Iowa Gravel Series

David Cleasby

Race Director – Silver City

Dave Cleasby (a.k.a. Michelle’s hubby/bike mechanic) is the Director of Operations for the Iowa Gravel Series. Dave’s day job is Project Manager for a team of software developers (think cat herding).  He has served as president and board member for the Omaha Velo Club which has hosted races for Road, Time Trial, MTB, Gravel and Cyclo-Cross. Dave also co-leads a weekly group ride on Zwift called Faster Masters. He is excited to take on this new challenge by helping to organize events across Iowa.

Michelle and Dave live in Council Bluffs with their 3 dogs (who you’ll meet at the races).  In our spare time we traverse the state in our camper exploring gravel and single track.  Other hobbies include fly fishing, building wheels, coffee roasting, and geeking out on audiophile gear.

Michelle Cleasby

Race Director – Silver City

Michelle Cleasby and her husband, Dave, started their cycling adventures as roadies and quickly expanded into the CX, gravel and mountain bike scenes shortly after.  Always being an Iowa gal, Michelle appreciates the laid back and wholesome atmospheres that the Midwest communities offer.  Exploring and tackling the MMR’s is Michelle’s favorite part of gravel riding as the B roads uniquely challenge the skills of every cyclist.

With every gravel ride, Michelle recalls the helpful advice received at her very first event:

• Pick a line (even if there isn’t one).
• Do not make any sudden movements.
• Try not to death grip the handlebars.
• Pop up out the saddle every chance you get.
• Let your bike float.

Casey Ralston

Race Director – Albia Holy Cow

Casey grew up here in Iowa, but has lived in San Diego for the past 23 years. He’s excited to be back in the midwest and to be a part of what is an amazing cycling scene in The Des Moines area. He has been particularly impressed with the local gravel scene. On any given day you can ride with friends, or pros, or friends who ARE pros. The Iowa Gravel Series is an opportunity for him to combine two things he loves; playing bikes and meeting awesome new people. Look for him at the next IGS event and come say “Hi”.

Robert Laughlin

Race Director – Waukon 100

Robert Laughlin has been biking and tinkering with bikes off and on throughout his life. He started getting more dedicated to it over ten years ago, after he met his wife, Jana, while biking and has become a shared passion for them.  They spent several years doing primarily road riding back in the Chicagoland area before coming to the Cedar Rapids area. The wide variety of different cycling avenues have been great to experience, especially the vast expanses of gravel roads and trails that exist throughout the state. Robert and Jana are frequently out on weekend trip exploring and riding.

Ricki

Director of Communications

Ricki is the Communications Director for the Iowa Gravel Series and an Iowa native, returning to their home state after a decade in California. Ricki enjoys all aspects of outdoor recreation, including paddling, hiking, sailing, camping, and any other everyday adventure they can think of. A lifelong cyclist, they went from wobbling around the neighborhood to the open road, and then rejoiced at the advent of mountain biking. In 2022 a good friend introduced them to gravel cycling and the backroad adventures that it offers. brings. They took to the secondary roads and haven’t looked back. Although they appreciate all facets of bike life, riding, racing, history, and the glorious machine itself, it is the people, and the community of cyclists are at the core of their love of life on two wheels.