Dirty Kanza Ramblings

Tomorrow morning we depart for Emporia, Kansas.  Why Kansas?  The Dirty Kanza is there, the Premiere Gravel Road Race!  Over 200 mile of graveliciousness.  I am thrilled and throwing up in my mouth at the same time.  It's time to "nut up and shut up".  It's time to find out if all this crazy training is going to pay off.  The official "can she do it" moment.  Place your bets ladies and gents....

If you have no idea what the hell I am talking about, educate yourself by reading the official 2013 DK magazine.  They were kind enough to let me write an article for them, it's on page 17.

Last year the DK was all about finishing under my own power, accepting no wheels to draft in and not helping anyone else.  This year I figure to hell with that. I want to ride with my friends, my husband, and find Dan (from last years DK and this years Cedar Cross).  I hope to settle into a group of like-minded 17 hr or so riders and enjoy the day.  I understand the importance of pacelining and working together to go faster.  I get it!  I will be more than happy to drag your ass if you will return the favor.  Let me help you help me. See how that works?

 If I don't find anyone to ride with I will channel this attitude.

I feel prepared mind-wise.  I know I am capable of this, I can see it, I can smell it, I can taste it. I got this!

My Kona is ready and willing to conquer the Kansas gravel again.  With the upgraded brakes and new crankset we expect to be awesome. Pure awesome.

My nutrition is as good as it has ever been.  I think I have finally found what works for me, hurray!

My support crew couldn't get any better.  Emma is ProAsFuck! If anyone can help me achieve this goal it's her.  She gets me and understands what I need usually before I need it.  She will have her hands full with myself and five fellas, I have zero worries.  Emma is not afraid to give me an extra push or slap on the ass to get me going.  She has permission to post updates on my FB PAGE too.  If you haven't liked my APabstSmear page yet get on it, please.

Mantra

I have started to take my HTFU pills so I can make my dream a reality.
I have practiced yellin' "SHUT UP LEGS" like a pro, Jens would be proud.
I have made peace with whatever crazy weather Mother Nature would like to bestow upon me.
I have made peace with whatever the road/gravel/unmaintained farm roads will be like.

Where there is a will, there is a way

No matter what happens I am excited to see my girlfriends from Kansas, make new friends, and ride my bike ALL day and part of the evening.  I also would like to check out the new pub they have about a block from the finish line.  I heard that Mulready's Pub will be open until the very last DK rider crosses the finish line.  That is awesome!

If you are riding BEST OF LEGS to you!  If you see me out there please say hello.  If I am not pedaling fast enough yell at me.  Thanks.

 Sasha