I leave in a few hours for Emporia, Kansas to take part in the Dirty Kanza 200. With temps in the mid 80s and the humidity ranging anywhere from 50 - 80%, it's going to be a challenging race. I signed up early in the year, well before I had any idea what gravel road riding, let alone racing, was really about. I am sure I will learn some lessons during the course of the event. Tomorrow's race is going to be the cumulation of the last 6 months of training. I am in much better shape physically and mentally than I had imagined I would be by now. The physical readiness was the easy part. The road to mental readiness has been much longer and harder to travel. I've ridden a lot of miles and had a number of conversations with people over the last 6 months. I wouldn't be where I am without the encouragement (and heckling) they've given me from a bicycle seat, via email, or in person. Paul, Tom, Pete, Squirrel, Dennis, and Scott: Thanks for good times over the last 6 months. A big thank you to all the guys as Rasmussen Bike Shop for their support this year. Donny, Sterling, Greg and the rest of the guys are great people to deal with. They've kept me equipped, kept my bike in tip top shape, and fit me to it like a glove.
Last, but not least, I also have to thank my wife for her support and understanding about my need for the long weekend hours in the saddle, and the growing herd of bikes and parts that has taken over our lives in the past two years.
3 comments:
Good luck to you on this quest. I know that you are ready for it, just keep those pedals turning and limit the time off the bike. I'll be monitoring the race via internet.
Kick some ass this weekend Steve! Just keep it moving and you'll do great. Also, don't be afraid to change game plans during the ride if something isn't going right. I know I wished I'd have dropped about 10 lbs of pressure from the rear tire to get a bit more grip climbing the hills at Almanzo, but didn't want to take the minute to do it.
alive....dead.....what happened?
Peace
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