I completed the 13th annual Melting Mann this past Saturday, my first gravel race of the year. It was a sunny but cold day, with temps in the low 30s. Heading into the event, I worried about the weather, if I'd packed the right gear, and the difficulty of the hills.
As 2025 comes to a close, I do what I usually do: I pause to reflect and take stock of the past year. Across the new things I tried, what I accomplished, and the highs and lows, themes of travel, cycling, work, and resilience stand out. Through it all, I’m grateful for the experiences that shaped 2025.
This past Saturday, I raced in the Harvest 50 gravel event in Zionsville, Indiana. Riders could choose between a 25-mile or 50-mile course, and I opted for the 25—a mix of 40% paved and 60% unpaved roads. Though I’d ridden the route twice before, I still felt nervous. Familiarity helped, but there's a different vibe to racing.
Reflecting on the past year, I would describe 2023 as a “Year of Firsts.” Mostly related to my hobbies, there were things I tried or achieved for the first time. Whether they were bike riding events, traveling to new locations, or just trying new eateries (like a revolving sushi restaurant), I am glad to have experienced these things.
As much as I love bicycle riding, I wasn't looking forward to a 46-mile ride that my husband and I signed up for over the summer. The distance, while it would be the farthest ride to date, didn't bother me, but the idea of climbing hills did. Dreading the four climbs on the route wasn't helpful, so I thought of ways to prepare for this ride and improve my outlook.