high highs and low lows

Hey everyone!

Writing to you with some well-earned rest days after a whirlwind of travel and racing this past weekend. Shortly after SBT, I packed up a rental car and drove straight shot east through Nebraska to Lincoln for Garmin Gravel Worlds. A more grassroots gravel event, this race brought a relaxed vibe and focused on creating a welcoming and positive environment for all athletes. The course was rolling, relatively fast, and at 150 miles LONG.

I did a good ride at SBT and with a bit less depth in the field as well as a lot less concentrated climbing, I was extremely optimistic. To foreshadow, my optimism overwhelmed the fact that a 150-mile race was just 5 days after a 125 mile race at altitude. 

Gravel Worlds did not go to plan. Actually, it was shit. 

I was holding my own for the first 4 hours, lacking the best of legs but feeling good. An early break escaped and the field cruised along. (*side note here- the fact that people are using DISC WHEELS in gravel racing is crazy) (**2nd side note don’t ask me how i really feel about this).

Eventually, the excitement creeped in and the pace heated. The field began chasing, splitting, and I was in the right mix- forcing selections and making moves. I started to falter, struggling with fueling, botched a water stop (this race was self-supported) and shortly after, totally imploded. 

I was empty. Bonked, blown, tired, beat, upset, frustrated, ashamed. 

Ashamed. But it's just a bike race? 

As a privateer, the pressure and privilege falls much more concentrated. When we invest into races, and I don’t perform, I can really beat up on myself. Knowing the financials we put in, the investments from sponsors, and I don’t race well it’s hard. It’s been an incredible season but I also want to perform. To exceed expectations, representing my community and giving back stories, inspiration, and excitement to the people who have given to me.

A few calls with friends and family later I was reminded by NICH that every QB throws a few interceptions. We all have shit days, bike racing or life. We learn to forget the bad ones and keep moving forward. To many more good days ahead. 

 Happy riding, 

MG