It was October 2010. I was sitting around a campfire with friends, acquaintances, and teammates. Very casually I brought up the Dirty Kanza 200, a 200 mile gravel ride through The Flint Hills in Kansas. The mention of this race/ride was met with several different reactions.... such as, "what kind of person does that", "I don't have the time to train for that", and "now that's f****** crazy"! Within minutes I said "I'm going to do the DK in 2011". I'm not sure if anyone took me seriously as I had been riding a bike for 2 years, mountain biking mostly. My gravel experience was lacking but I was confident I could learn. Several minutes later the conversation switched gears and I left the camp site to go to the car. On my return trip I overheard a conversation and stopped dead in my tracks to hear it. They are talking about me.
YOU: "dude there's no f****** way"
Dude: "maybe dude, maybe"
YOU: "she could never ride 200 miles, she's trippin"
Because of YOU, it's all because of YOU. YOU have fueled my fire. YOU have kept me going despite all the times I wanted to quit. YOU must have delighted in my DidNotFinish in 2011. Mother Nature screwed a lot of us that year. I bet YOU thought I would give up and not return to have another go at it. YOU were wrong!
Since my first initial failure I have tried to build myself up to become unstoppable. I put in time at the gym flipping tires and punching things, thinking of YOU and your remark as the days passed. While out riding and climbing hills, I'd imagine YOU at the top and I would get to kick YOU in the face as I pass by, LOL.
Redemption was mine in 2012, finishing around 1 a.m., over 19 hours of pedaling. Returning in 2013 I finished at 1:30 a.m., that was the year of the wind. (video here) I returned in 2014 with a goal of 17 hours and crossed the finish line at 16:57. I got to see the party! This past 2015 Dirty Kanza presented its own set of challenges, MUD!, enough said. Crossing the finish line at 1:15 a.m., another 19 hour finish, exhausted, cold, and smothered in mud. Oops, forgot to mention smiling and satisfied.
I would like YOU to eat your words. I want YOU to be wrong, again. YOU probably think my luck is going to run out, that I'm getting older, (47 this year) and there is "no way" I can finish. Well, YOU may be right or YOU may be wrong. All I will tell YOU, and the other six people reading this, is that I'm going to give it hell! I am prepared to turn myself inside out in order to cross that finish line. I will keep moving forward until I can't pedal another stroke. My backup plan is to crawl and drag my bike behind me. Unstoppable, just one more time.
In addition to experiencing another finish, which is amazing in itself, there is an opportunity for more. Five Dirty Kanza 200's is over 1000 miles. Dan Hughes deemed that five 200 finishes were worthy of a gravel goblet, which is owned by only men. Because of YOU I have set my sights on this and will not rest until I accomplish it. So, thank you YOU.
YOU are still an a$$hole.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Are You Dirty Kanza Dreaming?
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!
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Cuban Gravel Crisis 2015
What does it take to get you out of bed early, I mean even before the chickens wake up?? Over the years I have learned that occasionally you have to sacrifice precious sleep and wake up at 3:45am to do epic stuff. I've also never been disappointed by waking up early. No regrets, not ever.
The first annual Cuban Gravel Crisis took place on Sat., Oct 17th. This gravel ride is a pick your own poison type of thing. You could choose a 20 mile option for $6 or pay $20 for the 50 miles version. Those who want to get their moneys worth will pay $20 for the full boat, 102 miles of gravel goodness. Considering the options it was a no-brainer. Cuba MO is just 1 and 1/2 hours from my house. I had the legs, the time, $20 and a sitter. I'm down.
My Warbird was brought into the house and given a good once over on Thursday. "Viper" has been ridden a lot lately and has been well maintained, he needs to be since I depend on him for 500+ miles per month. He has a new chain, bar tape and fresh meats. All items necessary and well deserved. In fact I wrestled the new tires, Sammy Slicks 35's, on it that evening. It took me a ridiculously long time to get them on, all the while I hoped I did a good job. Jim was in Utah hiking and stuff so I couldn't ask a second opinion and use his eyes. I'm confident that I had the rotation arrows correct, sometimes I get sloppy lining it up on the rim. A Busch Wildlife gravel/off road ride was my test run. Those 15 miles went fine. I put in a little more air and crossed my fingers.
My Warbird was brought into the house and given a good once over on Thursday. "Viper" has been ridden a lot lately and has been well maintained, he needs to be since I depend on him for 500+ miles per month. He has a new chain, bar tape and fresh meats. All items necessary and well deserved. In fact I wrestled the new tires, Sammy Slicks 35's, on it that evening. It took me a ridiculously long time to get them on, all the while I hoped I did a good job. Jim was in Utah hiking and stuff so I couldn't ask a second opinion and use his eyes. I'm confident that I had the rotation arrows correct, sometimes I get sloppy lining it up on the rim. A Busch Wildlife gravel/off road ride was my test run. Those 15 miles went fine. I put in a little more air and crossed my fingers.
The drive to Cuba was dark and quiet. Damn, I wish I knew someone coming from my area to ride with. I have no one to "discuss" my plan with, talk about CP's transitions, timing.... or work out my butterflies. Am I prepared for this? Do I have enough food? Will I run out of water? Talking that out helps me see if my plan is actually a good one or if I need to make adjustments. Helps my nerves too. When I arrived my check in was quick and efficient and Josh Brown, race director, gave me the lo down and told me where I could park.
Within minutes I was naked in my car at the First Baptist Church changing for the ride. Forgive me please. There weren't any other options from what I saw. Dressing for the day was going to be a challenge, starting temp was 36 degrees and would reach only the mid 50's. I knew I should start cold but the pansy inside of me was yelling "go for warm and just peel". I settled on "almost warm" with leg warmers, arm warmers and a windproof Vaude jacket. Before we take off I would slide a Hot Hands in each glove. Brrrr. One thing I hate is cold hands. I had on wool socks because I hate having cold feet too.
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| Number 227 reporting for duty |
Within minutes I was naked in my car at the First Baptist Church changing for the ride. Forgive me please. There weren't any other options from what I saw. Dressing for the day was going to be a challenge, starting temp was 36 degrees and would reach only the mid 50's. I knew I should start cold but the pansy inside of me was yelling "go for warm and just peel". I settled on "almost warm" with leg warmers, arm warmers and a windproof Vaude jacket. Before we take off I would slide a Hot Hands in each glove. Brrrr. One thing I hate is cold hands. I had on wool socks because I hate having cold feet too.
A few moments before 7am there was a short meeting. Josh informed us that there was plenty of fresh gravel and to be mindful that some of it was laid on a few inches thick and may be a little on the chunky side. My heart started racing when I heard that and I took a look at my wheels. Please let my tire set up be tight. Josh said the course was marked with green arrows... certain spots were also marked with small flags and large yellow signs thanking motorists for sharing the roads. We were also given cue sheets at registration so it was all good.
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| Be mindful of loose gravel Borrowed from https://www.facebook.com/CubanGravelCrisis/?fref=ts |
My strategy was to do the best I could and be home by 7pm. We rolled out as it was still a bit dark, I followed the red blinking lights down the road. Damn, those guys off the front are super fast. I could hold that pace for about a minute, maybe two. Man I'm cold. And hungry. My belly is growling, I hope no one can hear it. Not a very good way to start a race/ride with two major obstacles in the way but it was the hand I was dealt. I knew I would warm up once the sun came out, the hunger was different. I had plenty of fuel with me I just hoped my stomach would accept it. My Camelbak was filled with a heavy CarboRocket mix. I had pizza in a squeezie thing, a Snickers and Trail Nuggets.
