Lewiston’s own Kyle Rancourt has been riding bicycles his whole life, though it wasn’t until 2011 that he began riding daily and competitively, he says.
Rancourt has worked at his family’s footwear and apparel business, Rancourt & Co, for 16 years. (Rancourt is known for producing the footwear for the U.S. Olympic team for the opening and closing ceremonies.) In 2023 he started his own apparel venture called Pinebury, selling clothes made of merino wool to be worn for cycling and other physical endurance activities — all made in the United States, he says. Patrick Dempsey wore a Pinebury top during the Dempsey Challenge last year.
Rancourt has participated in the Challenge since 2013 and this year he helped develop the new gravel route, which is about 30% gravel. He suggested adding the route to previous Dempsey Center CEO Cara Valentino and it became a reality this year.
He offers some information and advice for those interested in knowing more about gravel riding.
What got you into cycling? I was looking for a way to stay in shape and be competitive in my mid-20s, but what kept me in it is the joy and freedom of riding a bike.
What is gravel riding? Gravel cycling is riding on dirt roads and Class IV/ATV trails on a road bike with bigger tires. The bike is light and fast, but the larger tires allow you to ride varied terrain more safely and comfortably.
Why do you think it has become so popular? Gravel cycling has become so popular because it allows cyclists more freedom to ride a variety of terrain away from busy roads and cars.
Do you think the gravel route at this year’s Dempsey Challenge will be popular? I hope so. It is a very popular gravel route for cyclists in southern Maine, so I believe that the Challenge participants will enjoy the new challenge of this route.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in attempting gravel riding? I’d recommend practicing riding off of paved roads to get some experience, take it slow at first until you become confident handling your bike on gravel, and make sure you have the right equipment. All of these recommendations will make for a much more enjoyable experience.
What do you hope participants will get out of this year’s gravel route at the Dempsey Challenge? I hope that participants have a fun and challenging ride that feels rewarding when they finish. The route is not easy, but in my experience it makes the experience so much more rewarding when it tests your limits. I also hope it can introduce the sport of gravel cycling to some new people and they fall in love with it.
