Slip on a Dirt Squad jersey and suddenly you're wrapped in something more than fabric—you’re embraced by a community that sees you, lifts you, and laughs with you—dust and all.
Because cycling is better together. It’s better when someone hands you a bottle, tells you “keep going” when your legs scream stop, and high-fives you at the line, even when you feel you just barely held on.
As one member beautifully puts it:
“Joining the team last year was a game-changer for me. With this incredible community, I learned the ins and outs of gravel cycling, pushed my limits, and grew more confident … it was a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement from my gravel family.” source
That gravel family plays out in real moments. Think of a smashed derailleur mid-race, solved by a teammate turning on a dime with tools in hand. Or first in-person meetups at Unbound, after months of digital high-fives, blossoming instantly into longstanding friendships. Or those pre-race dinners where pasta—and advice—flows freely.
Kim Jones, a native Emporian, described her homecoming beautifully:
“Participating in Unbound gave me a new perspective on my hometown … Maybe there’s no place like home.” source
That feeling of deep belonging was echoed by another member, Mark Miller, who painted the Dirt Squad as:
“just straight up, good people — friendly, encouraging, supportive, awesome folks. Even just knowing people are rooting for you sometimes is enough.” source
These quotes aren’t marketing fluff—they’re lifelines. They remind us that every ride is richer when you ride shoulder-to-shoulder with someone who cares.
On gravel loops or at bucket-list events like SBT GRVL, Mid South, or Unbound, the Dirt Squad transforms starts into reunions and finishes into celebrations. They make climbs feel climbable, miles feel meaningful, and memories feel infinite.
And yes, the custom Cuore kit they wear is built to handle whatever gravel throws at it—heat, grit, crosswinds. But for this crew, that jersey is more than performance gear. It’s a symbol—the people who’ve stood by you, pedaled with you, and believed in you, in fabric form.
Because with The Dirt Squad, you're never riding solo—you’re part of something bigger. And that truth? That’s worth more than any finish time.