The cooler temps meant that the snot rockets would be flying. I have done my due diligence and practiced so I don't feel bad for those riding near me or behind me. What I am worried about is dehydrating! There was a lot of snot rockets laid out in that first forty miles. Just when I thought I was done and I couldn't possibly make any more I would. I'm happy to report that I managed to snot myself twice and my fellow riders were unscathed. Practice, practice, practice.
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| Not me. I'm in the background though. https://www.facebook.com/dakephotography/ |
The cooler temps meant that the snot rockets would be flying. I have done my due diligence and practiced so I don't feel bad for those riding near me or behind me. What I am worried about is dehydrating! There was a lot of snot rockets laid out in that first forty miles. Just when I thought I was done and I couldn't possibly make any more I would. I'm happy to report that I managed to snot myself twice and my fellow riders were unscathed. Practice, practice, practice.
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Within a few miles I hear "Hey, are you that Wendy Davis"? I say, "Maybe, what has she done"? He says his name is John Porter and he follows my stuff, blog and FB page, he finds me humorous... "you are being funny, right"? I'll never tell. He is a member of the Dirty Dog Pack and seems nice so I let him stay. Looking around I see 4 guys, (Giant, florescent jacket, maroon jacket, and John) and realize I need to stay with them or ahead of them for the next 98 miles. We are the back of the pack.
The sun starts to peek out within the hour. I reach into my jersey pocket to grab my sunglasses and SNAP!! They break in half and I immediately feel the bile rise in my throat. My husband hated those glasses but I loved them. I also needed them! Having had surgery on both of my eyes makes it imperative to keep dust and the bright sunlight out. Over the next hour I develop a smart headache and my eyes feel like sandpaper. However, no reason to feel sorry for me. I'm still pedaling and have a twisted grin on my face. I'm warm, the sun is out, my legs feel good. That is a lot of positives. Patience is what is needed here. Thirty miles until the gas station. That won't take very long will it? At least I am in good company.
The sun starts to peek out within the hour. I reach into my jersey pocket to grab my sunglasses and SNAP!! They break in half and I immediately feel the bile rise in my throat. My husband hated those glasses but I loved them. I also needed them! Having had surgery on both of my eyes makes it imperative to keep dust and the bright sunlight out. Over the next hour I develop a smart headache and my eyes feel like sandpaper. However, no reason to feel sorry for me. I'm still pedaling and have a twisted grin on my face. I'm warm, the sun is out, my legs feel good. That is a lot of positives. Patience is what is needed here. Thirty miles until the gas station. That won't take very long will it? At least I am in good company.
The scenery is beautiful. If you are driving through this area you miss so much. Plus you don't get the feelings of seeing gravel as far as you can see knowing you have to pedal it. You have to use your legs and lungs to get to the end. You also don't get to feel the hills. They were impressive. As the sun came out and the day unfolded we were treated to Fall leaves just starting to change, uninterested dogs, and rising temps.
Our first checkpoint is at mile 25. Smiling volunteers take our number and offer food and water from their truck. John and I are still riding together and sucking wind up the steep hills. I remembered seeing the elevation listed near 7K but was told not to trust it as it was definitely more. John mentioned that "this reminds me a lot of The Ogre". I have not done the Ogre but heard it was an incredible leg shredder. Too bad it's no longer an option to ride... One of y'all should pick that up, dontchathink?
Less than 3 and 1/2 hours later John and I roll into the gas station, CP2. I tell him I need to buy glasses and use the john, I don't think he caught that, LOL I also said "Are you going to leave me"? He mumbled something I did not hear. I purchased some glasses and used the john and was out in less than 3 minutes. I look around and no John. Awww man, he left me. This is when I meet his wife Betsy. She says John just left "but you can catch him". She offers me a fig newton, I love 'em, but not today. It's like chewing a tire and tasted awful. I pedaled out of her sight and spit it out. Thank goodness for the liquid calories.
Holy Hell! there are some HILLS in Cuba MO. Crazy steep! I remember one specifically that I had to lean forward while in my granny gear. I was afraid I was going to slide off my saddle and tumble down it, no kidding. The amazing thing is that I was able to ride them, well most of them. (I want to thank Spinning classes) I will admit to walking three hills and do not feel the least bit hurt about it. It felt good to stretch my calves that were screaming and my feet that were on the verge of going numb. Walking is another gear, isn't it?
So, now I'm chasing John down now. How dare he leave me. When I catch him..... He doesn't understand that when you are a woman you take advantage of indoor potties. I'm completely alone for the next 18 miles. I finally catch John at the C station that was not a CP. I spot him on the side of the building, he looks in my direction and says "are you stopping"? I say "NO, and I'm dropping you like a bad habit, just like you dropped me". A huge smile was on my face as I turned my bike away from him and proceeded to turn myself inside out. I want to put the hurt on John so he understands the error of his ways, LOL I head out onto the gravel hoping the hills are less impressive for the next 22 miles.
It takes a while before John catches me, not sure on mileage since I didn't pack my Garmin. Whoops! He rolls up next to me and I'm genuinely happy to see him. It can get very lonely out there. John apologizes and I forgive him. The next 15 miles gives some hellacious rolling hills and chunky gravel. Mountain biking skills paid off big time when I picked some bad lines and helped me confidently bomb the downhills. It was in the section I caught air and scared/surprised John. I told him that "I knew what I was doing". I may be slow but I have some skills.
It was on this section that I decided I was on a ride and when I finished I finished. John and I stopped twice on this section just to breath, take it all in and admire our views. After several lungfuls of air we pedaled on. We continued to get along so we stayed together.
Checkpoint 3 is at Josh's house. What hospitality! I was tickled when we arrived because there were pickles left and I got to meet the ill tempered cat, who turns out to be a sweetheart and came right to me for a pet. John pulls out a smashed banana and I giggle saying "you need one of these", and I flash him my banana keeper. He is totally jealous, I remove my banana and it is perfect. Bananas and pickles lead to interesting burps, thought you should know.
We have 20 miles to the finish. We feel good, we look good, and the lady at the CP said it was "all downhill from here". We knew she was lying but we also knew the worst was behind us. On this section we meet some horse riders, we slow down and pass very carefully. It's turned out to be a beautiful day! Several miles later we encounter a very unhappy cowboy at the reins of a horse and buggy. We slow down, I smile and start to say "Good Afternoon" and then stop. He is giving us one of those "if looks could kill" glares. We went by without incident, I hope his day got better.
Within two miles of the finish a young man comes flying by us. I'm like "Damn, who does he think he is pulling that crap two miles out"? I want to go after him but want to finish with John. I chose the latter. Turns out that John knows him and he says something like "he can't let this old man beat him". Well, I think he beat us by a minute. And next year he won't beat us, the old folks, giggle.
Race Results
When I arrived at the finish line Josh congratulated me for being 3rd Woman and handed me a sweet monogrammed towel. We were offered beers, water, food, it was awesome. Josh brought over a box of items saying "I saved some stuff for you guys", and we each grabbed water bottles. How cool was that? Before I left I was also handed a cool Public House Pint glass and a handful of chocolate. Pedaling back to my car I was happy having made a new friend and satisfied with my effort for the day.
I dug into my backpack to retrieve my keys. I had attached them many hours ago with a large green carabiner. I pull out the jacket I carelessly shoved in there and the carabiner falls out, no keys. I dig around in the pack and low and behold the keys were in there!!! Not kidding. (John was there as my proof) I guess that means that God isn't mad at me for changing in the First Baptist parking lot. Good thing too, I was getting ready to do that again before driving home.
