Since the crash in early May I had been dreaming about this race. My dream and hope was to line up. Just to line up after the injuries and recovery over the past few months is such a gift. And I’m here! I couldn’t do it without Jonathan Keller support, and without the help and encouragement from my coach Jessica Cutler and my many friends and family who believe in me … who continually remind me to be brave, to see (really see) the beauty of life all around me, who bring out the best in me. You will all be riding with me tomorrow during the longest day. Thank you for your love and support. I’m one lucky human.
RPI day 1 was a blast. I was a bit worried about the single track as I haven’t been able to train on it this summer (injuries). But here is what I have to say about the singletrack: wheeeeeeeeeee! Woot! 
I loved it! It was fun to remember why I love riding singletrack 
. I struggled at the start due to some weird cramping which is not normal for me (so im blaming altitude
), but I managed to push thru it, and enjoy every second of oxygen deprived suffering. So much fun! 11th on the day. Best of all, I met my goal: I had fun, I enjoyed the pain, I appreciated being here, and soaked up the views .
RPI Day 2 was not an awesome performance, though the kit Jonathan bought me for my bday was on point :) I was not with the front group getting to the top (had to pee! Twice!).. so I had to wait for 35 min. And I lost the course on my wahoo so had no idea how far it was to the top. All excuses aside the reality is that my pacing was wayyy too conservative. Time to shake the dust off, recover, and take that feeling of “I had more in the tank” into Sunday. Views were amazing today and my fav part was coming down and cheering for the remaining racers
And it’s a wrap! Rebecca’s Private Idaho was everything I could have asked for. It was such a big milestone in my recovery journey, and a wonderful part of my life journey. The views were amazing. The heat (and wide temp variations!), altitude, and climbing were punishing. It was an honor to experience this. I met my goal and was fully present each day, soaking it all in. I feel so lucky! To have the support (looking at you Jonathan Keller ) to do this with three young girls…. Being recovered enough to do it… and knowing I had so much love and support each pedal stroke made it so sweet. 
On the final day of over 100 miles, every time I was alone there were two or three yellow butterflies that joined me. It was so incredibly special. thank you all, and thank you Rebecca’s Private Idaho for this experience. It was a dream come true. 10th in the overall GC.
