Since the Divide, Andrew and I have been working on making, as Andrew says, “just the right kind of questionable decisions.” These range from weeknight overnighters, to long weekend road trips, to signing up for DKXL. I chose to apply for DKXL because I find personal growth in conquering a challenge that in some moments seems unachievable. I started working on this post while I was preparing for DKXL. It’ll be my longest race to date, and I want to remember how I felt before the race so I can better relate to and share information with other people who are preparing for their first ride of this distance as well.
I definitely had some nerves going into the event and I am so thankful for a community of friends and cyclists who shared their encouragement. You all helped me keep going when the ride was tough. It’s 2 days after I finished and I’m still a bit brain dead. I’ve had to write this post little by little. I feel mentally ready to get back on the bike, but I’m trying to be smart and wait until my body is ready. So for now, recovery hikes will do.
How I prepared:
How things played out at DKXL:
Andrew, on the other hand, was riding with people for most of the race. Being singlespeed, riding partners came and went during the night, but he had consistent company with Lael. They talked about riding bikes in cool places and blared Andrew’s speaker to help with the sleepies.
By 9:30am my speed was dragging and I was fighting to keep my eyes open. My strategies of snacking and listening to music weren’t helping, so I found a cozy spot off the side of the road, set a timer for 5 minutes and took a power nap. In hindsight, I should’ve taken that nap sooner. It was mostly my ego telling me I shouldn’t have to sleep. I was able to pop back up refreshed as I could be after being on the bike for over 18 hours, and pedal much more efficiently.
Weather:
What I worried about:
How I prepared:
How things played out at DKXL:
Food:
What I worried about:
How I prepared:
How things played out at DKXL:
Andrew’s stop at the chaise was a fast guy party.
Next time I’m in a long event, I probably won’t pack drink mix with me. It’s a significant amount of weight and I experienced an upset stomach despite success using mix during races earlier in the year. I used my list as a guide to replenish my food supply at c-store stops. At one stop I couldn’t find the crackers and a bit out of my mind, I wandered around for too long before picking something else. That was a good reminder to remain mentally flexible.
Andrew packed one refill of drink mix, then relied on gas station sports drinks. He made it to Cottonwood Falls (mile 195) before the gas station opened so he and Lael topped off water at the park to go 34 more miles to Council Grove. He knew there was a possibility this would happen if things were going well, so he was prepared with enough food to make the 128 mile stretch from Eureka to Council Grove.
Mechanicals
What I worried about:
How I prepared:
Gear List:
Bike |
Andrew: SS Ti w/ 3T fork. 42×18 gearing Katie: Focus Raven with Cutthroat fork |
Tires |
42mm WTB Resolutes with Stan’s sealant |
Navigation |
Garmin Edge 830 Garmin inReach Mini for tracking (provided) |
Lights |
Sinewave Beacon with Dynamo hub Headlamp on helmet Rear blinky light Garmin Radar (Andrew) |
Music |
Buckshot 2.0 |
Bags |
Outvi Possm tool roll DIY custom frame bags and top tube bags |
Repair Kit |
2 plug tools (loaded) 5 additional plugs 2 tubes Patch kit Needle and dental floss Valve core Pump Tire levers Cleat bolts Chain lube and tiny rag Zip ties Electrical tape Section of chain Master links Multi-tool with chain tool Mini pliers tool with knife Derailleur hanger (Katie) |
Personal Care |
Sunscreen Chamois Butt’r Aleve Extra daily contacts |
How things played out at DKXL:
DKXL was a beautiful and brutal adventure and learning experience. Andrew and I both see more races of this length and longer in our future.