Crystal Kovacs

What attracted you to Eliel?

Eliel stands out from the crowd...your attention to detail were the first things. Then I tried on the bibs....I was HOOKED! Seriously, the most comfortable kit ever.

What about bikes brings you joy?

Freedom and friends....sounds like a contradiction but I truly love my gravel family. That said, I also love the freedom that the bike gives me to spend a long day in the saddle alone. It is truly "my" time.

How does riding make you a better person?

Riding gives me a way to forget the real world for a while. My bike is my therapist. There are days that I can literally feel it all leave as I pedal up a hill or fly down the other side.

Which rider inspires you the most?

Any rider at the back of the pack during an event. The true stories happen back there....everyone is out of their comfort zone with one common goal, finishing.

What are your goals for the future? On and off the bike...

My goal is to complete a 200-mile race and get my new bikepacking company, Nomadic Adventure Co going! I can't wait to show others how empowering it is to load everything on the bike and take off!

What is important to you?

Family.....I am a wife and mother to two boys. Structure....I love to fly by the seat of the pants but I need organization and structure! Comfy kits...and you at Eliel have me covered there!

Crystal's Story

I came to cycling late in life....I was 43 and wanted to get physically fit. My husband was buying a bike so I went to the bike store to try one out also. I had no idea where it would take me in five short years.

I have been a professional equine photographer my entire life...my days on the road at shows are long. The bike has been my way of escaping it all. The first time I flew down a hill on the gravel bike I was hooked!

I am a sponsored athlete for Salsa Cycles and Shimano. I am passionate about helping more people find adventure on two wheels. Since starting with Salsa Cycles I have implemented no drop group rides at major gravel events. The greatest reward is hearing someone fly down a hill with confidence after starting out with none.

I am currently the Midwest Custom Sales Representative for Eliel Cycling and Wattie Ink. Through this position I have met lots of really cool people and can't wait to see where this position leads.