2023 USAC Gravel Nationals

Small race with a big payout? Why not! That is why I jumped into the inaugural gravel nationals. But it turns out, a small field with a huge disparity in ability makes for a really really terrible 130 mile race. I did too much work being frustrated in the start, then wasn't strong enough to hang with the break when it happened. Then I dropped out, because it just was not a fun race. You can't say I dislike hard things you can't say I quit because I wasn't doing well because I rarely do well and this is the first gravel race I ever quit (except for that one where I had covid, but even then I FINISHED), but this race was just everything I hate: Stupid road tactics, people with no ability to ride a bike on anything but straight pavement, a need for outside help to succeed, and headwinds. I HATE wind. I would have rather ridden Unbound again than do this event with this setup. This is two weeks later and I am STILL riled up about it. In all, it was an event to remind me that bikes are fun because of the people they bring together, and I don't want to do any more events where there is no chance of fun, no mingling with fellow riders, or no event outside of the event. My days of showing up only to suffer are well behind me. I will only suffer with good company from here on out.