The date for next year has already been assigned. It's October 15, 2016. Mark your calendars! This race/ride was very well organized and had wonderful volunteers. The event was well attended and had some great sponsors. The course was well marked and offered over 10K of climbing! The views were incredible and the price was definitely right. This event also boasts a 100% finish rate for the 100 miler! I can only see this getting bigger and better. It's in the right hands to do just that.
It takes a while before John catches me, not sure on mileage since I didn't pack my Garmin. Whoops! He rolls up next to me and I'm genuinely happy to see him. It can get very lonely out there. John apologizes and I forgive him. The next 15 miles gives some hellacious rolling hills and chunky gravel. Mountain biking skills paid off big time when I picked some bad lines and helped me confidently bomb the downhills. It was in the section I caught air and scared/surprised John. I told him that "I knew what I was doing". I may be slow but I have some skills.
It was on this section that I decided I was on a ride and when I finished I finished. John and I stopped twice on this section just to breath, take it all in and admire our views. After several lungfuls of air we pedaled on. We continued to get along so we stayed together.
Checkpoint 3 is at Josh's house. What hospitality! I was tickled when we arrived because there were pickles left and I got to meet the ill tempered cat, who turns out to be a sweetheart and came right to me for a pet. John pulls out a smashed banana and I giggle saying "you need one of these", and I flash him my banana keeper. He is totally jealous, I remove my banana and it is perfect. Bananas and pickles lead to interesting burps, thought you should know.
We have 20 miles to the finish. We feel good, we look good, and the lady at the CP said it was "all downhill from here". We knew she was lying but we also knew the worst was behind us. On this section we meet some horse riders, we slow down and pass very carefully. It's turned out to be a beautiful day! Several miles later we encounter a very unhappy cowboy at the reins of a horse and buggy. We slow down, I smile and start to say "Good Afternoon" and then stop. He is giving us one of those "if looks could kill" glares. We went by without incident, I hope his day got better.
Within two miles of the finish a young man comes flying by us. I'm like "Damn, who does he think he is pulling that crap two miles out"? I want to go after him but want to finish with John. I chose the latter. Turns out that John knows him and he says something like "he can't let this old man beat him". Well, I think he beat us by a minute. And next year he won't beat us, the old folks, giggle.
Race Results
When I arrived at the finish line Josh congratulated me for being 3rd Woman and handed me a sweet monogrammed towel. We were offered beers, water, food, it was awesome. Josh brought over a box of items saying "I saved some stuff for you guys", and we each grabbed water bottles. How cool was that? Before I left I was also handed a cool Public House Pint glass and a handful of chocolate. Pedaling back to my car I was happy having made a new friend and satisfied with my effort for the day.
I dug into my backpack to retrieve my keys. I had attached them many hours ago with a large green carabiner. I pull out the jacket I carelessly shoved in there and the carabiner falls out, no keys. I dig around in the pack and low and behold the keys were in there!!! Not kidding. (John was there as my proof) I guess that means that God isn't mad at me for changing in the First Baptist parking lot. Good thing too, I was getting ready to do that again before driving home.
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| Score! |
The date for next year has already been assigned. It's October 15, 2016. Mark your calendars! This race/ride was very well organized and had wonderful volunteers. The event was well attended and had some great sponsors. The course was well marked and offered over 10K of climbing! The views were incredible and the price was definitely right. This event also boasts a 100% finish rate for the 100 miler! I can only see this getting bigger and better. It's in the right hands to do just that.
Yup, that kind of shit happens when you are expending an effort. And your body starts to hurt. Tell it to shut up and keep going.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Leadbelt 2015
It was Saturday evening, about 830pm, when my husband said, "Hey, you wanna do Leadbelt tomorrow"? With absolutely no preparation I thought about it for ten seconds and said "Of course", and immediately went to the garage to see where my mountain bike was. It's been hanging silently on a wall, yes, I am a bad dirty girl. Honestly, since getting the Salsa Warbird I have been having gravel dreams and dirt has been at the back of my brain.
Setting my Kona Big Unit on the floor I gave him a quick once over. Tires need air, clean and lube chain, check which gear is on (32x20), needs a quick scrub and tighten some things down. Yup, it's now 9pm, race in 12 hours, LOL. Either way, I will be ready to pedal for 3 hours, once I locate the rest of my stuff.
You never want to miss a Mark Grumke production. He puts his heart and soul into the course, making it as shreddly perfect as possible. Having followed his many FB updates I knew this years trail would be just as awesome as last years. I had gotten in four laps so that was my goal this year. The course was 7.7 miles of twisty, rocky goodness. Mark had been working on a small rocky culvert for weeks, I didn't think it would be an issue.
Sunday morning we were running late and made a wrong turn, it was a rough start kind of morning. We all kept our cool because we were going to ride bikes, being late wasn't going to ruin it. Fortunately, I was able to change into my kit at a nearby gas station. We rolled into the park in true Trail Monster time at 8:50am There was no time for socializing or warm-up, just enough time to sign up for the Marathon category and head to the start line. I looked around for my EE teammate Nathan, he said he could spare a couple of scoops of CarboRocket since I had only two scoops, 222 calories, for the entire race. I stopped worrying about calories as I got in line and hoped my skillz would make an appearance.
Holy Crap! It was hot and humid, just as you would expect in the Midwest in July. The trail being beautifully manicured had helped to take away from it's jungle-like feel. Even if you were standing still sweat was rolling off. Midway through the 1st lap it felt like I was breathing in someone's armpit, not that I have ever done that. Stopping to catch my breath and hyperventilate was not something I had envisioned doing today, but I was going to have to deal with. Sweat was burning in my eyes adding to my misery. I seriously I felt like I was falling apart, one piece at a time.. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. Was I failing already? Geez, I just got started.
Negativity crept into my mind and gripped my brain and I said some awful things to myself. Moments later I remembered that negative self talk never works and stopped. I gave myself consent to walk and catch my breath and permission to melt later if necessary. Then I hopped on my bike and pedaled. Damn, lap 1 was difficult.
Heading out on Lap#2 I felt much better. Having cold water and a new attitude helped tremendously. In the middle of my mind was the fact that pedaling was going to be a challenge soon, those 222 calories were long gone. I didn't see Nathan yet and reminded myself that I was not racing, I was just surviving. I can survive on very limited calories. Either way, I wasn't going to add worry to the day, I was riding my bike in the woods and all was good. The Cat 1, 2, and 3 racers started to zip by me about half way through this lap. It's very disconcerting to be passed by soooo many riders. This is when I remind myself to "chill out" and just pedal. Four laps is still the goal. I did not bring my Garmin and had no idea what time it was. (I didn't even look at the time clock when I passed each lap) Having not been mountain biking much this year I did not want to beat myself up any further by looking at slow times. Pedal and smile, four laps.
Sliding out on Lap#3 scored me a huge bruise, damn rocks! Luckily, no one was around to see it. I picked myself up and dusted myself off and hopped back on. As I rode I thought maybe, just maybe, my Kona tossed me there, you know, as a payback for all the non-riding.... I patted the handlebars and asked not to be thrown again. I've been riding just over 2 hours, legs burning, stomach churning, and sweating like a man, absolutely dreading another lap. I know I should probably ingest some calories but the thought of food nauseates me. Damn, I still don't see Nathan.
