Just have a goal of finishing. Don't worry about your time/pace/etc. 200 is a big challenge for anyone and you've just done your first 100. Don't stress about it, just keep forward motion and you're winning.
Thanks for the update. You two are doing great and there is no reason you can’t finish the DK. Really long distance riding is more mental once you have done the physical groundwork...and you have done that. The event will also give you that extra motivation to keep moving. You’ll make it! As the samurai say, “don’t think, act” .....
Wishing you all the best! Looking forward to seeing all the Dirty Kanza vids whether you make it or not. One pedal stroke at a time, you both got this!
the only advise that I can offer is to have fun. don't give up. at some point your mind may say, that's it I cant do this anymore but just keep going and your body will continue to go, and it will be manageable we sometimes stress over the unknown and it very understandable, we don't know what to expect, I did a ride part of an event that was 227 miles (never rode anything close to that ever) and at mile 30 I decided to quit I was done and teammates talked me into staying and I did and I actually finished. felt awesome at the end and felt like I could have kept going. so don't give up. trust me you are ready.
Hey guys! It's been awesome to see y'all around Missoula. I live in town and have enjoyed seeing our gravel trails on video! Deer Creek is one of my favorite morning rides. I recently purchased a Soma Wolverine and hope to have it build up and riding this fall (after backpack season ends :P). Thanks for all your hard work and awesome knowledge of the supple life.
Psyched to see you on the Gorilla Monsoon! It's on my short list of bikes. As well as the Cutthroat and Fargo. Tell me you love it! And it fits you well(we are about the same size) Nicest new bike I've sen in a while
After you survive DK, reward yourselves with Steve Potts Ti gravel bike forks. They really smooth out the trail while maintaining accurate steering. And they look cool. Plus, you can interview him -- that alone is worth the price of admission.
It's all a mental game now. When you feel like quitting, think about why you started. I hope to see you guys in Emporia. I'll be hanging out at the block party after I finish the lowly DK50.
You guys are going to smash DK!!! We all are seriously cheering for both of you. Inspiring AF! Can you tell us what goes through your mind during those pain cave moments? People have different methods that are always interesting. I like to imagine myself as Captain Ahab on an insane revenge trip. I even like to sing the Mastodon song “Blood and Thunder” lyrics in my head to boot. Here is the lyrics, hope this helps 😁 I think that someone is trying to kill me Infecting my blood and destroying my mind No man of the flesh could ever stop me The fight for this fish is a fight to the death White whale, holy grail White whale, holy grail What remorseless emperor commands me I no longer govern my soul I am completely immersed in darkness As I turn my body away from the sun White whale, holy grail White whale, holy grail Split your lungs with blood and thunder When you see the white whale Break your backs and crack your oars men If you wish to prevail This ivory leg is what propels me Harpoons thrust in the sky Aim directly for his crooked brow And look him straight in the eye
Agree with below, the biggest part is mental. Keep up the great work. Any chance you can share the ride details in the vid? I’m heading to Missoula next week for a conference and I’m thinking of bringing one of my bikes for a good ride on mixed terrain if possible. Thanks
I’ve been mapping some gravel here in SoCal to motivate me to finally pull the trigger on a gravel bike. There is so much around me that looks awesome. I don’t think any of it is as cool as what you just showed there! Great ride. P.S. Try this: Do another 120+ miler on a Saturday, then follow it with a 100 on the Sunday. When I was prepping for some long rides, that really bumped my endurance, but it wasn’t as painful as slamming out 200 miles.
Ojai is definitely on the list. I live about 5 minutes from this: ruclips.net/video/DEw9Y0mT2OQ/видео.html I’ve mapped a ton of gravel/road routes and now I’m fussing over build details, and keep running across various frames (ibis Hakka MX, Norco, mason) that are making it hard to decide. I think I’m going with the Hakka because it ticks most of the boxes, and it’s generally in stock.
Daniel, I’m in SoCal as well (North OC specifically) just curious how are you locating good gravel in the area? I’ve been looking for additional good local resources (outside of things like Google Maps, TheRadavist, MTB Project) to find some. Any tips on good gravel in the SoCal area you care to share. I too am looking to pull the trigger on a gravel bike. Cheers.
Rob Luskey , if you take a look at google maps first you’ll see where the hills are. Basically all the areas that aren’t cities (Whittier heights/ la habra heights, Fullerton loop area, carbon canyon area, santiago/black star canyon (linked above), and limestone/laguna canyon. Then check out heat maps in Strava to see where cyclists are riding. A lot of it will be technical mountain biking, but some of them will be called a “road” which is usually fire road. There is also a ton along the foothills, Glendora, Angeles crest, etc..
It always amazes me how something that works perfectlly for 100 miles can turn against you at mile 101. Great job at putting in the miles! Also, have you guys had your bikes fitted?
