Setting goals is something I try to regularly do. It creates accountability and something to strive for. It helps to motivate me; once completed, goals provide me with rewards and a sense of accomplishment.
In 2022, I created a goal of 1,500 miles on my bike. I didn’t set this goal until mid-year, after I completed my first half marathon. Unfortunately I finished a little short, 1,300 miles for the year. There were wins in there, I completed my first 1/2 century ride, I expanded my riding group and friend circle. I really started to learn to love gravel and get comfortable in the saddle.
For 2023 I created some of the following goals:
- 2,500 miles for the year
- First 100km ride
- First 100mile ride
As of June 30th, 1/2 way, 6 months completed. I’m happy to say I’m making some great progress on my distance goal. I’m 44 miles behind my goal for the year to be on pace to complete it. With that said, I’m rode my bike 441 miles in June, I’m not only putting a massive dent into that goal I’m also checking other boxes. To back up and offer some context for 2023, the year started with getting into some of the largest gravel rides / races in the midwest.
- The Midsouth – 50 Mile (58.5 miles)
- Flint Hills Gravel – The Challenge (88.5 miles)
- Unbound 100 (103 miles)
The Midsouth
The Midsouth 50 miles (58.5) was to date, the longest ride I’ve completed. It was a great experience, I lost myself in the moment, I cried, I smiled, I cramped up, I completed this red dirt ride and it made me so happy. I had a chance to surround myself with some of my best friends. I got to create memories, experiences and lose myself in the backroads around Stillwater, OK.
| Elapsed Time | Moving Time | Distance | Average Speed | Max Speed | Elevation Gain | Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
04:24:57
hours
|
03:55:52
hours
|
58.50
mi.
|
14.88
mph
|
32.47
mph
|
4,163.39
ft.
|
3,864
kcal
|
Flint Hills Gravel
Next I prepared for the Flint Hills Gravel, the Challenge. This ride checked a couple boxes, again, my longest ride to date but it also checked the 100km ride. This ride was a great tuneup for the Unbound 100 with Americus, KS being just northwest of Emporia, KS. I learned a lot that day, that the rolling hills are relentless and they don’t stop. I learned that I spent a lot of time at rest stops and could of preformed better with proper nutrition. I also learned I have some great friends, who are encouraging and are in my corner.
| Elapsed Time | Moving Time | Distance | Average Speed | Max Speed | Elevation Gain | Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
06:51:58
hours
|
06:17:41
hours
|
87.62
mi.
|
13.92
mph
|
37.99
mph
|
4,258.53
ft.
|
4,026
kcal
|
Unbound 100
Labeled the greatest / largest gravel ride in the world (Unbound 200), the Unbound 100 was the next box on my list. Not only one of the largest gravel rides in America, it would allow me the opportunity to check off my first century ride. Unbound Gravel, formerly known as the Dirty Kanza is a bucket list ride for most amateur riders. I knew about the race/ride, I knew it was going to be difficult, I wasn’t aware of how this race would change how I view myself.
Between the 88 miles of the Flint Hills Gravel and Unbound 100, I rode my bike around 330 miles in total. Life is busy, it was hard to get out there and ride. I felt ready, I felt good, I had a goal of 6-7 hrs, that all went out the window at mile 11 of the race; the peanut butter hike-a-bike section for the next 3+ miles. I got to experience Unbound and all it’s glory, I got the mud, the rain, the rolling hills, the sun, and the wind.
This ride / race taught me so much about myself afterwords. I didn’t realize in the moment what my friends and I accomplished. I didn’t realize 23% of the total of participants would DNF, across all race distances. I didn’t know that my friend group would all finish within 20 minutes of each other. I didn’t know that seeing my wife in Madison, KS would mean so much to me. Not only her support that day for my friends and I but for the months of support in my corner.
To complete my first century ride, in Emporia, KS, an hour from my home meant so much. I had friends at the finish line, cheering me on. I had the same thing in 2022 completing my first, and only, 1/2 marathon. I have videos of me finishing each event, the 1/2 marathon and Unbound 100, thanks to people who are in my corner, supporting me, loving me.
| Elapsed Time | Moving Time | Distance | Average Speed | Max Speed | Elevation Gain | Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
09:05:02
hours
|
08:07:17
hours
|
102.87
mi.
|
12.67
mph
|
32.58
mph
|
4,524.28
ft.
|
7,959
kcal
|
Overall, I’m confident I’ll reach the 2,500 mile goal. This has only been possible thanks to the love and support of my family, especially my loving wife, refocusing my time and energy, and having some of the most badass friends who push me and make me a better rider.
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