The last mile of Lap 3 all I can think of is stopping and pouring an adult beverage down my gullet. In about 4 minutes it will all be over. As I roll up to the Finish I hear Mark say, "It's only 2:47 on the clock, you got another one in ya" ? I mumble loudly, "Shit"! and I know I will keep pushing on. Dan Bressler hooks me up with some ice cold water and I am out on Lap 4. I know I need to hurry so I don't miss the kids race. I'm running on empty but know that food would be a bad thing to introduce. I feel drained but weightless as I pedal, it's hard to explain. Lap 1 was ridiculously hard yet somehow I made it to Lap 4. Pedaling through the rocky, wet culvert for the fourth time I pat myself on the back. Unscathed! Save for the slide out in the rocks.
Finishing Lap 4 was awesome! As I pedaled in I hear riders yelling my name and cheering for me. All their noise made me feel like I had won, which couldn't be further from the truth. I was DFL, dead freaking last. The results page would not show my victories.... I knew. Not quitting, being able to calm myself to continue, staying upright, riding each lap smoother than the last and completing four laps were my victories. For not being prepared, I am quite happy with my efforts.
The Kona set up at 32x20 ran flawlessly. Tubeless tire pressure was roughly 25psi. Calorie intake was about 300 calories for the day, not recommended.
I finished just in time to see the Kids Race. I love seeing their "game faces" and pushing them selves to their limits. This year I have two kiddos in the race and they are riding brand new Trek's, thanks Momentum! The kids trail was separate from the race course. It was 1/3 mile long and was open all day for the kiddos to ride. Their race would be 5 laps.
The race started at 1:15pm, the hottest, muggiest time of the day. The boys and girls lined up did not let it phase them. They had been waiting for this All day.
Leading out the first lap is my 9yr old daughter, followed closely by my 9yr old nephew. The next lap I see my nephew out in front, grinning from ear to ear. The kids are having a great time pedaling in circles. I heard it wasn't all fun when one of the girls slid out coming around a turn. It turns out that one of the older boys, in a different race, stopped to help her get up and back on her bike. He may have lost 1st place due to his chivalry.....
The race comes to it's last lap and the kids are pulling out everything they have. Sydney crosses the line first and my nephew, Isaiah, is right behind her. They are covered in sweat and laughing. Yay for bikes!
Out of earshot, my daughter tells me that she let Isaiah pass her on one of the laps. I asked her why and she said "because I wanted him to see what it felt like to be in 1st place". Awwww. What a sweet kid!
What an awesome way to spend a Sunday! Thanks Mark and volunteers! The Davis' will be back in 2016!
Setting my Kona Big Unit on the floor I gave him a quick once over. Tires need air, clean and lube chain, check which gear is on (32x20), needs a quick scrub and tighten some things down. Yup, it's now 9pm, race in 12 hours, LOL. Either way, I will be ready to pedal for 3 hours, once I locate the rest of my stuff.
You never want to miss a Mark Grumke production. He puts his heart and soul into the course, making it as shreddly perfect as possible. Having followed his many FB updates I knew this years trail would be just as awesome as last years. I had gotten in four laps so that was my goal this year. The course was 7.7 miles of twisty, rocky goodness. Mark had been working on a small rocky culvert for weeks, I didn't think it would be an issue.
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| Love our new 1UP!!! |
Sunday morning we were running late and made a wrong turn, it was a rough start kind of morning. We all kept our cool because we were going to ride bikes, being late wasn't going to ruin it. Fortunately, I was able to change into my kit at a nearby gas station. We rolled into the park in true Trail Monster time at 8:50am There was no time for socializing or warm-up, just enough time to sign up for the Marathon category and head to the start line. I looked around for my EE teammate Nathan, he said he could spare a couple of scoops of CarboRocket since I had only two scoops, 222 calories, for the entire race. I stopped worrying about calories as I got in line and hoped my skillz would make an appearance.
Holy Crap! It was hot and humid, just as you would expect in the Midwest in July. The trail being beautifully manicured had helped to take away from it's jungle-like feel. Even if you were standing still sweat was rolling off. Midway through the 1st lap it felt like I was breathing in someone's armpit, not that I have ever done that. Stopping to catch my breath and hyperventilate was not something I had envisioned doing today, but I was going to have to deal with. Sweat was burning in my eyes adding to my misery. I seriously I felt like I was falling apart, one piece at a time.. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. Was I failing already? Geez, I just got started.
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| Thanks Jeff Henderson! |
Negativity crept into my mind and gripped my brain and I said some awful things to myself. Moments later I remembered that negative self talk never works and stopped. I gave myself consent to walk and catch my breath and permission to melt later if necessary. Then I hopped on my bike and pedaled. Damn, lap 1 was difficult.
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| photo by Jeff Henderson |
Heading out on Lap#2 I felt much better. Having cold water and a new attitude helped tremendously. In the middle of my mind was the fact that pedaling was going to be a challenge soon, those 222 calories were long gone. I didn't see Nathan yet and reminded myself that I was not racing, I was just surviving. I can survive on very limited calories. Either way, I wasn't going to add worry to the day, I was riding my bike in the woods and all was good. The Cat 1, 2, and 3 racers started to zip by me about half way through this lap. It's very disconcerting to be passed by soooo many riders. This is when I remind myself to "chill out" and just pedal. Four laps is still the goal. I did not bring my Garmin and had no idea what time it was. (I didn't even look at the time clock when I passed each lap) Having not been mountain biking much this year I did not want to beat myself up any further by looking at slow times. Pedal and smile, four laps.
Sliding out on Lap#3 scored me a huge bruise, damn rocks! Luckily, no one was around to see it. I picked myself up and dusted myself off and hopped back on. As I rode I thought maybe, just maybe, my Kona tossed me there, you know, as a payback for all the non-riding.... I patted the handlebars and asked not to be thrown again. I've been riding just over 2 hours, legs burning, stomach churning, and sweating like a man, absolutely dreading another lap. I know I should probably ingest some calories but the thought of food nauseates me. Damn, I still don't see Nathan.
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| Thank goodness for muscles or that might hurt |
The last mile of Lap 3 all I can think of is stopping and pouring an adult beverage down my gullet. In about 4 minutes it will all be over. As I roll up to the Finish I hear Mark say, "It's only 2:47 on the clock, you got another one in ya" ? I mumble loudly, "Shit"! and I know I will keep pushing on. Dan Bressler hooks me up with some ice cold water and I am out on Lap 4. I know I need to hurry so I don't miss the kids race. I'm running on empty but know that food would be a bad thing to introduce. I feel drained but weightless as I pedal, it's hard to explain. Lap 1 was ridiculously hard yet somehow I made it to Lap 4. Pedaling through the rocky, wet culvert for the fourth time I pat myself on the back. Unscathed! Save for the slide out in the rocks.
Finishing Lap 4 was awesome! As I pedaled in I hear riders yelling my name and cheering for me. All their noise made me feel like I had won, which couldn't be further from the truth. I was DFL, dead freaking last. The results page would not show my victories.... I knew. Not quitting, being able to calm myself to continue, staying upright, riding each lap smoother than the last and completing four laps were my victories. For not being prepared, I am quite happy with my efforts.
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| Chocolate Milk!!! |
The Kona set up at 32x20 ran flawlessly. Tubeless tire pressure was roughly 25psi. Calorie intake was about 300 calories for the day, not recommended.
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| On yer mark, get set.... |
I finished just in time to see the Kids Race. I love seeing their "game faces" and pushing them selves to their limits. This year I have two kiddos in the race and they are riding brand new Trek's, thanks Momentum! The kids trail was separate from the race course. It was 1/3 mile long and was open all day for the kiddos to ride. Their race would be 5 laps.
