Don, me and Zack at the finish of the Royal 162 gravel race. The time was 2am.
Three guys, 19 hours, 167 miles, 10k feet of climbing, self supported. Together we fought rain, wind, grit, grime and hypothermia. We had some incredible highs and we battled devastating lows. We got lost twice and nearly packed it in 25 miles from the finish. Individually I don't know that any one of us would have made it, but together we pulled through. Three guys determined to finish this race, regardless of what it took. None of us made it past the first check point at Trans Iowa. None of us was going to let that happen here. Soaked and shivering, we finished four hours past the cutoff. But we finished and that's all that mattered to us. This was the most meaningful race of my life.
The next morning I read that they cancelled the first stage of the Amgen Tour of California. Apparently there was some snow on the course. Nice...
Way to go, guys. I barely finished the 100. Can't imagine 162. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteChapeau. Amazing ride.
ReplyDeleteCraig,
ReplyDeleteIt was an honor and a privilege to ride this beast with you. I agree whole heartedly that individually we wouldn't have made it. Man I'll cherish these memories and times out in the dark wet cold and lonesome of a place called the Royal 162. Looking forward to riding it again next year with you. See ya at the Dirty K.
Hats off to you three. Last I heard you were just past the water crossing; I fell asleep at midnight following your progress.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys, and big congrats to all of you as well. Andy T, I was just reading through your blog and I have to say I am truly humbled.
ReplyDeleteZack, can't wait for DK. It's going to be golden...
Craig, an amazing job well done. A acomplishment you'll never reget, (special word for regret and forget) :-)
ReplyDeleteMy friend and I DFL'ed Almanzo last year in perfect weather. Almost 12 hours on the bike. This year I bailed after 38 because I was miserable. I can't imagine being out there for 19 hours. You guys are crazy -- in that good way. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteGreat ride! Hell of an accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteCraig,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late post but I agree with Zack. It was an honor to ride with you.I too cherish every awesome moment like the french fries and coffee and the dark times when Zack told me he was calling his wife to sag me and that I could wear her skirt..lol...GREAT times, good friends and HELLA good french fries...see you at the Kanza brother! Don D