I was doing some cleaning recently and found a ton of cat hair, a missing favorite sock, and my Dirty Kanza 200 fuel box. I opened it cautiously as I was not fully sure of its contents. The last time I saw this box was June. The insides revealed stale Extra gum, five Gu's, a FULL bottle of Endurolytes, rock hard fig newtons, and the mileage cheat sheet between the Checkpoints of the race. The hair on the back of my neck began to stand up. It stood straight up! My stomach immediately tied itself in knots and my breathing became erratic. I thought I was going to get sick until the twisted smile appeared. Was it too soon to think about this race/ride? I say absolutely not!
The 2016 edition of the DK200 will take place on Sat. June 4th. This day also happens to be my husbands 48th Birthday. Our 17th Wedding Anniversary is the following day so we were thinking we should plant ourselves on the couch all weekend, eat cake, drink beer and watch a "Real Housewives" marathon. How can I ask him to give up "his day" ?? The lure of possibly snagging that Gravel Goblet is strong but... I've already asked enough over the years. He spent his 43rd Birthday suffering in the Flint Hills in 2010, it was ridiculously hot and then a horrendous storm broke out. For the past five years he has given up every weekend revolving around this event. He has driven the 12 hour round trip every single time. Dare I even ask? Hell, this past year he was my support crew. He followed me around, waited on me at the checkpoints, and stayed awake until I finished at 1:16 in the morning. I couldn't possibly ask him to do it again, let alone on his birthday. He would surely laugh at the suggestion. Well, enough about me. Let's talk about you.
Don't worry. You still have about two months to decide if you are going to hop on the crazy train with 1,000 other riders (for the 200) . Sign up is on Sat. January 9th at 8am. Don't hesitate to register, this event will sell out. Grab your spot and then book a room somewhere. Trust me.
Having completed this challenge four times I can assure:
1. You will not be disappointed
2. It will be hard but you can do it.
3. You will learn a lot about yourself
4. You will make friends for life
5. When you finish EVERYTHING you went through will be totally worth it.
Once you sign up in January you have nearly six months to figure out what I refer to as "The DK Puzzle". The puzzle has six parts. Support Crew. Bike. Nutrition. Training. Checkpoint plan. Gear. You have about six months to make mistakes and learn from them, go big! You also have more than enough time to build your mind and your behind for this challenge. This event is going to be a HUGE effort but you have what it takes within you to complete it, believe that. Do the work, reap the benefits.
I have to be honest with you and tell you that I have been pulling your leg. A few days ago Chamois Butt'r asked the team who would be representing at the DK and I signed on. My hubby is very supportive and is alright with " just one more" trek to Kanza. (Angela, can we have the basement again?) Jim has offered to be my Support Crew again too! Yes, I do know how lucky I am.
Sign up and I'll see you there!