The race started at 1:15pm, the hottest, muggiest time of the day. The boys and girls lined up did not let it phase them. They had been waiting for this All day.
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| Go girl! |
Leading out the first lap is my 9yr old daughter, followed closely by my 9yr old nephew. The next lap I see my nephew out in front, grinning from ear to ear. The kids are having a great time pedaling in circles. I heard it wasn't all fun when one of the girls slid out coming around a turn. It turns out that one of the older boys, in a different race, stopped to help her get up and back on her bike. He may have lost 1st place due to his chivalry.....
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| Isaiah (in red) in the lead |
The race comes to it's last lap and the kids are pulling out everything they have. Sydney crosses the line first and my nephew, Isaiah, is right behind her. They are covered in sweat and laughing. Yay for bikes!
Out of earshot, my daughter tells me that she let Isaiah pass her on one of the laps. I asked her why and she said "because I wanted him to see what it felt like to be in 1st place". Awwww. What a sweet kid!
What an awesome way to spend a Sunday! Thanks Mark and volunteers! The Davis' will be back in 2016!
Friday, July 10, 2015
Meet The Newest Trail Nugget Ambassador
Recently I was chosen to be in the Rodeo Adventure Labs Trail Nugget Ambassador Program. So exciting and quite a game changer to have a fuel sponsor! Proper fueling means I can ride faster and for longer periods. As an endurance athlete that means a lot. I am very eager to get to know this company better and be a formidable ambassador for them.
My husband was waiting for me at a Checkpoint at the DK200 and handed a few samples, which were full size nuggets. After we got home I was cleaning up my gear and came across them. Intrigued and still starving from riding over 19 hours I opened the Peanut CoCo Apocalypse flavor. In a word it was scrumptious! I scoured my gear box for another, no luck but there were other flavors.
I took the remaining bars/nuggets on recovery rides and longer endurance pedals. The Lemon Almond Hot Date bar was with me on a recent 60 miler. It was an incredibly humid day, mid 90's, and I was sweating more than I was breathing. I was nervous pulling it from my jersey, the nugget probably melted like most do. The packing was still perfect and the nugget was exactly the same as it was three hours ago. I broke it into four pieces and ate as I pedaled. I was very surprised I liked it because I am not a huge lemon bar fan, obviously I hadn't found the right lemon bar yet. Returning to my Jeep I wished I had another Peanut Coco Apocalypse nugget to snack on while I drove home. I bet those are awesome paired with a glass of ice cold milk.
I did not get to try the Just Beet It Trail Nugget yet. I love beets so I expect I will like this flavor as well. The fact that the bars are made with ingredients I can pronounce and understand is important because there is a lot of junk out there. They are also natural, vegan, raw, kosher, and gluten free.
You can go here to see how Trail Nuggets started and go here to purchase some nuggets for yourself. You are going to love 'em! Like their FaceBook page to stay in the loop. If you see me out and about ask me about Trail Nuggets, I may even have some to share.
My husband was waiting for me at a Checkpoint at the DK200 and handed a few samples, which were full size nuggets. After we got home I was cleaning up my gear and came across them. Intrigued and still starving from riding over 19 hours I opened the Peanut CoCo Apocalypse flavor. In a word it was scrumptious! I scoured my gear box for another, no luck but there were other flavors.
I took the remaining bars/nuggets on recovery rides and longer endurance pedals. The Lemon Almond Hot Date bar was with me on a recent 60 miler. It was an incredibly humid day, mid 90's, and I was sweating more than I was breathing. I was nervous pulling it from my jersey, the nugget probably melted like most do. The packing was still perfect and the nugget was exactly the same as it was three hours ago. I broke it into four pieces and ate as I pedaled. I was very surprised I liked it because I am not a huge lemon bar fan, obviously I hadn't found the right lemon bar yet. Returning to my Jeep I wished I had another Peanut Coco Apocalypse nugget to snack on while I drove home. I bet those are awesome paired with a glass of ice cold milk.
I did not get to try the Just Beet It Trail Nugget yet. I love beets so I expect I will like this flavor as well. The fact that the bars are made with ingredients I can pronounce and understand is important because there is a lot of junk out there. They are also natural, vegan, raw, kosher, and gluten free.
You can go here to see how Trail Nuggets started and go here to purchase some nuggets for yourself. You are going to love 'em! Like their FaceBook page to stay in the loop. If you see me out and about ask me about Trail Nuggets, I may even have some to share.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Goodbye Magnificent Kona
I remember the first day I saw you, it was October 30th, 2010. It was love at first sight. You were stunningly shiny and I was dressed like Peat Henry.
I had no idea how to ride you but felt comfortable that we would survive pedaling in circles for about 30 minutes. I was not familiar with shifting gears and did not do well in the race. It didn't matter. You would not be seeing many cross races. You were purchased for an entirely different purpose. You and I were going to crush the Dirty Kanza 200 in 2011!
Time has passed so quickly and here we are almost five years later. I have enjoyed over 15,000 miles of road, trail, and gravel with you. You have taken me on rides with my husband, my daughter and countless friends. We have enjoyed rides to school for lunch and rides to the store to pick up a few things. I have experienced incredible amounts of joy and happiness but also been through crazy Hell, you were right there with me. Our relationship was mostly pleasure that was sprinkled intermittently with Pain, several events come to mind.
You were always ready for a rumble no matter the time of day or the weather conditions. Know that I winced every time I had to roll you through animal feces. And yet, your attitude remained stellar! You never let me down in a race and always gave 150%, no matter the circumstances. In fact, we never had any serious mechanical issues and very few flats over the years. You have maintained a sound mind and body. By the way... I changed only ONE flat in those three races, all 600 miles! You are THE reason I finished my first three Dirty Kanza's! You are magnificent and I am indebted to you for life. I will never forget the gifts you have given me and the adventures we shared.
You know all my secrets, I told you EVERYTHING, unfiltered, and unafraid. Like who were you going to tell? You know my deepest fears, my innermost crazy thoughts, and all the bullshit I have carried around with me for the last 46 years. Thanks for being a super confidant and being an awesome listener. I know my nuttiness is safe with you. I also appreciate you not minding the times I left tears on your top tube. You were there for me through some important times/issues in my life. You didn't leave my side when things got rough. You impacted my life in an immeasurable way , yet you never uttered a word.
I know you were pissed to see the Warbird land in the garage. I understand. I get it. I realize it must have been hard to watch me fawn over him, buy him stuff and take him on rides all the while hanging helplessly from the wall. Don't think I haven't felt guilty. Don't think I haven't thought how you might feel. Also... Don't think I haven't heard your silent digs "hey bitch, ride me" as I rolled the Warbird out of the garage. I'm sorry those moments happened and I hope you know I didn't mean anything by it. My guilt was lessened as I began to look for a good/proper home for you. You are marvelous and deserve to be ridden. I was on a mission to find you the perfect place.
With the help of friends you now have a new home and owner. His name is Robert. He is a Middle School teacher. He resides in..... wait for it..... Emporia, Kansas!!! I know! How lucky are you!?
You get to grind gravel in Kansas! The Flint Hills Baby!! I know how much fun you had out there and how you hated to leave after riding the Dirty Kanza course. You know what else? You may even see some of our friends and get to ride with them. I will have them send me photos so I can see how you are faring. Try not to smile so big alright?
