Monday, February 23, 2015

Dear Emma


Hey girl,

I know I have told you this several times but it bears repeating.  I want you to know how much I appreciate you.  I appreciate your commitment to me this past three Dirty Kanza's.  I couldn't have finished them without you.  I appreciate how you made my goal your top priority for that day.  You were there for me when I needed you most. You never complained or whined about the long hours and miserable pay.  You saw me at my absolute best and at my worst, and loved me anyway.



I like your no-nonsense style, you are a straight shooter, and the fact you don't beat around the bush.  Those three things in common made us a good team.  Each finish was better fought than the last.  I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your support and enthusiasm.   You are a pro as a pit crew.  You don't take any shit from anyone, I like that.  You didn't treat me like a baby and make me "wipe my own ass".  I appreciate the slaps "into reality" and the slaps on the ass to get me back on the gravel.  I am proud that we did not have to use our "code word", not once.  I know you saw it in my eyes but I  never uttered it.  You gave me exactly what I needed exactly when I needed it.  You knew what to say if I had a rough 50 miles, and what to say as I left the checkpoint to ride another 50.  You handled my bottles and my camelbak quickly and always had extra ice.  I know I am giving you a big head but you deserve it.




  Oh, did you catch it?  I said "made" us a great team, like past tense.  Well...

I am writing you to inform you that your services will not be needed at this 2015 DK, you are fired.  The stars are in perfect alignment and it seems that my husband and my 9yr old daughter would like to support me. This is a bittersweet moment as I am sure you can understand.  I am letting you know this so you can put yourself out there for another brave soul who may need you, as you will offer your services to help anyone out.
I would like to keep you on retainer for 2016, but I need to get 2015 outta the way first.

Thank you so much for helping myself and others accomplish our goals!

You are amazing Emma!

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

100 days To The Dirty Kanza



As of  Thursday, February 17th, we are officially 100 days out from the Dirty Kanza 200, the  2015 edition.  I know.... can you believe it? It snuck right up on us.   Shee-it!  What in the hell have we signed up for?  I already know and I am not sure if I am scared shitless or just  nervous, or a little bit of both.  You know.... anything can happen while riding 200+ miles in the middle of nowhere and it usually does.  So, have you been training?  Have you been taking your vitamins, sleeping good, and eating right?  If you haven't been serious and don't plan to be I highly suggest giving up your spot with a quickness.  In case you haven't heard ... the Dirty Kanza is kind of a big deal!  There are folks training now who hope you will bail so they can go in your place. So, it's time to get your shit together or get off the pot so someone else has a chance.  Be a good human and do the right thing.  I know my friend Lisa is looking for a spot.  Make her day!  If you are not up for the task pass it on to someone who is, it's cool, no hard feelings.



  The body will do whatever the mind tells it to do. Is your mind telling you to stay on the couch or get out a can of whip-ass? I believe that if you start from this day forward you can still finish this thing. Yep, seriously!  One hundred days is a lot of time, you can do this if you really want to.  Have you investigated your fuel choices?   If you don't know what to eat for this challenge you will be screwed.  You will also be hosed if your bike is not up to par.  Kansas gravel is beautiful but don't let it fool you, it's brutal. What tires are you going to run?  The DK200 is like a puzzle and you have to have all the pieces in order to complete it.  If any of these "pieces"  are missing you will break down and possibly not finish.  Oh yeah, have you thought about water?  how will you carry all your water?  This piece may not be a big deal anymore since the checkpoints have been reduced to only two and they will be providing additional water stations instead.  (Not sure how I feel about this)






This message had such perfect timing I had to share it. Receiving this made me look inside and admit where I am at and where I need to be.  I will use it as fuel, fuel to carry me through the next 100 days. Statements like this help me push through tough rides/workout and help me regain focus and evaluate my progress or lack thereof.

Hey Wendy! Just checking in to see how your Dirty Kanza training is going? Keep hammering!

I told him of the weather challenges but inserted my consistency in the gym. I asked if I would see him there. He said no...

But I'm going to do it next year. I'm still riding a bunch and am doing some fat bike races in Wisconsin over the next few weeks. Keep up the good work! I'm racing the Kanza through you!!

 This reminded me that people are watching me. There is someone that will be inspired to take on this gravel beast because a 46yr old female did it... three times.  I informed him of my 15:** hour goal and he says...

That's an awesome goal. You can do it!! We'll have to have coffee after you succeed and you can fill me in on what worked and what didn't work with ur training.
I'll keep checking in on you! I'm rooting for ya!

I love getting messages like that!  They stoke my DK fire, keep my fire hot.  That is just what I need right now.



There are many gravel rides coming up in the next few months here in the Midwest.  I hope to see you at one of them.  If you spot me ask me for some Chamois Butt'r, I usually have some to share. Remember to  Butt'r often or suffer the consequences.


If you are dead set on this craziness I will see you there.  High Five!!

Happy Graveling.