Unbound

[ChewbaccaDefense]

I'm headed out with my wife's bike. Interesting names on the entry list.

Little bummed myself, because I am in Steamboat Springs and was here for 3 days to ride...night of day 1, had bad intestinal issues, turns out I have a norovirus, so I missed riding here.

Anyway, I will be posting updates on the thread on race day.

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

Arrived today. Still getting over my stomach issues so no ride, but did see a couple of guys coming in from rides...good thing there is some time between now and race day, because it rained pretty good yesterday and last night, and both guys looked like they'd been through a battle. Saw a couple of the roads...pretty chunky. We're definitely in Kansas anymore.

Think I'll do the Gravel Hall of Fame ride tomorrow, as a friend from town is here and his dad is being inducted.

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

Gravel Hall of Fame ride was nicely done. The gravel on that loop sounds like the average of what the racers will ride, with smoother sections, and very much more chunky sections. Supposed to rain tonight, and rained hard a couple of days ago, so conditions are still a little up in the air.

Really cool atmosphere in town. The spirit of gravel might be dead, but it isn't dead. Local bike shop (Merchant Cycles) was super helpful, and couldn't have been nicer. Lots of people on the ride to talk with, and some great advice to pass onto my wife. Picking her up in KC tonight, and tomorrow we start recon.

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

Really cool atmosphere here now. Lots of people showing up, and lots of talk because of the rain last night. It made things much more interesting, as it had a real effect on the course, so much so that they had to change the 350 mile route, because there is now a lake over part of that course.

Went for a fun ride with people from back home, ate some pizza, and had an all around good time today.

The 350 starts tomorrow at 3pm local, and we've got a friend doing it for a 2nd time. Strong field for that one this year, for sure.

Also, Laurens Ten Dam sighting

 

[Axel Hangleck]

Will be interesting from a tech point of view; MTB tyres, suspension, pedals, etc

Ben Delaney did an interview with Tudor's Simon Pellaud, and he's decided to use the URS, which is an Adventure bike, over the Kaius Race bike - looks like he's on MTB pedals.

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

Will be interesting from a tech point of view; MTB tyres, suspension, pedals, etc

Ben Delaney did an interview with Tudor's Simon Pellaud, and he's decided to use the URS, which is an Adventure bike, over the Kaius Race bike - looks like he's on MTB pedals.

Yeah, you'd have to be bold to think you aren't going to walk something tomorrow. I don't think road shoes will be often seen.

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

XL left today at 3pm local. Crazy race. Our friend is well prepared, so we will be tracking him. Saw Lachlan and ten Dam chatting it up, neither was at the front on the start...it's not the kind of race vibe for that...those guys are going to ride a long way over the next 24 hours or so.

Wife is nervrous as a cat, and overthinking. Lots of support from everyone though. She'd start right now, if she could, just to get it going.

Sunny and hot today. Big change from even yesterday.

 

[Axel Hangleck]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jS6uf1_KlU

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

Super busy day, didn't actually haave time to watch any of the other races, as we were crewing for my wife and another friend, and were busy with that. Got to both rest stops just after the men went through, but it sounds like it was over already in Alma, same with the women. I saw the lead group go through, and they were well ahead of the others. Brutal day for them and everyoe riding. I saw several people who needed medical (wound)help, and a lot of abandons at the aid stations.

Our day was great, had one friend get top 30 in the 350, and anothe ffriend finish in about 15 and a half hours.

Best news is that my wife crushed it!! She was 2nd in her age group, and finished before the sun went down. She is a freaking beast!!

Great festival and atmosphere. If you ever want an epic day, this is one. I worked enough volunteer hours to get an automatic spot next year, so I'll be in the 200 myself next year. There are 5 of us already wanting to ride next year....so we will have to figure out who will do our crew work....

 

[Unchained]

Super busy day, didn't actually haave time to watch any of the other races, as we were crewing for my wife and another friend, and were busy with that. Got to both rest stops just after the men went through, but it sounds like it was over already in Alma, same with the women. I saw the lead group go through, and they were well ahead of the others. Brutal day for them and everyoe riding. I saw several people who needed medical (wound)help, and a lot of abandons at the aid stations.

Our day was great, had one friend get top 30 in the 350, and anothe ffriend finish in about 15 and a half hours.

Best news is that my wife crushed it!! She was 2nd in her age group, and finished before the sun went down. She is a freaking beast!!

Great festival and atmosphere. If you ever want an epic day, this is one. I worked enough volunteer hours to get an automatic spot next year, so I'll be in the 200 myself next year. There are 5 of us already wanting to ride next year....so we will have to figure out who will do our crew work....

Congratulations all around, your wife's is fantastic! I have watched half dozen highlights- race result videos and articles. All had a common theme, speed was up.. One video had Keegan commenting that he made it to first aid station @35 minutes ahead of schedule. Everyone just flying. Lots of female racers said level of competition has never been higher. To get a result is certainly awesome accomplishment!! The quality of the field just goes higher and higher in every category.

 

[Sciatic]

Super busy day, didn't actually haave time to watch any of the other races, as we were crewing for my wife and another friend, and were busy with that. Got to both rest stops just after the men went through, but it sounds like it was over already in Alma, same with the women. I saw the lead group go through, and they were well ahead of the others. Brutal day for them and everyoe riding. I saw several people who needed medical (wound)help, and a lot of abandons at the aid stations.

Our day was great, had one friend get top 30 in the 350, and anothe ffriend finish in about 15 and a half hours.

Best news is that my wife crushed it!! She was 2nd in her age group, and finished before the sun went down. She is a freaking beast!!

Great festival and atmosphere. If you ever want an epic day, this is one. I worked enough volunteer hours to get an automatic spot next year, so I'll be in the 200 myself next year. There are 5 of us already wanting to ride next year....so we will have to figure out who will do our crew work....

Great stuff, and nice to get lowdown from someone there! Congrats to your wife!