back to stillwater - finally!

It took a solid three years, but my husband and I finally got back to Stillwater, Oklahoma for The Mid South.  I attended and rode in 2019 & fell in love with the atmosphere.  We signed up to go back in 2020 but cancer(sucks) with a dash of COVID hysteria ​it did not happen and a race deferral elected.

Then 2021, with the world still questioning COVID, the Mid South made the decision to host a socially distant Mid South event.  Therefore, receiving another deferral.

Just this month, I got to cash that sucker in.  Not only that, with a little help from Pink Gravel friends - thanks to the race directors of the Pony Express Gravel Dash in Marysville, KS and the Flint Hills Gravel Ride in Americus, KS - Pink Gravel set up shop in a 10 x 10 space at the Mid South Gravel Expo.

While the weather was a bit sketchy due to the morning snow (yes snow), the Expo was great exposure for Pink Gravel, met new people and old friends.  It just felt good to be back.  Definitely #positivevibing.  I did scale back my ride from 50 miles to the Inspiration Ride of 12 miles.  I just have not been riding much and still trying to figure out my "post cancer - chemo induced early menopause" body.  Not to mention I work full time and have kids . . . so life is busy. :)   It was a wonderful 12 miles with a nifty climb a the halfway mark.  Crossing the finish line was indeed very emotional as well.  As I have mentioned in the past, the Mid South marks a memorable milestone and highly emotional time in my cancer journey just like the KC Chiefs.

Anyway, Mid South, you did not disappoint and it was a blast and the kids enjoyed the freedom of walking around and spending time at the nearby coffee shop.  As I recall, I made several trips to that coffee shop myself.

AND YES. . . I received my long overdue hug; twice even, with some very kind and encouraging words.  Thank you Bobby W.
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