Cycling

I’m currently 12 days away from the biggest event and race I have ever done. The Swift Summit 200 features 326.4km of distance and 3,229m of elevation. It’s likely to be hot, and potentially smokey. Last Fall I completed my first 300km ultra-endurance ride to the Coast and back, but that was a bit less distance, 700 meters less elevation, cooler weather, and my fitness level was higher. This is the last year for the Swift Summit, and it has been a big goal to complete the 200 mile course. Almost all of my training the past month has been focused on preparing for the race, dialing in bike fit, testing different strategies, and more. I realized late last night that I finally know what an A race is.1 It has been interesting to see and experience how many different avenues I have conciously or even subconciously started to optimize in preparation for this massive event. ...

Exploring how health metrics data reveals unexpected correlations between physical indicators and mental/emotional well-being.

Returning to competitive cycling after injury, I expected physical challenges but wasn’t prepared for the profound emotional revelation of community acceptance and the realization that I truly belong in this space.

Exploring how endurance sports provide a framework for necessary self-care practices, forcing recognition of physical and mental health needs while challenging perspectives on productivity and worth.

My cycling goals this year have revolved around a theme of trying new things and pushing myself in ways that had been relegated to the maybe some day category. This has included exploring gravel riding, racing, and ultra endurance. A few weeks ago I completed my third ultra endurance ride. I completed two 200km rides in the summer, but this was the first attempt at 300km. I’ve also longed to ride out to the Coast from Portland metro for years, but it always seemed out of reach. As Autumn rolled in and the days have already started getting shorter, I knew I had to commit now or face an increasing amount of time in the dark, and a higher chance of substantial rain. I enjoy riding in the dark hours and the rain, but those weren’t variables I wanted at play with such a large increase in distance and total elevation. ...