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
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