Gravel Race: Don’t Get Left Behind at Pennsylvania’s The Quick & The Dead

The second annual The Quick & The Dead Gravel Race was held on Saturday, September 28th in Pennsylvania.

Based in Confluence, which is situated southeast of Pittsburgh in the Allegheny Mountains, the event offered distances of 68 and 48 miles, both of which headed up and over the highest point in the Keystone State, Mt. Davis. All told, the long route included nearly 7,500 feet of climbing and plenty of gravel.

Riders roll along at The Quick & The Dead Gravel Race.

This year, 163 racers lined up at the start line for what would be an adventure most would soon not forget. With the warmer than anticipated temperatures which reached well into the mid-80s, it was a long day in the saddle for many.

The race started this year with the Confluence Fire Department leading the way through town in their shiny yellow fire truck with the lights a blaring. It was truly a sight to see! You see, it was a rolling mass start as normal, so the bicycle racers pretty much took Oden Street hostage for about 5 minutes.

Once they got past the Confluence VFW the race was on. With around 4 miles to go until the first sustained climb of the day, all the racers rode tempo chatting and finding their place in line. After the first climb, things began to change and by the time the race hit the first major intersection in Listonburg it had already strung out to be a few miles long.

Riders roll toward the first climb while on pavement. photo: The Quick & The Dead Gravel Race

The early leader for the women was Hayley Wickstrom of the Pittsburgh area, and for the men, a group of three that included Tim Mitchell from Boston, Matt Waller from State College, PA and Ben Meer from Columbus, Ohio broke off the front.

Wickstrom kept the Women’s lead throughout the rest of the race and took the “Annie Oakley” category win and finished 11th overall. Mackenzie Marcinko of Delaware took second and Alexandria Shewcyzk of Pittsburgh finished third.

Hayley Wickstrom took the Women’s win. photo: The Quick & The Dead Gravel Race

Meer had a mechanical around Mile 25, but he came roaring back to take over the lead and take the win in a time of just under 4 hours. Mitchell finished second and Walter third.

Ben Meer was feeling good vibes after his mechanical issue. photo: The Quick & The Dead GG

As with all gravel races, everyone who descended on the gravel confluence in Confluence had a story to tell from the 2019 The Quick & The Dead GravelRace. The stories being told at the end of the day were something to hear.

With the 2019 race a success, you can bet it will be back in 2019. The event drew racers from all around the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States. From as far away as Michigan to the local racers from Somerset County.

Reports from the 2019 The Quick & The Dead Gravel Grinder were laudatory of the organization and support provided by volunteers and the fire departments. The Confluence Fire Department hosted a post-race catered dinner for all participants and volunteers.

The volunteer fire departments of Confluence, Addison, Salisbury, Meyersdale, Garrett, Rockwood and New Centerville supported the race by flagging intersections along the racecourse and providing EMS support just in case of an incident. Thankfully it was never needed. All the racers returned safely with only a few minor incidents.

Results for the Long Course race are below. Full results are available online.

Women's Results: 2019 The Quick & The Dead Gravel Grinder

Men's Results: 2019 The Quick & The Dead Gravel Grinder