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Excelsior Springs Welcomes the Return of the Opal Wapoo Gravel Challenge

ByS Jason Cole
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The race’s signature tractor, driven by founder Phil Scherer, leads riders out of downtown—a tradition that has become an iconic part of the Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience. (photos S Jason Cole)

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (Oct. 11, 2025) — The Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience made a triumphant return to Excelsior Springs on Saturday, bringing hundreds of cyclists from across the Midwest to tackle the bluffs and backroads that define one of the region’s most challenging gravel courses. Under crisp autumn skies, riders launched from downtown Excelsior Springs for the event’s three signature routes, the 85-mile Wapoo, 45-mile Opal, and 20-mile Baby Poo, each promising its own blend of punishment and beauty.

Phil and Stacey Scherer continue the Opal Wapoo tradition, leading the 2025 riders out of downtown Excelsior Springs aboard their familiar tractor.

Race founders Phil and Stacey Scherer once again led the event, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to mark routes, man aid stations, and welcome riders back to the finish line. This year’s race also benefited from new organizational support through the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP), led by Executive Director Lyndsey Baxter, whose coordination helped ensure a smooth and community-centered revival.

Downtown Excelsior Partnership Executive Director Lyndsey Baxter and Opal Wapoo founder Phil Scherer share a moment before the race begins. Baxter helped coordinate community partnerships for this year’s event.

The Opal Wapoo’s “gravelhood” once again lived up to its reputation for endless climbs and thrilling descents. The race’s fall timing provided ideal weather and vibrant scenery as riders wound through tree-lined hills, creeks, and farmland. The course aid stations provided friends and families with an opportunity to cheer on competitors while enjoying local wine and hospitality.

As always, camaraderie was as much a part of the event as competition. Riders encouraged one another up steep ascents and celebrated side-by-side at the finish line.

Official Results

Wapoo 85-Mile (Men’s Overall)

  1. Ian Williamson, 26, Shawnee, KS — 4:46:57
  2. Trevor Slawnyk, 31, Lincoln, NE — 4:46:57
  3. Daniel Noud, 31, Leawood, KS — 4:46:58

Wapoo 85-Mile (Women’s Overall)

  1. Lynn Wilson, 50, Kansas City, MO — 5:35:22
  2. Carrie Bax, 44, Hartsburg, MO — 5:35:25
  3. Michelle Harrell, 43, Arnold, MO — 6:51:07

Opal 45-Mile (Men’s Overall)

  1. Jake Cole, 29, Kearney, MO — 2:36:27
  2. Dan Schaeffer, 47, Leawood, KS — 2:36:36
  3. Robert Sheffield, 46, Fairway, KS — 2:36:46

Opal 45-Mile (Women’s Overall)

  1. Madison Cassavaugh, 28, Overland Park, KS — 2:54:13
  2. Megan Albin, 39, Parkville, MO — 3:12:05
  3. Kelly Mendez Martinez, 37, Liberty, MO — 3:22:38

Baby Poo 20-Mile (Men’s Overall)

  1. Russell Wenz, 46, Rayville, MO — 1:15:28
  2. Mitch Comstock, 48, Orrick, MO — 1:17:14
  3. Eric Vander Linden, 63, Lee’s Summit, MO — 1:30:27

Baby Poo 20-Mile (Women’s Overall)

  1. Jennifer Attig, 51, Fairway, KS — 1:32:32
  2. Stacie Roach, 55, Parkville, MO — 1:43:17
  3. Ellie Bickley, 42, Pleasant Hill, MO — 1:51:45
The first wave of riders rolls out from downtown Excelsior Springs, beginning their challenging journey through Missouri’s scenic gravelhood.

Beyond the finish-line celebration, organizers emphasized the race’s broader community mission. A portion of the event’s proceeds, up to $2,000, will go toward developing and maintaining local trails, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities around Excelsior Springs.

With over 200 cyclists and dozens of volunteers participating, this year’s Opal Wapoo marked a successful relaunch of one of Missouri’s toughest and most beloved gravel challenges. As riders packed up and shared stories over post-race meals downtown, plans were already forming for next year’s edition.

For more photos and full timing results, visit TimerGuys.com or VisitExcelsior.com/OpalWapoo.

A young participant enjoys her ride during the Kiddie Poo fun race, a family-friendly part of the Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience held downtown before the main event.
Children cheer from the sidewalk as cyclists roll past the Excelsior Springs Police Department, offering encouragement to riders early in the 2025 Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience.
Russell Wenz of Rayville, Missouri, claimed first place in the men’s overall category for the 20-mile Baby Poo race at the 2025 Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience.
Handcrafted wooden trophies await the top finishers of the 2025 Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience. Each piece was made locally, continuing the event’s tradition of celebrating craftsmanship and community pride.
Cyclists make their way past the Hall of Waters as the 2025 Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience officially gets underway.
Riders gather at the starting line as anticipation builds for the 85- and 45-mile courses winding through the hills surrounding Excelsior Springs.
Cyclists listen to race instructions, ready to tackle the steep climbs and rugged gravel roads of the Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience.
Phil Scherer addresses riders before the start of the 2025 Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience, giving final instructions in front of the Hall of Waters in downtown Excelsior Springs.
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