Week #39 #justanotherweekonthebike

Not much happened this week except I got in 418 miles and had a good group ride on Saturday out of Method. Ashton Lambie, myself and about 12 others headed out on a very nice fall morning to ride some gravel. Soon the pack had split and about six of us were out front. I ended up with 104+ miles for the day which was a little longer than I had planned but take advantage of the weather when you can. Today was supposed to be a group ride for Randy Gibson who was killed 2 years ago. The weather didn't cooperate so they postponed the ride, but I did get in about 72 miles on the single speed just down the trail. It rained for the first half of the ride but it was actually warmer than yesterday. Next up is my ride in Kansas starting on Friday morning. Hopefully the weather will be good and the ride goes well. It will be interesting to see how it is riding with the packs on the bike. I am trying to pack light but I know I will probably end up taking too much stuff with me.

Week #38 A big day in the saddle

Saturday was a good ride. I got in 160 miles on the trail from Lincoln to Marysville. Josh and I left early to meet Ashton in Beatrice, where he was doing the middle 70+ miles with us. We had a headwind on the way down, but the trail is sheltered in many spots. Once we met up with Ashton the pace picked up a little. When we turned back to Beatrice is when things got hot. Josh was the first to drop since we were going between 22-24 mph with the tailwind. I was able to hold on until about 7-8 miles outside of Beatrice. I knew that I had another 40+ miles to get home, so it made sense to sit up. I always enjoy riding with Ashton. He is so efficient and I always try to learn something from him. Josh made it to Beatrice and after we got a little lunch we headed back to Lincoln. He wasn't having the best day and decided to stop at Roca. I felt really good but super tired once I got home. This was my last big training ride before I ride to Emporia from Lawrence in a couple weeks.

Week #37 Glorious Bastards

This weekend I got to go down to Lone Jack, Missouri, and hang out with the MUOR team and do the Glorious Bastard ride. There were probably close to 25 people that did either the 65 or 88 mile loops. It was fun to ride with everyone and we did push the pace a few times on some climbs. I ended up riding a little extra to get in just over 100 miles for the day. On Friday, I rode with Joe and Greg on the SS in Lawrence. Sunday I rode out to checkout part of the route I will be doing on my way from Lawrence to Emporia the first weekend in October.

Week #36 Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash

The Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash was a great race down in Marysville, Kansas. Mark Hoffman and all of the volunteers did an excellent job with the event. The weather managed to cooperate for us also.
First off, the course was challenging! I am not sure how many miles of MMR/"B"/Jeep roads that we went down, but it was a bunch. Since I have zero mountain bike skills, it was extra tough. The pace was strong from the start and didn't let up. Our first goal for Move Up Off Road was to get Nigel Vaught the KOM on hill challenge. I hit the base of the climb hard to make sure nobody else was going to have a chance at it. Nigel powered his way up the hill and nobody really challenged him.
After the climb the race broke apart. Paul Erickson, myself, Michael Giem and Ed Husted ended up battling for most of the 123 miles. The pace was super fast through 80 miles which was covered in 4 hours and 2 minutes. Do the math, it was quick. The MMR/"B"/ Jeep roads slowed us down some with all the ruts and sand. My Lauf True Grit with the Cantu Cycling Wheels Rovas handled the course great. I know there were a few descents that probably wouldn't have taken as fast if it wasn't for this bike setup. At 90 miles I was trying to figure out how Paul and I were going to drop Michael and Ed. They both seemed to look very strong. Ed was the first one to drop off the pace, but once we got stopped by a train, he was back on. By the time we got to the last checkpoint at mile 108, Ed was off the back again. Paul and I didn't take very long getting through the checkpoint and rolled out hard. Michael wasn't able to get back on our wheel. The next few miles Paul and I rode steady to open the gap from the other two guys.
I was really happy the race didn't come down to a sprint, since I don't think I have won a sprint this year! The best part of the race was being able to cross the line with Paul. Even though they gave me the win, I am saying that we tied for the win!
I am happy that I didn't have any mechanicals and my nutrition from Science in Sport was spot on. I used Beta Fuel and GO Gels to keep fueled. The only issue was I lost a bottle in between the first and second checkpoints and had to chase back a few miles to get back with the group.
This will probably be my last race for the year. There might be something pop up, but I have been racing since January and 16 gravel races is a lot. Now, I do have a few things planned for the rest of the year, including a big weekend the first part of October. I also am excited to spend a bunch of time on my new single speed. I hope that it will make me even stronger for next year. Since all of these races are getting so fast! I am also excited to do some really "long" races next year. Always looking for new ways to challenge myself. #moveupoffroad #fueledbyscience #isontonicsquad #laufforks #ucantu #possmdoping #vie13_kustom_apparel #unlearnpavement #justanotherdayonthebike #joypower

Week #35 Time to get ready to deliver the mail

This week is the Pony Express 120. Last year I was just recovering from my shoulder surgery 7 week earlier. This year I have rolled over 12,000 miles and raced 15 gravel races, so I am either ready or over prepared. Looks like the weather should be good and hopefully the roads will be drive. We have a strong Move Up OffRoad team there this year and we will be riding hard.
At the first of October, I have decided to do a little bike packing trip. I am riding to Emporia from Lawrence. Day 1 will be around 220 miles and day 2 will be at least 100 miles (longer I hope). Should be fun and I think I have about everything that I need for the bike as far as packs. I am looking forward to a few more bike adventures in 2020.