Orange Blossom Gravel… what can I say?
What a weekend! I arrived from a colder climate into some Florida traffic for a few hours before I arrived at my campsite. There was limited shade and I was baking out there in the heat. No way did I setup camp. Desperate for some AC, I drove to the hotel. I was missing the Trail ride that Friday and feared my friend Woshe would be disappointed.
To my surprise Woshe texted me they fainted and hurt their ankle badly. Wow, so here I was at the hotel, exhausted from the drive with 4 hours of sleep, and that’s sitting upright in the car.
I setup my Concrete Revolt merch booth. I had to lay out the red carpet so everyone notices me. I’m sure they would notice the 6 foot person with the bald head anyhow, but some things just need to be more aesthetically pleasing.
The hotel though, it was the coolest place ever. Talk about aesthetics. It set the mood for an entrepreneurial gravel event. All kinds of relics in the hallways and throughout the lobby. I remixed a bunch of iPhone photos black and white for Instagram, which you’ve probably seen by now. I enjoyed meeting everyone! I also got a bit overwhelmed because I believe everyone viewed my Instagram reel about the “Best Dressed Awards”. So they are saying, “you look familiar” and I have no idea how I know them. I’m just doing my best to match names to Instagram handles, in a good way. But that’s tough work for anyone who knows.
The day of the race/ride I started out my usual way. Doing some mechanical adjustments last minute in the parking lot. Dave rolled up on his bike with some water for me to fill my hydration bladder. He brought the entire Poland spring! Like the jug you place on the water cooler. At that moment, I knew I wanted to bike with Dave. I set off with the 60 mile crew and didn’t find him until mile 15 or so. I thought he was ahead of me, but had stopped for a friend’s mechanical.
Oh yeah, I had my own mechanicals too. A bit of a wobble in my cassette, so I was skipping some gears here and there. No way did that stop me! I had already drove ten hours through the night. I was here, the gravel was an orange brownish tint, some heavy sand spots. I was sliding around in the sand with a huge smile on my face. It’s so exhilarating. Even if you fall it’s just a sandy mess! Nothing to fear.
I enjoyed the gravel, sand and views. There was a real smelly mile that no one wants me to talk about, so I won’t. But let’s just say some drivers keep a real shitty attitude. It had us in more laughter than anything. Still does!
I need to stop here and say Thank you to everyone that supported my fundraiser to get down there. I managed to drive down, stayed at a primitive campsite for 3 nights and ate everyday. I even got to catch up with Joe from Miami! What a surprise.
The “BEST DRESSED AWARDS” are always fun to host. It’s a positive way to celebrate cycling fashion in motion. It will always be centered around inclusivity and creativity. I believe most riders were excited about seeing so many photos to recap the ride!
I appreciate your support and positivity on this ride!! We’re in this together.
Love,
Todd Concrete
