Elevation Expeditions: Dirty Dreams of Gravel and Pain

Elevation Expeditions - David West - Cycling

Photo by jimarbogast.com

Have you ever shared a crazy goal or dream with someone and they just stare at you, expressionless, as if they didn't comprehend anything you just said, or what would motivate you to do something so insane?

I've had this experience many times since January 14, the morning I registered for the Dirty Kanza 200, by all accounts one of the most epic gravel cycling races in the world. I'd be lying if said I hadn't questioned my own sanity a time or two. But now with two days to go, sane or not, Kansas, here I come.

In 2007 I started cycling seriously. Basically that means I've spent my retirement money on cycling gear, and more hours than is reasonable on 2 wheels, wearing spandex in public, and alienating my friends and family.

About a year ago (Spring 2016) I was ready for something different, an escape from the head down, pavement pounding, weekend warrior sweat fests that consumed me. So I did what any responsible grown-up with dreams of cycling grandeur would do, I bought a new bike and spent twice as much time riding it.

This time I bought a cyclocross bike, a Bianchi Zolder Disc, that lead me to new routes and a renewed passion for cycling. After 2000-or-so miles on gravel and sand in 2016 I was ready to test my mettle. Dirty Kanza was a natural choice.

So now I'm heading out on a long road trip to the plains and Flint Hills and eastern Kansas. Follow my adventure on Instagram, @ElevationExp and check back to my blog for a write-up following the event.

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