Lessons learned: My first bikepacking race on the Grand Loop

[@curtiswiseman5207]

Katrina, you are SUCH a badass! The fact that you decided to scratch doesn't diminish that fact in any way. Thanks, once again, for posting a great inspirational video.

[@katrinahase]

Thank you, Curtis! I was pretty bummed at first but sharing the experience has helped me see all I learned from it.

[@raymarks7430]

Wow this must of been insanely hard because YOU killed it on the GDMBR. Double the miles per day of most riders. So I know what shape you’re in. So glad you made the smart decision and not end up on an IV in the hospital

[@katrinahase]

Thanks, Ray. It was humbling, for sure!

[@raymarks7430]

@@katrinahase ya, I bet. But it’s all part of this type 2 (2.5?). I like what they told you, such sound words of wisdom. I made notes of your ride on GDMBR, and thanks again for sending me the short alt route gpx. Will leave Banff next Sunday.

[@jbatcha21]

Fantastic video Katrina and it was great running in to you again. That course is brutal, especially if you aren't used to the heat like all of us. - Joey

[@katrinahase]

Great to hear from you, Joey! I enjoyed seeing you and Bex again…there were some great moments in my short time on the loop. I’m glad I went!

[@stephenmckenzie2033]

Admiration for both recognizing the mental task ahead was not within you this year but then to fully realize just go over the state line and ride something equally beautiful and allow yourself the gift of grace and freedom for the love of the bike. Great response!

[@katrinahase]

Thanks…I’m so glad I did! I absolutely love Colorado and it would have been a shame not to explore it while I was there!

[@timgearing5121]

Katrina, I reckon as soon as you swap ‘ride’ for ‘race’ your mindset switches and you find yourself pushing a little harder. e.g Zone 2 becomes Zone 3 etc. You made a smart decision. The race will be waiting for a stronger Katrina next year. 😊

[@katrinahase]

I think you’re exactly right. I had planned to ride the route two weeks earlier before I learned there was a race. Might have been a cooler start had stuck with my plans!

[@weeki_wachee]

A very genuine and honest account. Bravo for making the right decision. Often, it can be much harder to scratch from a race than to continue. And thank you for a lovely video!

[@katrinahase]

Thanks for that. I appreciate you watching.

[@aaronbell7371]

Great video…AGAIN! Tough to pull off of a hike or a ride but sometimes it’s the absolute best choice. Admire your smart decision! 38,000 fit of elevation gain 😮. As always, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@katrinahase]

Thanks, hope to give it another try when I’m better physically prepared!

[@randallgd]

Good to know when to say "this just isn't my day" Many more days of adventure to come right!

[@katrinahase]

Exactly!

[@hoghopper]

Very smart decision. I'm looking fwd to seeing more of the loop's grandness in next year's vid. :-)

[@katrinahase]

Me too 😃

[@aust1n1te]

Great video! Keep it up! You’re a true inspiration.

[@katrinahase]

I appreciate that, thanks for watching!

[@DaveofSTP]

Heck yeah Katrina! You got the mindset to crush!

[@katrinahase]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dave!

[@martinhudon8337]

1 step back, 2 steps forward. Keep on riding! :)

[@katrinahase]

Yes! Thank you!

[@DavidBigandt]

very interesting route

[@katrinahase]

Yes, I’d really like to see it all!

[@markday1714]

great content,thanks

[@katrinahase]

Thank you, Mark!

[@BretSchnitzer]

Nice video!

[@katrinahase]

Thanks, I’m excited for the two Gunnison videos coming up!

[@thiskewlchick]

So proud of you!

[@katrinahase]

Thank you…not every adventure goes to plan, but I still learned a lot!

[@MarkInArizona]

If you learned something about yourself and your capabilities -- even though you "scratched", you will be much further ahead in the long term. Glad you listened to your body and turned around. Being former search and rescue, I have had to go in and pull people out who didn't listen to their bodies and made bad decisions which just compounded worst as they kept spiraling downward. Anytime you can get out under your own power and can ride another day = win.

[@katrinahase]

Thank you for that important perspective! I heard a podcast by Moose Mutlow, a search and rescue volunteer, and it really stuck with me the trauma they experience when a rescue becomes a recovery. Best not to get into that situation for all involved!

[@NoCarNancy]

Still at it huh? 😮

[@katrinahase]

Absolutely!

[@maidbloke]

No shame in that, sounds like you made the right decision

[@katrinahase]

I think so too, as disappointing as it was to not see the route this time around!