Man, oh man, where do I even start with the Mid South Gravel 2024? It was a wild ride, to say the least. So, picture this: I signed up for this crazy gravel race, thinking it would be a fun little adventure. Little did I know what I was getting myself into.
First off, I had to get to Stillwater, OK. I packed up all my gear, loaded my bike onto the car, and hit the road. The drive was long, but I was pumped. I arrived, checked into my accommodation, and tried to get a good night’s sleep. Easier said than done when you’re buzzing with pre-race excitement!
The Prep
The days leading up to the race were a blur of checking out the course, making sure my bike was in tip-top shape, and mentally preparing myself. I went for a few practice rides, trying to get a feel for the terrain. Let me tell you, those dirt roads are no joke! They’re rough, they’re tough, and they’re exactly what makes the Mid South so unique.
Race Day
Race day finally arrived, and the atmosphere was electric. Hundreds of us were lined up at the start line, all raring to go. I was doing the Double, which means I was in for a long day in the saddle. The horn blew, and we were off!
The first few miles were a bit of a free-for-all, everyone jostling for position. But once we hit the gravel, things started to spread out. It was a real test of endurance, battling the rough terrain, the wind, and the other riders. I tried to keep a steady pace, conserve my energy, and just keep those pedals turning.
- I rode.
- I suffered.
- I persevered.
The Grind
Let me tell you, this race was a grind. There were moments when I thought I couldn’t go on. My legs were screaming, my lungs were burning, but I just kept pushing. I knew I had to finish what I started. The scenery was beautiful, but to be honest, I was too focused on the race to enjoy it much.
The Finish
Finally, after hours and hours of riding, I crossed the finish line. I was exhausted, I was covered in dirt, but I was also incredibly proud of myself. I had completed the Mid South Double! The feeling of accomplishment was immense, it was like nothing else.
The Results
I checked out the results later on, and let me tell you, it was a tough field. Lauren De Crescenzo took another women’s title, and Torbjrn Red won the men’s race in a crazy sprint finish. Those guys are beasts! As for me, I didn’t win any prizes, but I did finish, and that’s all that matters to me. I pushed my limits, tested my endurance, and came out stronger on the other side.
So, there you have it. My Mid South Gravel 2024 adventure. It was tough, it was challenging, but it was also an experience I’ll never forget. Would I do it again? You bet your bottom dollar I would! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go soak my sore muscles and dream about next year’s race.
