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Maggie Livelsberger took first place in the women’s field in the 390-mile Doom 2023 in Arkansas, becoming the first woman to complete the event on a singlespeed. She also became the third woman ever to complete the route. Read a quick reflection from Maggie and see a few photos from the event here…
Forty-year-old Maggie Maggie Livelsberger from Erie, Pennsylvania, won the women’s category at this year’s Doom race in Arkansas, completing the rugged 390-mile route through the Ozark National Forest in 3 days, 4 hours, and 3 minutes (3d:4h:3m). In doing so, Maggie became the third woman ever to finish the course after Hailey Moore and Taryn Davis. For those who are curious, she was running 32×20 gearing.
Words by Maggie Livelsberger
The absolute beauty of the Ozarks juxtaposed with the deviously crushing course create something of both dreams and nightmares. Doom is by far the most difficult thing I have ever done, and I have yet to wrap my head around it all just yet. From beautiful forest service roads to rugged and rowdy ATV trails, this route has it all to chew you up and spit you out.
The first day in the route brought blue skies, excitement, and fresh legs. I leapfrogged a number of riders all morning, and Ryan Bruce and I found ourselves settling in to a similar pace. Ryan is an incredible descender, but I find my strength in climbing.
We rolled into mile 131 that first night and set up camp with a number of other riders. Four hours of sleep found us rolling out to start the day in darkness. Day two was characterized by unrelenting climbs and soul-shattering, even steeper climbs. Again, Ryan and I found ourselves leapfrogging our way into sleep at around mile 226, where a number of other riders had set up. An hour and 45 minutes of restless sleep and shivering soon brought the decision to pack up and start riding to stay warm.
The gnarly descents in the dark were brutal with a loaded bike, and I crashed a few miles in but kept pushing. I found myself using the gremlin bell as motivation to keep moving, something learned through this experience, and its light ringing carried on as a gentle reminder to just keep moving.
We leapfrogged into the evening hours until we were exhausted. We lay down in the middle of the trail and slept for 20 minutes with our helmets on. Another seven-minute nap and 14-minute nap while charging devices at Ahart’s Market followed. Oark Cafe was calling.
Ryan and I rolled in together to the sounds of cowbells and community after covering 390 miles and more than 45,000 feet of climbing in 3 days, 4 hours, and 3 minutes. This is an experience that will resonate for a lifetime. I got to meet and ride with people I have been so inspired by and continue to be inspired by. This community of people is what has made me fall in love with bikepacking and racing, and what Andrew is doing in Arkansas is a reflection of that.
Congrats to Maggie and Ryan and everyone else who took on this year’s Doom event.
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