CO2UT. So. First off. Ow.

I have never sworn during a race like I swore during this year’s CO2UT Utahraptor 125 miler. It is over 30 hours since the end of the race and I still have slight numbness in my left pinky finger from the jarring conditions found on this year’s course. Also, I might have mild PTSD from camouflaged sand traps.

The Diverge STR that I rented for this race was super capable and a solid choice for the course, but I would have loved to have had 45mm tires on it (up from 42) and a second wrapping of bar tape on the handlebars. Those two upgrades would have definitely reduced the beating my upper body and specifically my hands took during the bone jarring sections.

Given the Tour Divide is less than a month away and is my primary biking goal for this year, I treated CO2UT as a long, hard training ride. I wanted to test my fitness after months of training, but I was definitely not there to risk getting a Did Not Start (DNS) for the Tour by hurting myself. Given the two crashes I saw happen right in front of me and also the result of someone hitting a cattle guard at high speed, I am very comfortable with my choice.

And it cannot be understated: it is simply gorgeous out there. It was hard to stay focused on the road and not drift off staring at the views.

I feel like I need a conclusion here. Um. It was a race. It was brutal. I’m still recovering. I questioned multiple times why I do this stupid ass sport. I thought about quitting the Tour Divide and finding another hobby. Would I recommend this race to others? Only if you really hate yourself. Still. I might do it again. 🫠

@desertgravel #gravelbike #gravelrace #co2ut