You may have heard that I tried to do a 200mi gravel race called Rexy a few days ago. I saw that race going differently in my mind.

There were signs it might go sideways. First, two weeks ago I badly bruised my sit bone on a rough jeep trail. The next day a chunk of my bike shoe broke off. A pre-race inspection revealed a need for a new bottom bracket. My chain also got replaced but Shimano chains were out of stock, which led to a problematic substitute. Those problems exposed a rear hub that was on its last legs.

During my last shakedown ride, both cleats worked loose and I discovered my bike computer was completely drained. Easily addressable the night before but…eek.

At the start line, I foolishly decided to remove my shoe covers and my feet got icy cold during the first section. As the sun rose and they warmed up, cold blood moved into my legs and core, which I think is what caused my legs to become heavy and my stomach to rebel. And then my gears shifted so badly on a washout that my genitals had a sudden, unpleasant interaction with my bike seat.

But I kept on going. I did not throw up, but I sure wanted to. At Aid Station 2, I was positive I was going to quit at Aid Station 3, but I was determined to keep going. I biked the next section alone with no other riders in sight, but I was able to slowly bring my legs back to life and reduce my stomach discomfort. Sadly sharp right knee pain started.

When I reached Aid Station 3, I took a long break to eat real food, take painkillers, clean the bike, and refocus. I did not feel strong…but onwards and upwards.

The next section was the crux of the race and it exhausted me. Thanks to countless washouts, my shoulders and neck got incredibly beat up. And then around mile 145 or so, I took enough of a beating on a descent that my left sit bone flared up. I was in so much pain that I could not sit on my saddle. I reached Aid Station 4 and decided to end my race. 154 miles and over 9000’ of elevation. Ooof. @desertgravel