I want you to know that I felt extremely sad as I wrapped your bars with new tape. Don't worry, I left that extra tape just where your new owner will appreciate it. I know you are going to a fabulous home, the fella and his wife are friends of Kristi Mohn, make sure to tell her"Hi" for me. I think you have arrived just in time to give the Lunar Kanza a go! You lucky bastard! I looked at the registered rider list and you would be in awesome company if you get to go. I already sent your new rider an email to get registered, fingers crossed.
I should wrap things up here so you can get on with your life. Lastly I want you to know that you are a very special bike so hold your very head high in Kansas. Not many bikes have three full DK200's on them. That is something to be proud of since most bikes will never see the beauty of the Flint Hills. I'm honored to have had you in my life for as long as I did. Now go make Robert happy, show him as much gravel as he can handle, and then show him some more.
I will be in Emporia on June 3rd 2016, I hope to see you then if not sooner.
I will miss you. Behave.
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| Which one is Peat? FYI, never glue hair to your face. |
I had no idea how to ride you but felt comfortable that we would survive pedaling in circles for about 30 minutes. I was not familiar with shifting gears and did not do well in the race. It didn't matter. You would not be seeing many cross races. You were purchased for an entirely different purpose. You and I were going to crush the Dirty Kanza 200 in 2011!
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| Your first battle scar |
Time has passed so quickly and here we are almost five years later. I have enjoyed over 15,000 miles of road, trail, and gravel with you. You have taken me on rides with my husband, my daughter and countless friends. We have enjoyed rides to school for lunch and rides to the store to pick up a few things. I have experienced incredible amounts of joy and happiness but also been through crazy Hell, you were right there with me. Our relationship was mostly pleasure that was sprinkled intermittently with Pain, several events come to mind.
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| Dirty Kanza 2013 |
You were always ready for a rumble no matter the time of day or the weather conditions. Know that I winced every time I had to roll you through animal feces. And yet, your attitude remained stellar! You never let me down in a race and always gave 150%, no matter the circumstances. In fact, we never had any serious mechanical issues and very few flats over the years. You have maintained a sound mind and body. By the way... I changed only ONE flat in those three races, all 600 miles! You are THE reason I finished my first three Dirty Kanza's! You are magnificent and I am indebted to you for life. I will never forget the gifts you have given me and the adventures we shared.
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| I took you everywhere |
You know all my secrets, I told you EVERYTHING, unfiltered, and unafraid. Like who were you going to tell? You know my deepest fears, my innermost crazy thoughts, and all the bullshit I have carried around with me for the last 46 years. Thanks for being a super confidant and being an awesome listener. I know my nuttiness is safe with you. I also appreciate you not minding the times I left tears on your top tube. You were there for me through some important times/issues in my life. You didn't leave my side when things got rough. You impacted my life in an immeasurable way , yet you never uttered a word.
I know you were pissed to see the Warbird land in the garage. I understand. I get it. I realize it must have been hard to watch me fawn over him, buy him stuff and take him on rides all the while hanging helplessly from the wall. Don't think I haven't felt guilty. Don't think I haven't thought how you might feel. Also... Don't think I haven't heard your silent digs "hey bitch, ride me" as I rolled the Warbird out of the garage. I'm sorry those moments happened and I hope you know I didn't mean anything by it. My guilt was lessened as I began to look for a good/proper home for you. You are marvelous and deserve to be ridden. I was on a mission to find you the perfect place.
With the help of friends you now have a new home and owner. His name is Robert. He is a Middle School teacher. He resides in..... wait for it..... Emporia, Kansas!!! I know! How lucky are you!?
You get to grind gravel in Kansas! The Flint Hills Baby!! I know how much fun you had out there and how you hated to leave after riding the Dirty Kanza course. You know what else? You may even see some of our friends and get to ride with them. I will have them send me photos so I can see how you are faring. Try not to smile so big alright?
I want you to know that I felt extremely sad as I wrapped your bars with new tape. Don't worry, I left that extra tape just where your new owner will appreciate it. I know you are going to a fabulous home, the fella and his wife are friends of Kristi Mohn, make sure to tell her"Hi" for me. I think you have arrived just in time to give the Lunar Kanza a go! You lucky bastard! I looked at the registered rider list and you would be in awesome company if you get to go. I already sent your new rider an email to get registered, fingers crossed.
I should wrap things up here so you can get on with your life. Lastly I want you to know that you are a very special bike so hold your very head high in Kansas. Not many bikes have three full DK200's on them. That is something to be proud of since most bikes will never see the beauty of the Flint Hills. I'm honored to have had you in my life for as long as I did. Now go make Robert happy, show him as much gravel as he can handle, and then show him some more.
I will be in Emporia on June 3rd 2016, I hope to see you then if not sooner.
I will miss you. Behave.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
You Can't Ride Kitchen Cabinets
The beginning of 2015 starts just like every year. My husband and I discuss our plans and goals over adult beverages and find out if we are on the same page. After discussing bikes and careers we talked about the house, the dreaded house. We have taken up space in it for 16yrs, over that time eight people have lived in it. What is downright funny is the fact it was supposed to be a 'transition' place we would stay for 5 years or less. For one reason or another we have stayed, schools, $$, jobs, or to help someone. At this time our house could use some TLC. With active lifestyles we are far too busy to take on projects and honey do lists. However.... since our Summer and Fall activities completely opened up we should be able to tackle some of it. Luckily it's nothing too major, mostly cosmetic things like painting and baseboards. One of the larger projects would be new kitchen cabinets and we picked April/May to have them done.
I tried to be excited when we went shopping for the cabinets, that became difficult after seeing the disgusting amount of $$ they want to house worn kitchen appliances and Target dishes. Crazy! Wood shelving that tops the amount I spent on cars. Ridiculous! After looking at several different stores and talking to consultants I learned a few things. First and foremost, definitely don't go cheap, You get what you pay for. We need the cabinets to help sell the house when we put it on the market so no junk. I had to laugh as we left Menards. I can't believe folks would spend upwards of 20K on kitchen cabinets, I wouldn't do it. It's not important to me. However, with an extra 20K I would use 35% to pay down some bills and buy myself a bike with the remaining 65%. See, I'm responsible.
As the months passed our plans change, drastically. Jim's company was bought out and they were cleaning house and Jim had to have rotator cuff surgery. Shit, we should wait on the cabinets. That's alright, they aren't that bad. We've dealt with it for nearly a decade, what's a few more months/years?
March arrived and I turned 46! I also received a very unexpected gift. The hubs presented me with a 2016 Salsa Warbird! I am still over the moon with this bike, it has exceeded my expectations and treated me well at the Dirty Kanza! I see many gravel road explorations in our future.
I am not the only new bike owner at our house. As our Midwest weather started to shape up we saw first hand what had happened to the kids over Winter. Dammit! Both of the kiddos had grown, a respectable amount and needed new steeds. After two trips to Momentum Cycles both kids were outfitted with brand spankin' new Trek mountain bikes. Hopefully they will be able to ride these for at least two years. So far, their bikes have lasted them only one season.
My daughter received her bike last. As we watched her pedal down the street my husband said, "I hope you realize that this means we probably won't be getting kitchen cabinets anytime soon". I had to laugh. Jim knew full well that I did not care about kitchen cabinets. While at Menards I mentioned it was sad to have to spend that amount of money to have it hang on a wall and hold kitchen crap, spending it on a bike made much more sense to me.
The smiles I have seen in the past two months have been priceless. We have ridden to parks, to stores, on trails, and around our neighborhood. One afternoon last week my nephew and I logged ten miles since he wanted to ride "double digits".
