Racing “The Crippler” in Colorado Springs

This ride report by Team CSP-SBI cycling ambassador Dave Theobald

After participating in a number of organized gravel rides this summer, I decided, on a lark, to race while the weather was still warm (September 30th). The event I chose was “The Crippler” — 67 miles from Canon City to Cripple Creek and back on gravel and 4WD roads. Arriving literally a minute before the start, I found myself uncomfortably at the center-front of the starting line. My immediate race strategy thus became how to sneakily progress (backwards) to the middle of the pack. I found my legs and rhythm and gratefully the top of the climb. After a fast descent with blind corners and big trucks, l finished fast and happy! Somehow, I officially have two results. I prefer my first result: 10th place, but am terrifically satisfied with my second: 20th place.

Dave Theobald is a Senior Scientist at Conservation Science Partners.  Learn more about his work:  https://www.csp-inc.org/about-us/core-science-staff/theobald-dave/

More on “The Crippler”:  https://www.myjourneyracing.com/the-crippler-2018.html