Many of you may not know Joe Billesbach, the man behind the Solstice 100 Gravel Grinder, so we "sat down" with him and asked him a few questions about himself and his thoughts so far on organizing his inaugural Solstice 100. The plan is to do another 5 questions after the race and see if any of his thoughts or experiences are different, what he might change and what he loved about the experience. So, without further ado, Joe Billesbach folks...
Tell us a little bit about yourself, where are you from,
what are your interests, what makes Joe tick?
Born and raised in Beatrice NE and still a current resident,
co-owner of Leo’s Jewelers, current City Council member, single with one
daughter. I have always liked biking since I was a kid, but got away from it
later in my years. Took up running and was an avid long distance runner for
many years, completing multiple 5K & 10Ks, over 25 half marathons and one
full marathon. I gave all that up last year and decided to put more time in on the
bikes.
I would assume that since you started a Gravel race you
must be into gravel racing, why gravel, what is it about gravel racing or
riding that interests you?
I had always considered myself a roadie for years, but when
I purchased my first fat bike Dec of 2015, I found that the off roads were a
pleasure to ride on! I bought my first gravel bike last June and dove right
into the gravel rides and races! There is so much more to see when you’re
travelling the back roads of the Midwest….the old farms, it's like going back
in time! And the hills!!!
What on earth possessed you to start your own gravel
race?
We felt a need to introduce gravel riders to a part of SE
Nebraska that not a lot have experienced. There will be some flat fast areas,
rolling hills, steep hills, and even a few MMR’s. I also wanted to give back to
the gravel community by providing another event to ride in. And my plans are
that if we have a good turnout, I would like to donate a portion of the profits
to the maintenance of the new Chief Standing Bear Trail!
So far what have you learned from your experience
organizing gravel race, what is your take away so far?
I have reached out to the promoters of several other rides
that I have participated in, like Gravel Worlds, the Omaha Jackrabbit, Pony
Express 120 Gravel Dash, Odin’s Revenge, Gravelleurs Raid, Cool Hand Luke, and
the Good Life Gravel Gran Fondo. I have found that everyone has been very
helpful with any questions that I had for them and they were eager to lend a
hand however they could. And I have had the help and support from so many of my
good friends!
Two part question, A) what do you hope the racers take
away from this race or what do you hope they get out of it? B) What needs to
happen in your mind for this race to be considered a success in your mind?
A) I hope the riders have a good time out there! I consider
this a great training event for Gravel Worlds, as it will get them out on good
gravel and a variety of different style roads. It is a self supportive ride, but
there will be two small SAG stops, plus a couple of other possibilities for
riders to stop and refuel in the smaller communities they pass through.
B) Great weather! LOL!!
I would love to see the event go as planned and flawlessly. Even though
we were planning for 100 riders this first year, I believe that if we even get
half that amount, it will be a success! Hoping that everyone will enjoy the
custom shirts and finishers patch, as well as a burger and beer at the finish!
And I hope that everyone comes back again next year!