There are no regrets here. I won't hold my breath on the cabinets.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Girl Age 11 Crushes the Dirty Kanza 100
It turns out she was real and not a figment of my imagination. I met her Dad, who was pedaling at the head of their tandem. We exchanged pleasantries, wished each other good luck and we parted ways. I thought of that little girl all day long. When I mentioned seeing her to my husband at the first CP he said "hmmm, what else did you see out there", in a non-believing tone. I couldn't blame him though, it was a bit much to comprehend. I saw her, I saw her mud encrusted ponytail and the smile she wore was genuine. She was having the time of her life. Who is she?
Josie Andre is an 11 yr old girl from Dubuque Iowa. She will be attending Middle School in the Fall. Her Dad signed them up to ride a tandem in the Dirty Kanza 100, the Half Pint, this past March. It didn't sound like he had to twist her arm, Josie likes to ride bikes. She told me that her Mom, Traci Andre, was signed up to the 100 as well. She giggled while telling me that it was her and Dad racing Mom. Even at her young age her feistiness and independence came through on our phone call.
Below are some thoughts from Josie's day. She crossed the line at 9:20:51. She was ranked 7th female out of fifty-two. Quite impressive!
A special thank you to Josie's parents for letting me interview her and share her story.
Josie mentioned that she had been riding tandem "for a while" and the race was totally her Dad's idea. However, she wanted to do it.
She had told her class mates she was riding the DK100 before school let out. When I spoke with her she had not told any of her friends of her accomplishment. I wonder what kind of reactions she received. Would they be able to grasp what she actually did?
Josie rocked a Free Flight jersey which was covered in mud most of the day. She assured me that she did not mind wearing the mud.
Below are some thoughts from Josie's day. She crossed the line at 9:20:51. She was ranked 7th female out of fifty-two. Quite impressive!
A special thank you to Josie's parents for letting me interview her and share her story.
Josie mentioned that she had been riding tandem "for a while" and the race was totally her Dad's idea. However, she wanted to do it.
She had told her class mates she was riding the DK100 before school let out. When I spoke with her she had not told any of her friends of her accomplishment. I wonder what kind of reactions she received. Would they be able to grasp what she actually did?
Josie rocked a Free Flight jersey which was covered in mud most of the day. She assured me that she did not mind wearing the mud.
Josie ate lots of energy chews and guzzled Gatorade while riding co-pilot . At the half way point she ate half of peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some chips.
I asked Josie what she thought about the mud. She let out an exasperated OhMyGosh and said "that was reeeaaaalllllyyyy tough, really hard". She didn't mind being muddy. " It was one of the few times I wouldn't get in trouble for being dirty", she said. Spoken like a true gravel rockstar!
However, she did admit that the mud slop was her least favorite part of the race. She mentioned how difficult it was to walk in mud caked shoes and push the bike. She was delighted when her Dad told her to hop on the bike as they were going to ride parts of it. She was not intimidated by the mud at all. I can't imagine how heavy their tandem was to push/drag/pull, can you?
However, she did admit that the mud slop was her least favorite part of the race. She mentioned how difficult it was to walk in mud caked shoes and push the bike. She was delighted when her Dad told her to hop on the bike as they were going to ride parts of it. She was not intimidated by the mud at all. I can't imagine how heavy their tandem was to push/drag/pull, can you?
Josie's favorite part of the ride was being within one mile from the finish. I can only guess how she felt completing an event a lot of adults would not even enter much less finish today. She was part of 676 cyclists that lined up that morning, only 354 saw the finish line. What a tremendous accomplishment for an 11 yr old girl!
Josie would like to ride the DK100 again, but under her own power with her own two wheels. Yes, she wants a solo effort under her belt before she attempts the full 200. After speaking with her I know she has the guts to go after it and the family support to be successful.
One more thought: As I was putting this piece together my daughter was watching. She was aware I had talked to Josie and she was interested in what Josie had to say. Sydney read over my shoulder as I typed and then said "Mom, can I ride the Dirty Kanza with you some day"? All I could do was smile and say "yes, if you want to".
Thank you Josie for inspiring myself and countless others to go after BIG things!
Go Josie GO! I will see you in 2016!
One more thought: As I was putting this piece together my daughter was watching. She was aware I had talked to Josie and she was interested in what Josie had to say. Sydney read over my shoulder as I typed and then said "Mom, can I ride the Dirty Kanza with you some day"? All I could do was smile and say "yes, if you want to".
Thank you Josie for inspiring myself and countless others to go after BIG things!
Go Josie GO! I will see you in 2016!
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Dirty Kanza 2015 Part Three
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| This and then some packed to ride 200 miles |
Hello and thank you for returning for part three of my Dirty Kanza 2015 edition. If you missed part one you can find it here and part two is here. We have reached the end of our journey, and by our journey I mean, I hope I have been successful and taken you there, to the gravel roads of the Flint Hills and given you an idea of what this feels like to experience it on some level. It is a long story so I appreciate you staying with me until the bitter end and letting me be a little long winded. Ha, wait until next year. THIS is it, the final installment of my account, well maybe. Even after 10 days I am still remembering things that happened. Sadly after completing this writing I will slip into a DK depression. The dreaded 'after' the event that fills my head. It's over. It's really over. Damn.
The night before I left for Kansas I talked to my 9 yr old daughter and explained why Mommy was leaving her with Grandma for the weekend. She knew I was going to ride my bike for a very long time on Saturday and see my friends I haven't seen since last year. By the end of our conversation she said " I don't care how long it takes you Mom, you are not going to die out there". Huh, I was not sure what she meant by this but I thought of it often while I was spinning small circles. No matter what happens I won't die out here, that is comforting. She is wise beyond her years.
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| Superior Socks |
Before leaving CP2 my husband offered to change my socks. It was a love/hate experience and at first I didn't want any part of it. My shoes were clogged with mud/muck and it was impossible to push the straps to get them off. Jim was able to loosen them just enough so I could twist my feet out. I sat on the pavement with my feet dangling and dreading the moment my socks were removed. I had worn them for the last 15 and 1/2 hours, they had been drug through hell. For all I know they might be attached to me permanently. My feet were absolutely shredded, I could feel it. I winced as he carefully removed my socks and took my feet gently into a soft, dry towel to wipe them off. It was painful and sweet wrapped into one. Sitting on the ground I remember shivering uncontrollably and wanting to crawl up in someone's car wrapped in a blanket and crank the heat. I desperately wanted to get warm. Deep down I knew it was a bad idea, once you get comfortable it is hard to get uncomfortable again. I needed to stay uncomfortable for just a while longer. Jim ripped the tag off some brand spankin' new superior socks and placed them on my shriveled feet. I was numb as I wiggled my feet back into my mud slippers, tightened them down and hopped on the bike.
I have to say that my support crew was amazing. People I didn't know jumped in to help me, the encouragement was top notch and much appreciated. It's awesome to hear so many people pulling for you to get it done. Heading out into the darkness I couldn't wait to see all those folks at the finish line, if they were still awake that is.
