Meet the Desert Gravel Team
The Crew Behind the Cacti (and the Chaos)
From start line jitters to finish line high fives (and maybe a cold one), this is the team that brings Desert Gravel to life.
We're a blend of desert dreamers, logistics ninjas, course whisperers, and ride‑or‑die gravel fans. Whether it’s your first gravel race or your fiftieth, this crew is here to help you thrive in the dust, the heat, the grit—and come out smiling on the other side.
Thanks to these incredible humans, the TransRockies Race Series has crossed thousands of finish lines over the past 20+ years. Now, they’re bringing their expertise (and excellent playlist choices) to the borderlands of Colorado and Utah.
Let’s meet the team behind the magic.
Aaron McConnell
President & Chief Cycling Officer
“We’re dedicated to helping TransRockies participants become “finishers” of our events. The more we can support our racers, the more successful they will be.”
– Aaron
As President and Chief Cycling Officer, Aaron is responsible for the day-to-day operations and overall performance of the TransRockies Race Series. On top of that, he does most of the route planning and scouting for all of the events. Aaron has been with the organization since 2004. In 2007, he founded the TransRockies Run and in 2011, he expanded the TransRockies Race Series to multiple events.
Aaron joined the TransRockies team as an accomplished endurance event organizer. From 1998-2000 he organized the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup event in Canmore and from 2002-2003 worked on staff for 24 Hours of Adrenaline.
Aaron spends much of his summer’s mountain biking, as well as road and gravel riding. He dreams of someday being able to take a step back from race-day operations and participate in TransRockies events as a competitor. During the winter months, Aaron enjoys skiing with his family. They spend much of their time either in the backcountry or at Lake Louise, where his daughters coach and race for the ski club.
Aaron’s family also shares his passion for cycling. They travel with him to most events and can be found either competing or helping out with organization. It’s common to find Aaron’s wife, Erin and daughters, Kyleigh and Cici, working at aid stations, registration or at the merchandise tent.
Kevin Kane
Local Race Director, Desert Gravel
“I’m beyond stoked to help usher in this new chapter of Desert Gravel. It’s a local gem, and I’m here to make sure it keeps its flavor—even as it grows.” - Kevin
Kevin Kane is the boots-on-the-ground leader for Desert Gravel. A longtime Fruita-based cyclist, organizer, and community advocate, Kevin knows every bump, berm, and bend of the local landscape—and he brings that knowledge to every element of the race.
He’s the bridge between TransRockies scale and small-town soul. Whether he's working on route permits, marking key turns, or helping set up basecamp, Kevin is the guy making it all tick out in the desert.
Kevin McDonald
Vice President & Chief Running Officer
“I enjoy the community and connectivity of TransRockies events. For many people, our events are bucket list events, and they end up leaving with lifelong friendships and a boatload of memories.” - Kevin
As Chief Running Officer, Kevin handles the nuts and bolts of the TransRockies Race Series running events. Everything from permitting to staffing to event execution on race days. Since Kevin joined TransRockies in 2008, the Race Series has expanded its cycling and running events well beyond the two offered at that time. As a result, he now concentrates on running events, including the flagship TransRockies Run.
Prior to becoming part of TransRockies team, Kevin gained extensive experience working large sporting events. He’s held various positions at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the Canada Summer Games in 2001 and at Trilife Sports International, which at the time ran the 24 Hours of Adrenalin race series across North America.
In his spare time, Kevin enjoys being outside trail running and riding his bike. He also enjoys a good game of squash.
Ryan “Dia” Blondia
Operations Manager
“Everyone has their own story, from elite athletes to the back-of-the-packers. Having a chat with them and listening to how their day was out on the course is so much fun.” – Ryan
As of 2022, Ryan has worked for the TransRockies Race Series for more than a decade! He began working at events on the start/finish team and from there moved on to course director. Today, Ryan works as the TransRockies Race Series Operations Manager, where he’s taken on a planning role as the Series expands its event offerings.
Before joining the TransRockies team, Ryan worked at the Lake Louise Ski Resort running logistics. His time there set him up well to take on the assortment of tasks required to help plan events and keep race days running like clockwork.
In his spare time, Ryan loves to ride his bike and run. Recently, a lost season due to torn Achilles tendon taught him not to take anything for granted. He savors every moment of riding and running his busy schedule will allow.
During some recently forced downtime during COVID-19, Ryan has discovered a new hidden talent—Tik Tok dancing. So, keep an eye out for him at our events. His moves are sure to motivate and inspire!
Ryan Bell
Marketing Manager & Operations Support
“After years of participating in TransRockies events, it was time to give back on the other side of the start line. I love seeing all the happy faces as racers cross our finish lines and getting to chat with them and hear their stories about how much fun they had out on the trails!” - Ryan
As Marketing Manager, Ryan is responsible for all things marketing, including, systems, content, communications and media relations. In short, he tells our story in a way that helps our participants decide if our events are right for them.
Ryan has a background in graphic design and joined the TransRockies team early in 2022. Since 2010, he’s been heavily involved with the cycling community in Alberta as Festival Coordinator at the Tour of Alberta and the Plaid Goat MTB Festival. He’s also a founding member of the Phat Basturds Cycling Club.
In his spare time, Ryan enjoys being outside as much as possible. During the warmer months, you’ll probably find him on his mountain, road or gravel bike. And if not, he’s likely camping with his girlfriend and dog or relaxing on a patio. When the snow starts to fly, Ryan turns to fat biking, hockey, snowboarding and XC skiing.
Ryan is passionate about encouraging others to get outside as well. Through his work with the Phat Bastards cycling club, he’s long made it his mission to get as many “butts on bikes” as possible!
Jen Ashton
Customer Service & Race Office Manager
“I'm excited to bring my positive energy, outgoing attitude, and helpful personality to the TransRockies team, and I'm looking forward to supporting participants at each and every event as they push past what they thought was possible and reach their highest potential!” - Jen
As Customer Service & Race Office Manager, Jen is the first point of contact for all of our participants for all of our events in the US and Canada. It’s a big job, but one Jen excels at.
Jen lives in Edmonton, AB, and prior to joining the TransRockies team, she spent 11 years helping others reach their fitness goals as a personal trainer. Working in the fitness industry provided Jen with the opportunity to work with, volunteer at, and participate in numerous endurance events such as the Edmonton Marathon, Challenge Penticton, Great White North Triathlon and the ITU World Triathlon. She has also acted as a guide and coach for corporate cycling teams, training camps and destination cycling tours.
When she isn’t at work, there’s a good chance you’ll find Jen on a bike! She loves mountain biking, gravel riding, road riding and has even dabbled in crit and road racing. She also likes to spend time at the gym, hiking, camping and reading.
Don’t be surprised if you see Jen at an event fuelling up on sweet treats—she loves candy!