Life Update.
We’ve been quiet lately. After ending 2024 in Arkansas and discussing our grand plans for our first 24-hour race, it’s been radio silence. Best laid plans….
But there’s a reason. And a good one at that.
After two years in Texas (food was good, not the terrain), we packed up, pointed west, and moved to Utah. The mountains were calling, and we answered.
I quit my job and with Ryan working remote, we have the freedom to roam. Utah is home for now, but this summer we’re heading to the PNW to see if there’s any other options we want to keep on the table for settling down in the future.
A quick recap of this year:
- Ryan raced solo in the Chisholm Trail 12-Hour Adventure Race. It was his first solo AR and I… was traveling for work. Again.
- We entered our first 24-hour race: the Shenandoah Epic. We made it 16 hours. My legs quit, my brain stopped, and Ryan kept going because, well, he’s built different. Redemption race TBD.
- Ryan crushed the Unbound Gravel 100. Longest bike race he’s ever done (previous was a 50 miler). Fast course or not, he nailed his goal time. Matilda and I debuted as support crew and only slightly screwed it up.
- He also took on the Teton Ogre 8-Hour AR. Solo again. Meanwhile, I mostly tried to stay upright and keep Matilda company. I swear I’ll figure things out.
What’s next:
- We’ve conned my sister into joining us in the Valkyrie Relay. Ryan’s had this one circled for a while, and now that we’re closer, it’s actually happening (hopefully).
- July is full send. We’ll be on the road, attempting to train while juggling Wi-Fi and exploring PNW.
- We’re officially in mountain mode and eyeing a few canyon rides. Emigration Canyon is first on the list. Wish my quads luck.
- Oh, and more hiking. So much hiking. The kind where Matilda leads and we follow, questioning our life choices halfway up. But seriously, she’ll be home living her best life on the couch while I question my life choices.
Stay tuned. More miles, more mayhem, and hopefully fewer meltdowns coming soon.