September 14th was the first running of the Scrappy Badger Gravel Race in Baltimore just north of Cobourg. And I had almost not done the race as had a bad day prior with my post hit and run PTSD.
Driving down thought about doing the 40km but finally went with the 20km race as with the shorter distance it would be a good chance to test the knee going as close to all out as can go. So the 20k it is as if it went wrong it would be easier to get off the course. And I was not worrying about podiums as had completely the wrong bike, no idea how my body let alone my right knee would react, and was doing this on flat pedals. Plus with the weather changing with the seasons my body with the injuries is starting do new things. This was simply a how would my body react if I went hard exam.
After getting there late and rushed getting ready. Lined up and then we did the neutral ride to the actual gravel pit start. Took my time unlike others as why hurry when the clock hasn't started yet? Why burn energy going fast when you still have to actually stop and then start again? After standing around for a while it was go for the 20k group and with the traditional Dan Marshall barely get going and here is a hill.
After spinning up the first hill it was down to business. That being going as hard as I can but knowing when to not as the paranoia about my knee was still there. Each hill was spun up with only hoofing it up two. I rode the rest harder and made up without knowing as wasn't really paying any attention ground on others. For the first time this year did actually at the 10km point start to race the second half faster. And other than some annoying slight cramping in my left calf no issues at this point.
And looking back was in hunt mode for the first time all year which was a definite positive change. At one point had a laugh on a downhill about making it harder with the wrong bike in Tom Warren style. Kept putting in the effort and after finally the long fun downhill. And back along the gravel road we took going out. And the finish was just a flag and Jenn with the timing. Done.
End result was despite the calf cramp and a back that will be forever now tight. The day was a success as my knee held up and so did the body when pushing hard. That was really why I was there today. Getting the podium was just a bonus as the results of the exam where good. Another bonus was meeting and having a beer in the parking lot with a racer named Lee from Iowa. She had on a whim driven all the way up from Iowa to do the Scrappy Badger. I know some Lapdogs would have wanted to hang out in the parking lot post race with her.
It was while primarily a good day it was a bit sad as I have a reality I now accept. That being I will never ride on road. I am ok with that. As have found ways to keep riding just means no road bikes in my future unless it is a trainer queen.
If anyone was humming and hawing about doing gravel and was rightly so afraid of vehicles this is the event to do next year. Other then race vehicles no other cars. No hills of death. And if you want to try it for the first time you have a 20km distance.
