Lets start at the end and work backwards. The night before today’s stage we all got a map of the course and a brief description of the stage. It said that after we cross the continental divide for the second time in the race, we would make our way down a rocky-gnar descent on the Colorado Trail that would bring us to the base of yet another climb, American Gulch. It was said that American Gulch would crush our souls, just in case the double wammy, above tree line climbs over French and Georgia pass didn’t. So when I got to this soul crushing aspect of the course I decided to play a little mental tick on myself. Because I was demoralized at this point already, completely spent and angry at the idea of yet another hill in this completely grueling stage… It seemed like a good idea to convince myself of the following; pretend you just drove up here for a few days of exploring the forest. Someone you trust told you American Gulch is a great road to explore. There are great views at the top and it will be a nice short ride. Yeah… that sort of worked for like 10 minuets. I got to the wall-like steep sections that went on for miles of this road and decided that if my idealized scenario of a fun afternoon ride in the forest were true, I sure the hell would not have continued to go up this god damn road. Where are the mushrooms and wildflowers today?!!! I did of course, make it. Even after consider the deep questions of “why am I here?” and “what is the meaning of life?” and “what is the benefit of feeling my soul get crushed?” in the final 10 miles, I decided it was all well worth it. It made me angry to consider after all the evil curveballs this course threw out at us, I was willing to admit I liked it. I did. I climbed well up into the belly of a rain cloud at 12,000 feet, rode over the other side without being able to feel my hands and then repeated it... All while watching 4^th place, 5^th place, 6^th place, and 7^th place pass me by like I was standing still. I ate 6 oreos, 4 fig newtons, 27 ruffle chips, 3 bananas and two bottles of chocolate recovery drink at the finish, took a shower, and reminded myself: this is why I’m here. To do epic shit, to make bike love, and to figure out the benefit of feeling your soul get crushed. Somehow, I am still holding onto 5^th place overall after three days. Three more to go…