WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

A YEAR AGO, I was so burned out.  While I'd planned to go to Gravel Nationals, I just wasn't feeling it.  So, I...

... pulled the plug a few weeks out. 

What a difference a year makes.

Last year,
I was certain I'd have many more chances.

This year,
I learned life can change in an instant.

Last year,
my fitness was really high.

This year,
I'm still behind after my accident took me out.

Last year,
I figured I had a real shot at winning.

This year,
I'm just happy to be here.

Last year,
I never got around to planning the trip.

This year,
I made arrangements 7 months in advance.

Last year,
I had a coach.

This year,
it's just lil' ol' me and my own methods.

Last year,
I had a solid adventure bike.

This year,
I've got an actual gravel racer. 

Last year,
I was going alone. 

This year,
Surfergirl is here and we've got an AirBNB with friends.

Last year,
was about proving myself.

This year,
is about the journey.