Gravel to the Grave with Miranda Miller Part 2.
It was 2019 when I watched an EF Gone Racing episode about the GBduro, where road cyclist and certified cool guy Lachlan Morton set a record for the 2,000km stage race from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The 30min video allowed a glimpse of an extraordinary physical feat but, more importantly, proved that the endurance muscle is in mind. You see, Morton hit what he described as rock bottom, yet he kept riding. I was both frightened and mesmerized as I watched him ride through the night, chasing an end that never seemed closer. I admire cyclists like Lachlan, whose strength and skills transfer, allowing them to perform across disciplines; a true athlete!
Off and on over the next two years, I thought about that ride. I read stories and watched videos of FKT’s, rides that lasted over 24 hours, and solo missions across entire countries.
What was it like? To ride through the night and unknown territory? To ride past the limit of anything you had ever done before. I couldn’t imagine myself capable of any of it. But then, why not? Will I ever find out the length and breadth of my capabilities if I don’t force myself to take on a challenge like this?
Out of my hands, a route was built by my friend Nick Geddes. A late summer required a few changes, but soon I had my route. In an area entirely unknown to me-North Vancouver Island: 360km from San Josef Bay to Campbell River, the majority of it gravel roads.