Hmmm...curious....you were riding the All City???...why not train on the bike you are going to use for the Kanza?...Salsa? You need to start being more positive...you remind me of ME!...when I was getting ready to run my first marathon...so worried, trained enough, aches and pains....remember...everyone is in the same boat. I predict when the day comes you will do better than you thought you could do.. One stroke at a time is all you have to do all day...thats it...so SMILE...and do as I do in my long running races...Start off slowly and then taper off. !!! Good luck on Kanza...its in the bag !
Trust us, we've been training on the bikes we are going to ride. I sat 11 hours on the bike I was going to ride the day before and wanted something different for a mere 4 hour ride :)
Good luck, you guys are doing great! If you weren't nervous I think I'd be more concerned. I agree with your analogy about the elephant haha! And no matter what happens you guys have already accomplished a ton. On a side note, are you guys racing on flats or clipless at DK?
Laura is riding in flats. I was planning on clipless, but after the last ride I'm considering flats. My right foot felt like it was stepping on hot coals after mile 80. Both the clipless shoes I have just don't have the room to account for feet swelling. For some reason bike shoes haven't caught on to the same trend as trail running shoes to make foot shaped shoes.
Don’t get down. Your first double century week is bound to be a drag. 3 weeks is a fair bit of time. Remember that a big % of DK start and end will be adrenaline powered. You only need to gut out the 100 or so in the middle. #willrussshavehislegsfordk
Nike (and this is scary) said it best - "Just do it". The corollary to that is, "Don't judge it". The only question is, "Am I having fun(-ish)?". As long the answer is positive, who cares whether or not you finish, or in what time? There'll be another one next year. You've already ridden further than 99.999999% of people on the planet. You'll be fine.
Just have a goal of finishing. Don't worry about your time/pace/etc. 200 is a big challenge for anyone and you've just done your first 100. Don't stress about it, just keep forward motion and you're winning.
Love your positivity in your vids... keep up the great work!!!
You guys look like you're doing great...the finish line is most certainly in sight....and you have each other...
Thanks for the update. You two are doing great and there is no reason you can’t finish the DK. Really long distance riding is more mental once you have done the physical groundwork...and you have done that. The event will also give you that extra motivation to keep moving. You’ll make it! As the samurai say, “don’t think, act” .....
Wishing you all the best! Looking forward to seeing all the Dirty Kanza vids whether you make it or not. One pedal stroke at a time, you both got this!
Good luck guys, hope to see you there.
Another great video. I think you both will be more than fine on the ride . Good luck!
the only advise that I can offer is to have fun. don't give up. at some point your mind may say, that's it I cant do this anymore but just keep going and your body will continue to go, and it will be manageable we sometimes stress over the unknown and it very understandable, we don't know what to expect, I did a ride part of an event that was 227 miles (never rode anything close to that ever) and at mile 30 I decided to quit I was done and teammates talked me into staying and I did and I actually finished. felt awesome at the end and felt like I could have kept going. so don't give up. trust me you are ready.
I'm sending you good vibes for your Dirty Kanza ride. Best of luck!
We are going to need it!
Keep up the great work, y'all are doing awesome.
Thanks, I agree in enjoying what you do.
It's gonna hurt but you can do it!! Hope you have good weather!
Hey guys! It's been awesome to see y'all around Missoula. I live in town and have enjoyed seeing our gravel trails on video! Deer Creek is one of my favorite morning rides. I recently purchased a Soma Wolverine and hope to have it build up and riding this fall (after backpack season ends :P). Thanks for all your hard work and awesome knowledge of the supple life.
Inspired. You guys are rad.
Great vid!
Stay awesome! 🚵😁
Your there, just chill rides from here and your good.
Psyched to see you on the Gorilla Monsoon! It's on my short list of bikes. As well as the Cutthroat and Fargo. Tell me you love it! And it fits you well(we are about the same size) Nicest new bike I've sen in a while
After you survive DK, reward yourselves with Steve Potts Ti gravel bike forks. They really smooth out the trail while maintaining accurate steering. And they look cool. Plus, you can interview him -- that alone is worth the price of admission.
Remember your at altitude!!! Makes a big difference. #DoGood #StaySupple
It's all a mental game now. When you feel like quitting, think about why you started. I hope to see you guys in Emporia. I'll be hanging out at the block party after I finish the lowly DK50.
I hope to hear a review of that Gorilla Monsoon your riding. I'm super interested in that bike
My philosophy is that the older I get- the better I was👍
You guys are going to smash DK!!! We all are seriously cheering for both of you. Inspiring AF! Can you tell us what goes through your mind during those pain cave moments? People have different methods that are always interesting. I like to imagine myself as Captain Ahab on an insane revenge trip. I even like to sing the Mastodon song “Blood and Thunder” lyrics in my head to boot. Here is the lyrics, hope this helps 😁
I think that someone is trying to kill me
Infecting my blood and destroying my mind
No man of the flesh could ever stop me
The fight for this fish is a fight to the death
White whale, holy grail
White whale, holy grail
What remorseless emperor commands me
I no longer govern my soul
I am completely immersed in darkness
As I turn my body away from the sun
White whale, holy grail
White whale, holy grail
Split your lungs with blood and thunder
When you see the white whale
Break your backs and crack your oars men
If you wish to prevail
This ivory leg is what propels me
Harpoons thrust in the sky
Aim directly for his crooked brow
And look him straight in the eye
You’ll be surprised how you respond from the training stress. My best events have always been a few weeks after those WTF training days.
