MORAN 166 - 66mi (Gravel Race) 2023

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My first overall gravel podium (3rd) in my first year of gravel racing!
Tough week leading into the race coming off 2 big loading weeks, possibly a bit too much. My legs were sore all week particularly my hamstrings. Also dealing with some pain in my left knee, combined with I T band issues that have been a problem for me for a couple of months. In any case, really worked the legs all week to get them ready for race day. Not sure I got the Taper right either as it was supposed to be a recovery week and the really hard workout on Wednesday took days to recover from.
The morning rain on race day was a bit of a bummer, but roads ended up being ok. The race started pretty chill which I enjoyed since my legs didn't feel great during my shortened warmup. My goal was to stay towards the front this race. Around mile 20 my teammate and 1 other rider got off the front (0:55:20). Everybody looked at each other and they got a gap. I had no intention of getting in a small break and I certainly wasn't going to chase down my teammate. So I waited for the group to get organized but it never did and those 2 got away never to be seen again. There were surges in the group and numerous times a few riders tried to get away, but they were always brought back. For the majority of the race 5-10 racers stayed in the back of the group and would never pull, then try to get in a break.
Luckily I was able to win the sprint from a reduced group to take my fist ever overall gravel podium. Very happy with the result and it was very unexpected.
The Moran 166 gravel race took place at the Brevort Township Fairgrounds located in Moran, MI, on September 30th, 2023. I raced the 66 mile version as part of the Michigan Gravel Race Series (MGRS) "Long Course".
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[@zesoloist]

What software are you using. Now that Garmin's VIRB Edit is worthless trying to sync data with video

[@mi-xc]

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[@zesoloist]

@@mi-xc ?

[@samd6405]

@mi-xc What GoPro model are you using? Does the new GoPro 12 without GPS not advisable for what you do?

[@mi-xc]

I use the 10 but recently got the 12. Yeah I'm not sure about the 12 without having gps. I'll have to test and see how that works out. I'm thinking it doesn't matter since I'm just overlaying data from my bike computer, but I guess I'll find out shortly.

[@samd6405]

@@mi-xc from my research you have to manually sync the Garmin GPS to the video footage using the overlay software. Not difficult but another step and could be off if you don’t sync correctly. It is recommended to hit GO simultaneously to avoid issues. I opted for the 11 just for that reason. The 12 didn’t seem like a big enough upgrade. I’m guessing the 13 will bring back gps.

[@aarondeutchman3212]

What do you use to take a long video like this? I'm using a Gopro and battery life is short of course. Nice job on the sprint finish.

[@mi-xc]

I use an external battery and the GoPro pass through door. I also use the ReFuel battery pack case that allows about 9 hours of record time.