Setting No Limits

Photo By Kenny Wehn

The Soldier Hollow Bike Festival

Back in my hometown. Soldier Hollow, only a 30 minute drive from Park City and where I grew up racing my bike. It'd been a little while since I'd raced on home soil, since the NICA High School League my freshman year and multiple cross-country nordic events throughout the winters, and I could hardly hold in my excitement. The positive energy and support that I experienced was greater than I could have ever imagined. This played a big role in allowing my to have some breakthrough rides that would build my confidence for the race season ahead.

Photo by Kenny Wehn

Stage 1:  The Time-Trial

It's not often in XC racing that you get sent out on track alone, with only your own burning legs, lungs, and mind to keep pushing you forwards. I'd done this more in nordic skiing events than on the bike, funny since SoHo is where I've done most of my skinny ski racing, and it's nothing less than brutal.
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I found myself in third place to start off the stage race, following behind a flying Katerina Nash and Savilia Blunk. It felt good to get the racing underway and it was obvious that the racing was going to be neck and neck!

Stage 2: Short Track

The following day brought the short-track event, which turned out to be another unpredictable and exciting day of racing. I didn't play my cards quite right in the tactical race and finished in sixth position. The nice thing about stage racing is that I knew I had two more days to give it another go!

Stage 3: Cross-Country

In the cross-country event, Erin Huck and I raced in a way that you absolutely dream of as a cyclist. Tight battles like this are what make racing so exciting and it was a thrill to be riding neck and neck for the win with such a talented rider like Erin. I was fueled by the cheers of my home crowd and was proud to finish in second after giving my absolute all. 

Stage 4: Marathon

Photo by Jay Burke

My race in the marathon on the final day was far from anything I expected. I absolutely surprised myself with the way that I raced on the day and crossing the finish line with a win was an incredible feeling. I progressed each day throughout the event and this gave me a new confidence for what I am capable of. Beyond that, I had unbeatable support from the Clif Pro Team, my family, and friends. It's always special to be surrounded by so many amazing people in the cycling community.

Wow. I’m leaving UT with tired legs and a very full heart after four exciting days of racing. The Soldier Hollow Bike Fest was a special experience for me in so many ways. The support that I felt from racing on home soil and cheers throughout the race fueled my fire. Day after day I received so much love from people that have played important roles in all stages of my life. I gave my best in each race and definitely had a little extra power out there because of this village.  The crew at Summit Bike Club put on an excellent event and I’m so thrilled I could join in on the action. On top of it all, I’m proud to finish second in GC after racing in a way I didn’t fully realize was possible yet. Thank you all!!