This is why I am a triathlete

It all started about a month ago. A few of my friends and I were eating pizza and enjoying some malted beverages. We needed to get our "crew" back together - a reunion of sorts. All of us went to university in Missoula at some point and raced triathlon or cycling. We all enjoy hard work, big challenges, and epic training days. We had heard about a 165 mile bike riding linking Idaho and Montana together. Perfect!

And so, the plans were set. 11 of us got together and stayed at the Dobson Wheelhouse (a perfect cycling based vacation rental in Wallace, Idaho). The rules were set: no complaining, no whining, bring your A-game, love to ride bikes, and get ready for a hard 3 days of work.

Our biggest adventure took place on Saturday. 165 miles of riding, 12,000' of climbing over 4 mountain passes. Its days like this that I live for and am so happy to be doing what I do. The day could not have been better.

We started out at a bit after 7am and headed to the MT border. Spriits were high, and we were riding hard. I stuck diligently to my Ironman nutrition for the first 100 miles. Things were almost too good to be true. There were nearly no mechanicals, everyone got along awesome, jokes were being told, heart rates were high, sign sprints were taken. I couldn't believe how fast the first part went by. Like I said, too good to be true.

I knew an Ironman type of slump was inevitable, and it hit about mile 130 climbing up to the Idaho border. I kept reminding myself that riding 165 miles isn't supposed to be easy and forged ahead at a slow slow slow pace. Just keep turning the cranks, Corbin!! Like the turn of a light switch, just like in Ironman, my mood changed and things brightened up.

Our last pass climb took place at mile 145. I knew at the last stop some ice cream and a soda was in order. We all powered our way up Dobson pass and into the sleepy town of Wallace, Idaho. It was an incredible day --- definitely in my top 5 list of best rides ever!

The weekend of hard work continued with canyon climbs on Sunday. Yesterday was another 120 miles (because we had not ridden hard enough already) that mimicked a bike race. Parts of the ride were super easy and casual, while others I was holding on for dear life.

It was an amazing weekend with great friends... one that I will never forget. We are already planning for next year.