“Tis but a flesh wound!” I was ready for battle, but yesterday’s @belgianwaffleride dealt a few more challenges than I anticipated. I was feeling really good, sitting in 3rd, 40 seconds off the leaders at mile 60, when an unexpected right turn caught the guy behind me by surprise. He crashed into me at at pretty high speed and launched me over the bars onto the pavement. I’ve never seen blood pour out of my body like that, but I was determined to continue. Got it wrapped in gauze at the next aid station and continued to ride for 5 more hours with blood dripping on to my leg every time I hit a bump. 🥴 Unfortunately I also lost my front shifting from hitting the ground so I rode the entire second half of the race with only the big ring. Adding a new level of struggle to the jeep track kickers, the Pamoberg and Double Peak. Oof. Despite all of this I could see the 3rd, 4th and 5th place riders going into the final dirt descent except my dreams of catching them were halted by a sharp rock and a flat at mile 135 (3 miles to go!). This is the hardest I’ve ever fought for a 6th place finish. I couldn’t be more proud. I’m so thankful my mom was there to see it and for taking me to the ER. One thing we can agree, my dad would’ve loved this story. 💔🧡🤟🏼 #wishyouwerehere #forKK #kingstrong #thankful #thissuffferingisaprivilege #fastandfriendly #itIZpossible #beatyourbest #canyonbicycles #panaracer_world #pana_spon #garmincycling