Trying something new

It’s hard to believe that it has been a little over a month since we ‘raced’ The Black Fork Gravel Grinder. I say ‘race’ lightly because the 25-mile and 30-mile distance were ‘fun rides’ - but most people would not call a ride run with an elevation gain of 3,727 feet for the distance of 30+ miles - that is what I do for fun though!

If you want a peek at what the race looked like, two guys that I saw on the route documented the ‘fun ride’ —> TGL Rides: The Black Fork Gravel Grinder 2021.

This was my first race experience since the pandemic broke out in March of 2020. I was a bit hesitant on how the race format would go & how I would feel on race day. Masks were required at the start of the race & at the aid stations, but not necessary when riding. When we arrived at the race, I was actually more excited than nervous. It really felt like a race and it was great to see so many people come out to race.

I may have had a slight advantage to this course - as I was one of the lucky people who knew most of the course since my husband & I rode it a few times. However, it was still a really hard ride and I am sure I did not eat enough during the 3+ hours I was out there.

The fun thing is that I tried something new - ‘racing’ a gravel race. If it wasn’t for the sport of Triathlon, I wouldn’t be where I am with trying mountain biking, gravel riding, trail running, standup paddleboarding, and open water swimming. Triathlon was the gateway sport to try other sports.

Even though the distance that I rode wasn’t an official race, I still felt like I was racing. It was a staggered start, aid stations, and finishing below a banner.

In 2021, is there a new race that you want to try? Is there a sport that you have had your eye on, but haven’t tried yet?

I’ve still got so much to learn with mountain biking & gravel riding - but it’s sure fun to explore these routes!

Game face! | Black Fork Gravel Grinder | May 1, 2021