About Payson

A native Texan, Payson McElveen relocated to Durango, CO in 2012 to simultaneously pursue an undergraduate education at collegiate cycling powerhouse Fort Lewis College, and his dream of being a professional mountain biker. Following graduation in 2016, his career began to take off, but not necessarily in the manner expected.

Rather than pursue the traditional route of XCO that involves World Cup racing and Olympic aspirations, he gravitated towards longer events following a career-altering experience at the 6 day Mongolia Bike Challenge. A year later he won his first professional national title at the 2017 Marathon Championships, and a second title in 2018. This further spurred a commitment to longer events which were exploding in popularity alongside the rise of gravel racing. ​

Payson strives to have a multi-faceted impact on the sport. Through his popular “With Pace” podcast, series of “Crossing” films, and other adventures, he hopes to inspire riders to think about the sport in new ways. While racing remains his first and greatest love on the bike, he strives to have an impact that extends far beyond the race course. 

follow payson’s journey here.

 
Participating in @unboundgravel looked a bit different for me this year, but was special nonetheless. Here’s a mega carousel of some highlights. I gotta admit, commentating was damn fun and gave a new perspective to where our sport is now, bu
We’re headed home after a very special day in Baltimore— @nicholekbaker’s graduation from @johnshopkinsu. What Nico does in academia and research understandably goes over most people’s heads, especially in our bike family circ
With rehab going well, it’s time to start making a plan for a return to racing. I’ve decided to use this bump in the road as an opportunity to finally attend an event that’s been on the list for a long time: @oregontrail_gravelgrind