Better late than never for an @midsouthgravel recap post, right?

Going into the weekend, I was determined to do the 100 mile distance. I've been riding a lot more this year and wanted to beat my time from last year, plus I loved the B-road section and couldn't wait to do it again.

As event day approached, however, I got realistic with myself and decided to do the 58 mile.

A couple of factors played into this: I've been struggling with energy management thanks to some new psychiatric medications, I had a very full schedule of events at MidSouth prior to the ride itself (including giving the keynote at the rider's meeting), and @allbodiesonbikes was throwing the DFL Finish Line party, and I kind of needed to be there for it.

Riding the 58 mile was definitely the right choice - and led to an incredibly fun day on the bike, complete with two trips down the @ombraz slip & slide, a picnic at mile 40, and zero mechanicals! I was clearly on the party pace train, enjoying the absolutely perfect weather and companionship on course.

I averaged 10.1 mph for the ride, which is pretty typical for me, hitting a max speed of 31.6 mph. While my ride took 8 1/2 hours, only 5:48 of that was moving time. I never felt like I was wasting time with my stops, however, soaking in all the good vibes at the aid stations, selfies with new friends, and a well-deserved picnic/stretch break.

Event weekends are a marathon for me, with the hardest work coming in the days leading up to the ride. The actual ride for me is my time - to relax, to be in my own head, and to reflect on how far we've come as an organization. I cherish those hours on the course, a chance to test my mental and physical strength, and honestly, to recharge for all the work that is still to be done.

I am so grateful for the @allbodiesonbikes family who came out to MidSouth and were instrumental in running the expo booth and the amazing vibes at the DFL party. Thank you to @unlearnpavement for trusting me to give the keynote speech at the Rider Meeting. Thank you to @ridewithgps for partnering on the DFL party and sharing a booth all weekend.

And thank you to all my partners and sponsors who continue to support me in this work of building an inclusive cycling community:

@ridecannondale for the Topstone bike that has carried me across thousands of gravel miles

@rideshimano for robust components

@lazersportna for keeping my brain safe

@shredly for the cutest apparel around

@ridewithgps for navigation and stoke

@twistedspokecbd for the best chamois cream and energy chews

and so many more brands that support my work!