Meet Dustin

Fighting cancer just to get to the start line

Dustin raced the 2020 Red Granite Grinder, but the epic snow wasn’t his only battle on race day.  Just making it to the start line was a battle.  Dustin was diagnosed with prostate cancer, undergoing surgery in May, hormone therapy in September and beginning radiation just days before the race.  Every day is a new experience for Dustin, requiring a flexible plan. So Dustin took a similar approach to the 2020 Red Granite Grinder weather and braved the elements all the way to the finish line alongside friends.  Then he returned in 2021, with a finish near the front of the pack.

"Training while receiving treatment (38 days of radiation and hormone therapy to block testosterone) was a challenge. I still feel I'm coming back,” said Dustin following the 2021 event. 

Dangling carrot

Dustin realizes he may not return to the level he was pre-cancer but he’s grateful he can still run, ride, and ski. “I haven't given up,” said Dustin.  “If I'm honest some days are better than others, but they all are better than the alternative of doing nothing. I try to remain positive and just want to show that a diagnosis of cancer doesn't mean you're done. It has changed me but I have learned to adapt and keep pushing.” 

Dustin compares events like the Red Granite Grinder to the “little carrot dangling out in front to chase” as motivation. “I need a goal to keep me focused while training,” said Dustin following the 2021 event.  “This was a great end of season event and kept me motivated during the year. I would have liked to do the 85 mile event, but I've learned to listen to my body during the last year and a half.”

Going solo

Riding and most outdoor sports are usually solo adventures for Dustin. Working a blue collar shift work job tends to lead to getting out the door at odd hours. Working most weekends tends to also make riding with friends a little more challenging. In fact, he had planned to compete at the inaugural 2019 Red Granite Grinder, but work got in the way.

Nonetheless, riding with friends, new and old, is a highlight for Dustin at events.  “I love the chance to explore new roads and trails and to meet new people,” said Dustin. 

Exploration & competition

Dustin has been toeing the start line of all types of events since 1986. Every one brings new challenges, new experiences and amazing people.

The 2020 Red Granite Grinder was Dustin’s third ever gravel event. Dustin didn’t ease into the sport, picking challenging events.  The hills at the Badlands Gravel Battle in North Dakota and the unrelenting wind at the Grit Gravel Grind in Kansas on a tough course challenged Dustin.  But that’s why Dustin enjoys being out there – to  compete against himself and other riders. “There's nothing like trying to bridge a gap to the group ahead or making a move at the end to stop the clock just a few seconds quicker. I can never quite recreate that race day adrenaline that helps push a person just a little harder.” 

Dustin just celebrated one year cancer-free and would like to step up to the 85 mile event at the 2022 Red Granite Grinder. “I will be back, hopefully for years to come,” said Dustin. “And maybe the extra challenge of a few more miles next year.”