• Free and open to the public
• 5:30 pm: Doors open & light refreshments
• 6:00 pm: Film premiere followed by a panel discussion
• Robert A. Peck Arts Center Theatre, Central Wyoming College campus in Riverton
• Enter into a raffle drawing at the event for a chance to win a Purple Surly Karate Monkey mountain bike, provided by Gannett Peak Sports. Must be present to win!

The Film

What has a couple of dozen wheels, is about a thousand miles long, breathes air, and has gravel and grit? We are a diverse group of novice cyclists that traveled down the Great Divide Mountain Biking Route from the top of Montana to Atlantic City, Wyoming. Along the way, we participated in a scientific research project and tackled one of the longest backcountry bike routes in North America. One of the biggest hurdles in long-distance cycling is the rigor of the conditions. Braving the elements was taxing physically, but wore away at us emotionally as well. Coping with the hardships of trail life was easiest when we found joy in the unpleasant moments, but sometimes, the realities of life cloud the path we are on.

• YouTube Premiere – Thursday, May 14 at 7 pm.
• Broadcast Premiere – Thursday, May 21 at 7 pm.

The Filmmakers

Kyle Nicholoff is an independent, multiple award-winning video specialist with 40 years of cinematography, editing, and producing experience in documentary, sports, and live production. For 30 years, he worked for Wyoming PBS as a director of photography, editor, and documentary producer, and served as Production Services Manager. Kyle has been honored with the prestigious Western Heritage Wrangler Award, and his productions have won a variety of accolades—including four Regional Emmy Awards. Notably, he won Best Documentary for Glaciers of the Winds, which examines the changing landscape of glaciers in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains. He has also been recognized with Emmy Awards for his camera work on various productions. Prior to his work in Wyoming, Kyle spent nine years in the production and engineering departments of the ABC affiliate in Columbus, Ohio.

Jacki Klancher has been an educator for over 20 years, including 15 years as a professor at CWC. She was instrumental in launching the Interdisciplinary Climate Change Expedition, a program that merges classroom study in Environmental Geospatial Information Science and Technology and Expedition Science with wilderness adventure.

Previously a program supervisor for National Outdoor Leadership School across the U.S. and East Africa, Klancher now focuses on enhancing student learning through field-based research in Yellowstone and beyond. An avid long-distance cyclist, she also utilizes backcountry bike travel to help students find joy and academic advancement.

Snapshots from the Film

WY PBS is proud to share stories of adventure and discovery that bring our state's treasures to light. Through films like Gravel & Grit, we connect viewers with the wild places and remarkable experiences that make Wyoming unique. To help us continue bringing these stories to your screen, please consider supporting WY PBS.