Competitions + Events
On Racing: in 2021
2020 brought a whole lot of challenges. And while we kept removing races from our calendars, it’s hard not to focus on all the lives lost through this pandemic. And all of the others affected financially and emotionally though this stressful year. A racing calendar, once notable, now seems insignificant. My 2021 “race” schedule is built on a structure of matches. Likely to go up in flames. But I am hopeful. I have to be. We’ve got to get creative with the planning, and … receive a vaccine.
Camp Noko
Jan – March 2021
Looking forward to getting some sunshine and warmth on my skin as I travel to San Diego for training camp! It’s gonna be a long winter in the PNW, and I need to restore some Vitamin D and get through some of the base mileage training. And I get to ride with my bestie. So thankful for her friendship and generosity in hosting me for this extended period during Kyle’s deployment!
Coast Ride 2021
Jan 7-12, 2021
Cancelled and opted for Staycation Camp 2021
Noko and I were chatting in the summer of 2020 regarding goals. With the lack of anything sticking on our calendars, we were yearning for some adventure. Insert one of my bucket list trips and Ian’s willingness to be our Sherpa, and boom – our own coast ride seed was planted. It’s a big undertaking and something that I know will be a great challenge for myself to even finish each day. Teammate Cynthia will be joining us for the adventure, and if we can keep everyone above the caloric bonk line, the trip will be a success!
Cascadia Super Gravel
April 24, 2021
A last minute addition to the calendar in preparation for the swap to Unbound XL. I’ll ride to the start 100 miles on Friday, while Kyle drives the camping gear. We’ll sleep in the car and race through the Capitol Forest gravel roads on Saturday. Hopeful for some great training miles during this adventure!
Gravel Unravel: Hoh-ly Roller
May 1, 2021
Because prep for Unbound must always include some local suffering. Hopeful to get the chance to tackle more off-road adventures in the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula in a season where the weather will always be a question mark.
Unbound Gravel XL
June 5, 2021
There’s just something about this race that will keep me coming back for more. Nothing is ever guaranteed on the flint hills of Kansas, so as I tire the line for my 3rd shot at the finish line, I’m starting to believe that maybe some day I’ll acquire the infamous goblet {1,000 mile club / 5x finisher}. This year I’ve opted to forgo the goblet chase, in search of many unknown miles ahead, during the infamous 350 mile XL version. Teammate Cynthia and I will tackle this challenge together.
Preparation Report HERE
Race Report HERE: Part 1 & Part 2
High Cascades 100
July 17, 2021
Because peer pressure, a few too many IPAs, and the threat of a 100 mile mountain bike race at 10,000ft {see next} – I registered for the High Cascades 100 mtb event in Bend, OR with Kyle! Looking forward to some single track suffering in a beautiful location as a reality check for what is to follow a month later in Colorado.
Rooted Vermont
August 1, 2021
I realized Vermont during the shoulder season isn’t for me. But mid-summer Vermont? I think I’m up for the adventure out east. I’ve heard fellow Velocio sponsored riders Ted & Laura King and their partner put on quite the event in 2019 and am happy it’s been added to our team calendar this year.
LeadBoat
August 14-15, 2021
I’ve never been more intimidated by an athletic event until I was accepted into the LeadBoat challenge for 2020. The last time I felt such dread and trepidation was clicking “pay now” in 2009 for my first Ironman. The overwhelming and daunting training plan was laid out, and somehow {after diligently following the plan} I ended up on the finish line of Ironman St. George 2010 with a smile on my face. Now that all day event has turned into two back to back all day events. Cue the deer in headlights emoji.
Kyle and I have a mini summer vacation planned ahead of this event and I’m going to owe him so much for his sherpa duties for this epic weekend.
Leadville Trail 100 MTB
August 14, 2021
Look, I know I don’t belong on the start line for this race. It’s a very challenging to even to qualify for, and people spend years trying to get in via the lottery. It’s like the Kona for mountain bikers. I’m overwhelmed by the thought of 100 miles on a mountain bike, much less at elevation and against some of the best endurance racers in the country. But I was one of 50 selected and will do my best to learn to ride my newest addition to the fleet and train my butt off for this event, only to hope that I’ll make it to that finish line.
SBT GRVL
Black Course
August 15, 2021
I had a blast in 2019 with my Velocio // Exploro teammates at the inaugural event and am stoked to head back to Steamboat Springs for more! Only this time I’ll be sliding into town the night before and hoping I don’t forget my legs in Leadville.
Big Sugar 100
October 22, 2021
Always a fan of inaugural events, this one is sure to be a great way to end the 2021 season. The creators of Unbound Gravel and LifeTime race series have put together what looks to be a great event based in Bentonville, AR. Kyle and I did a gravel fondo on some of these roads in 2018 and had a blast. The surface was super chunky and challenging and the roads were steep and winding. Can’t wait to ride this with my teammates! Bring the wide tires!
