Preparing for the Final Race of the Season

October took me to Arkansas for Big Sugar, a gravel race I’d been looking forward to. Originally billed as a 100-mile event, it was unexpectedly shortened to just 50 miles—only thirty minutes before the start—due to severe weather conditions. I felt strong going in, but unfortunately ended up crashing mid-race, which was frustrating given how well I was riding. It wasn’t the ending I’d hoped for, but that’s racing sometimes.

Now, I’m shifting focus to my final event of the season: El Tour de Tucson. It’s a 100-mile road race held in Tucson, Arizona, and I’m genuinely excited for it. The course suits my strengths, and the weather forecast looks promising. Last year, the event drew over 10,000 riders, so it’s a big one. After a long and drawn-out season, I’m hoping to finish on a high note—with a clean race and a solid result. It’s been a season of growth, challenges, and learning, and I’m ready to close it out with purpose.