2022 Year In Review

2022 was, all in all, a fantastic year. It was my first full year of ultra racing and I achieved each and every one of the goals I set. I want to take a moment to share some of the highlights, and what my plans are for 2023, and of course thank everyone that helped me throughout the year. Each race is linked to my blog post associated with it where I talk more in-depth about the race and outcomes.

2022 started off at the Le Grand Du Nord 110 Mile Gravel in Grand Marias, MN. It was a wet, cold race that tested my physical fitness, determination, and gear choices. I was able to finish 9th Overall. Emily had a solid performance, finishing 3rd Overall for females in the 54 miler.

Next was the Pine Island Gravel Odyssey 210 miler in Spearfish, SD. I was super stoked for this race and the weather was pristine for early June in the hills. I learned a lot about myself during this race, especially in the nutrition department. BIG changes were made shortly after, including my switch to EMBARK Maple. Everything came together for a 2nd place overall finish. This is an event that NEEDs to be on your race calendar!

Fast forward to August of 2022 and I saw one of my biggest months to date. The Tour Of Central Iowa Mann Powered 380 was my biggest mileage finish to date taking me just over 30 hrs. to complete. Who knew northwestern Iowa had so many rolling hills? I rode away with a 2nd place Overall Men's finish, coming in 3rd Overall. If you only have time to read one race recap, this is the one.

Just a short week later was the Garmin Gravel Worlds Long Voyage 300. I need to talk to my agent about booking back to back 300 mile + races... I most definitely overreached my fitness level, but have zero regrets. Tied for 16th Overall Men's and had a hell of a time doing it.

What is in store for 2023? Be sure to keep tabs on my race schedule, because it will surely change slightly as 2023 unfolds. This is how it looks as of now.

April - Iowa Wind and Rock 340 ish Miles

June - Lost Lottery for Unbound XL (Sad Face) Will try for 200 Mile Lottery

June - Pine Island Gravel 210

August - Steamboat 100

August - Garmin Gravel Worlds 300 Long Voyage

There are a couple of other races that I am looking at as well but have not committed to. There are a lot of plans made as well off the bike, which will take time, energy, and resources. Overall I am really looking forward to this year and the challenges it will bring.

Special shoutout to the race organizers, my wife Emily, family, and friends for their support. Many friends pushed me on training rides, let me crash at their houses, and provided me with all kinds of resources. THANK YOU! The sponsors back home are MVPs, Berry Fast Bicycles, Taste & See, EXIT Realty Adam Foland and his team, Madison Family Dental, Sunshine Foods of Madison, and Stemper Autobody. Embark Maple has been a huge game changer for me and I appreciate their support as well!

Without them none of this is possible. We are still raising money for the Semper Fi & America's Fund getting closer and closer to our $20,000 goal. Thank you all for your support, and cheers to 2023! Stay tuned for more!