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| I can taste it but it's still so far away. |
Leg Three
Cottonwood Falls to Emporia
43 miles
Leaving that second CP was a definite high point in my day. Having only two checkpoints placed so far apart made for a lonely day for me. I prefer seeing my peeps every 50 miles, approximately 3-5 hours ride time depending on conditions. Having been alone for most of the day I am getting tired of hearing my own voice. I can't sing but that doesn't stop me for belting a lyric out every once in a while to break up the monotony. This point in the game I know I can complete this. Wild horses can't stop me. Keep my head together and keep pedaling, it's that simple. I feel a little foggy finishing off the last of the pickle juice/water mix. Taking some extra SportLegs I hoped for the best. If my legs cramp I will walk. My stomach was growling, I was so hungry. I was at that "I want to eat but I can't yet" stage. The liquid calories, CarboRocket, was giving me what I need to keep pedaling. I ate a piece of peppermint Extra gum and immediately felt better. Someone told me that peppermint soothes your stomach, I haven't researched it but I would agree, it worked for me.
Having had two cataract surgeries I need ridiculously bright lights in order to see in the dark. My night vision is not the best and neither is my perception of things in the dark. I had planned on using one light on my helmet and one light on my bars. I have two Serfas True 1500 headlights. Most likely the light on my helmet would be all I would need but I didn't want to take any chances. Jim attached my bar light earlier in the ride so I asked for the helmet light at CP2. He said he gave it away to a friend who needed it and that I would be fine with the setup I had. Liar. I was miffed for about 3 seconds, there was nothing I could do about this. And no helmet mount? No way, seriously? All I could do was roll my eyes. In retrospect I realize that this is actually my fault, I did not discuss my lighting expectations with him. I can say that this will never happen again. It can't. By the end of this ride I had a headache and my eyes hurt from following the bouncing light jumping across the gravel. The light itself shifted back and forth at times. I had to hold it down on downhills because it would bounce up. While I was on the flats I had zero complaints.
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| Even Christine's Mom approved of this tat. |
I met Christine from Pennsylvania on this section. She informed me that she has known Jim Cummin's longer than I and he is the reason she and her team are here. She rides for The Cycle Fitters, their jersey is super bright and has a DK logo on the front, She told me that the jerseys were made special for the event. Christine and I had lots of things in common, bikes, gravel, and tattoo's! See photo above. Pretty cool huh? I'd like one myself, maybe someday, but not on my arm, I still have some ankle room free. Christine and her boys are very entertaining so I want to stay with them as along as possible this evening. I do not want to be alone, in the dark, in the middle of nowhere in Kansas. Can you blame me?
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| Jim and Christine after she finishes a few minutes ahead of me |
Darkness sets in and I am trying to be patient with my bar mounted light. I don't want to waste any precious energy getting pissed off but I'm not going to lie, I am pissed off. There is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I'm probably just hangry, I still haven't been able to eat solid food. I have chewed on it but have not been able to swallow it. The last time I tried my gag reflex got a hold of me and I had to explain to a cyclist why I was spitting rice at him. Good thing that CarboRocket stuff does what it says it does or I would be in serious trouble.
About 20 miles from the finish I see this fella I have been yo-yoing all day long. He tells me I look familiar. Yea, sure I do, out here in Kansas on a gravel road in the middle of nowhere. Then he says "didn't the NY Times run a piece on you back in 2013"? I look over at him and realize it's James Gross, we rode a lot of DK '13 together. From the looks of things we were going to finish this one together, how cool is that? We catch up on the last two years and before we know it we see those wonderful bright spotlights welcoming us to town. We are both stoked to be almost done and smiling from ear to ear. We see bike lights behind us and are determined not to let anyone pass us. We aren't giving 'it' up now, get me? No one will pass us, we are on fire, we are unstoppable, we are doing this!
We hit the road section to town and a car, that could have motored through, stops in order to allow us to keep rolling. Whoot! Then we get the GREEN light to head through campus and finish this thing. My heart is filled with crazy joy as I thank God for watching over me and helping me complete this. There were plenty of times I could have bit it and been done for the day. One particular downhill in the dark still has me perplexed as to how I did not eat shit. The fella behind me said "nice save", even he didn't know how I recovered it. There were several situations I saw happen to others, such as the guy about 15 miles from the finish snap his chain going downhill. He was directly in front of me and I tapped him when we landed at the bottom. That situation could have happened to me just as easily as it happened to him. I believe a little luck may have been on my side.
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| I made sure my bracelet was covered |
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| That is my "I'm afraid I am going to drop this glass" look |
As we pass over the finish line it's the most exciting 10 seconds of my day and then it's over. I am utterly freezing, covered from head to toe in mud, sweat, tears and cow shit. Funny thing is, I couldn't be happier. My husband gives me a huge hug and tells me he is very proud of me. That was all I needed to hear at the end of this epic ride, I accomplished my goal. I finished. Ryan is at the finish too, his day did not go as well as mine. It was so nice to have people there waiting for me, it really means a lot after you have been fighting all day to get there, plus it's 1:15 am. Jim handed me his Patagonia coat and takes my bike off to be rinsed. The ProGold Lubricants fella was there barking out how to use his product. " Wet it down, scrub it in. Let it sit for a few minutes before you rinse it off folks, don't forget the bike shine", or something to that effect. I am glad my steed was going to get clean before being put back in the car, otherwise I was going to have to ride it back to Angela's house. While Jim is hosing off the magnificent Warbird I spy some Lays potato chips and cheese tidbits on a table. I don't know who they belong to or how long they have been there, nor did I care. Like a hungry beggar I saunter over to the table to have the nicest lady in the world ask me, "Do you need a plate hun"? Bless you wonderful woman. I am so hungry right now I could pass out. Hungry and cold I nibbled on those cheese bites and then wobbled back to the car.
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| Thanks for waiting for me at the finish Jason. |
Exhausted and excited are a weird balance but it works for me. On the drive back to Angelas I told my husband that I gave it everything I had, I really pedaled as fast as I could. I climbed every hill I could, and really did my best. I confided to him that my body has never hurt so much in my entire life, every muscle was screaming at me, hair on my head throbbed, my teeth hurt. I loved it! I deserved every twinge of discomfort I was experiencing. I earned the burning in my legs and feet, the empty pain in my lower back, the numbness in my arms and hands, and the feeling of being on top of the world.
I was very nervous undressing for my much deserved shower. Last year a leech fell off me, he was dead, ewwww. I look down into my bibs and see a paste like concoction and freak out. It's all over my chamois and it does not resemble butt'r. I immediately think I had "an accident" and probably just didn't feel it, totally gross. I'm disgusted as I spin around to look in the mirror, thinking "please say it isn't so", and it wasn't, I was good. The "accident" is actually a cement like substance that I sat on all day and it pushed into my shorts. Breathing a sigh of relief I tell Jim what happened, he laughs, tells me to be quiet and to go take a shower.
Jim falls asleep before me. I can't imagine the day he has been through, waiting on me all day and probably some worrying in there too. As I lay in bed my body is throbbing, everywhere. My skin is on fire. My feet resemble hamburger. It's all worth it. Add in that I feel awesome and unstoppable! It's kind of a weird euphoria, dancing throughout my body. All for this.....
Expedition: a journey or voyage taken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration, scientific research, or war.
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| First beer! |
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| I won this sweet saddle at the awards assembly! |
The new date is set for the 2016 Dirty Kanza. The race falls on my husbands 48th Birthday and our 17yr Wedding Anniversary. Having completed four DK200's I would like to go back and complete number five and earn that Gravel Goblet. So far only men own them. Come on girls! I wonder what Jim will say about this, will he want to go to Kansas again? I was going to tell him that for 17th Wedding Anniversary's it is customary in the gravel cycling world to let your spouse do the Dirty Kanza. In return I will let him do the ride also. Sound like a deal?
Keep the gravel crunching,
Wendy
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