Everyday Adventure

We set off Friday afternoon toward Abilene Kansas to stay at the Covered Wagon Campground. Unfortunately, we didn’t take any photos as time was limited when we arrived and the plan was to be able to relax near the town of Enterprise where Zach was running the Iron Will Backroads 100 the next morning. The site was $37/night, had full hookups and was clean and flat. The host was very friendly and answered all our questions. For our purpose of an affordable layover it more than fulfilled the requirements.

Saturday was an early morning, up at 3:45am. Bib pickup was at 5:00am, briefing at 5:50am, and race start 6:00am. It was moderately windy and temps were around 80°F. Emily was joined by one of our best friends to help crew throughout the day. Things moved quickly once we got there and before we knew it the day was flying by.

The race had originally been described/planned as being an 11 mile loop on some country backroads but mostly rail trail. About a week before the race however we got an email that the train “committee” had decided we couldn’t use the rail trail and so the course was changed last minute to a 7.7 mile loop. The new course was essentially a square consisting of about 2 miles on a small gravel road and the remaining 5.5 miles on asphalt highway with minimal to no shoulder at times and traffic going 55+ as you returned.

To make a long story short Zach completed a little over 60 miles of the 100 mile race before left knee pain and slight concern for safety as night fell lead to throwing in the towel and heading to the camper for a shower and bed.

Falling short of a goal is never easy and although there was disappointment, the day was beautiful, the sunset that evening was spectacular, and we enjoyed each other’s company and a chance to take on another challenge.