s a culture worth protecting.