Rough Rider Gravel

Day 1: mud and creeks

What should have been fabulous October Arizona high country gravel was turned into mud slime and cement, with lots of water on the course thanks to the recent rains. Day 1 was a wet, muddy mess with 7 creek crossings. It was a tough day of slogging, but the spirit among everyone out there was great.

I rode conservatively because of the slime. If I had been further up in the pack, the roads would have been much easier to ride.

Day 2: my kind of day

Day 2 was glorious. It was generally dry, and the course was less clay and more rock, so it was very rideable. We even saw the sun for a few moments. Some really deep creek crossings added to the spice factor, and the descending was super technical, which is my sweet spot.

I chose wisely on tires and on running a front suspension fork.

Day 3 and the finish

Day 3 was cancelled because the forecast called for 2 inches of rain along with flash floods. I finished 5th of 23 in +50 Women short course.

Thanks

TransRockies did a great job managing the conditions and puts on a great race