Look up Aluminum Gopro mounts, you can really crank them down so they don't move and they are less prone to snapping like that
It’s not so much where you screw the GoPros but the sliding quick release feet that keep breaking.
Agree with below, the biggest part is mental. Keep up the great work.
Any chance you can share the ride details in the vid? I’m heading to Missoula next week for a conference and I’m thinking of bringing one of my bikes for a good ride on mixed terrain if possible. Thanks
Yep. Just updated the description with the RWGPS route. ridewithgps.com/routes/27498489
I’ve been mapping some gravel here in SoCal to motivate me to finally pull the trigger on a gravel bike. There is so much around me that looks awesome. I don’t think any of it is as cool as what you just showed there! Great ride. P.S. Try this: Do another 120+ miler on a Saturday, then follow it with a 100 on the Sunday. When I was prepping for some long rides, that really bumped my endurance, but it wasn’t as painful as slamming out 200 miles.
Yeah. We've got a few more centuries we are planning to ride.
ruclips.net/video/0L_AlvOv1JU/видео.html
Ojai is definitely on the list. I live about 5 minutes from this: ruclips.net/video/DEw9Y0mT2OQ/видео.html
I’ve mapped a ton of gravel/road routes and now I’m fussing over build details, and keep running across various frames (ibis Hakka MX, Norco, mason) that are making it hard to decide. I think I’m going with the Hakka because it ticks most of the boxes, and it’s generally in stock.
Daniel, I’m in SoCal as well (North OC specifically) just curious how are you locating good gravel in the area? I’ve been looking for additional good local resources (outside of things like Google Maps, TheRadavist, MTB Project) to find some. Any tips on good gravel in the SoCal area you care to share. I too am looking to pull the trigger on a gravel bike. Cheers.
Rob Luskey , if you take a look at google maps first you’ll see where the hills are. Basically all the areas that aren’t cities (Whittier heights/ la habra heights, Fullerton loop area, carbon canyon area, santiago/black star canyon (linked above), and limestone/laguna canyon. Then check out heat maps in Strava to see where cyclists are riding. A lot of it will be technical mountain biking, but some of them will be called a “road” which is usually fire road. There is also a ton along the foothills, Glendora, Angeles crest, etc..
"DAMN GOOD CUP OF COFFEE"?
only 5 of us?
Are the mirrors for bears or traffic?
How hilly is the Dirty Kanza? I thought Kansas was supposed to be flat.
Music?
It always amazes me how something that works perfectlly for 100 miles can turn against you at mile 101. Great job at putting in the miles!
Also, have you guys had your bikes fitted?
Good luck 🍀
Are u guys going to stay together for the hole ride??
That's the goal.
Hmmm...curious....you were riding the All City???...why not train on the bike you are going to use for the Kanza?...Salsa? You need to start being more positive...you remind me of ME!...when I was getting ready to run my first marathon...so worried, trained enough, aches and pains....remember...everyone is in the same boat. I predict when the day comes you will do better than you thought you could do.. One stroke at a time is all you have to do all day...thats it...so SMILE...and do as I do in my long running races...Start off slowly and then taper off. !!! Good luck on Kanza...its in the bag !
Trust us, we've been training on the bikes we are going to ride. I sat 11 hours on the bike I was going to ride the day before and wanted something different for a mere 4 hour ride :)
Good luck, you guys are doing great! If you weren't nervous I think I'd be more concerned. I agree with your analogy about the elephant haha! And no matter what happens you guys have already accomplished a ton. On a side note, are you guys racing on flats or clipless at DK?
Laura is riding in flats. I was planning on clipless, but after the last ride I'm considering flats. My right foot felt like it was stepping on hot coals after mile 80. Both the clipless shoes I have just don't have the room to account for feet swelling. For some reason bike shoes haven't caught on to the same trend as trail running shoes to make foot shaped shoes.
bike fit so she can lessen her back pain.
Don’t get down. Your first double century week is bound to be a drag. 3 weeks is a fair bit of time. Remember that a big % of DK start and end will be adrenaline powered. You only need to gut out the 100 or so in the middle. #willrussshavehislegsfordk
Nike (and this is scary) said it best - "Just do it". The corollary to that is, "Don't judge it". The only question is, "Am I having fun(-ish)?". As long the answer is positive, who cares whether or not you finish, or in what time? There'll be another one next year. You've already ridden further than 99.999999% of people on the planet. You'll be fine.