That Feeling

I hesitate to write this or even provide photographic proof. But let me explain…

I have gone on and on about The Ragnarok 105 gravel race in Red Wing, Minnesota before. It was my very first gravel “race” way back when. It was where Charlie Farrow first berated me for not having my poop in a group in the parking lot before the “Big Dance.” It was where I learned about the hills of the Driftless Region of Minnesota. Simply, it remains my favorite gravel event anywhere.

This year, months of pretty intense PT work (thanks to Hailey at Northern Movement PT) helped me to achieve a sense of gratitude and reward that I can only hope all riders of tough gravel events feel. That feeling of finding out that your body can actually do far more than you expect it to. That feeling of riding solo for 90 miles and realizing that you are still your best cycling companion. That feeling that just riding across the finish line is all the reward that I would ever want. It’s been a couple of years since I had that feeling and it feels good to have it yet again.

So this short post is a simple nod to the fine people that produce the Ragnarok 105 each year. It is all a gravel race needs to be. Card tables in the parking lot. Timing done by hand. Cue sheets that tell you where to turn. And a course that is second to none in the country. This is pure gravel racing. Thank you!

The takeways for those just attempting their first 100 milers this season? Remember the basics. There are easier miles and there are harder miles. Be present for both. Ride 10 miles at a time. Get those done and move to the next 10. Say ‘hello’ to new people in the parking lot. Look at the hawks soaring overhead. Say ‘thank you’ to the checkout person at the convenient store. Keep eating 200-300 calories each hour. Mind your tire pressure (usually under 35 psi.) And remember that doing hard things is probably good for us all. Most people riding are having that shared experience with you.

Be Graveleer!

Jeremy