LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN

When I heard that I won the MGRS scholarship, I was in complete shock that I almost peed my pants. I couldn’t believe it! My disbelief quickly turned into excitement. I moved to Michigan four years ago from South Carolina. I had visited Michigan prior to moving and knew I wanted to explore more of “Pure Michigan.”

After living here, I got connected with the Wednesday evening rides around Grand Rapids. After doing a few of these rides with my mountain bike, and having a blast, I started watching Youtube videos of people mountain biking and gravel biking. My gravel racing interest was piqued. I knew I had to have a gravel bike.

I began researching…and falling in love with gravel racing. I currently work two jobs and am doing the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps plan to get out of debt. So when I found the scholarship opportunity, I knew I had to give it a try. So here I am, your new MGRS scholarship winner. I hope you like hearing about my adventures.

After receiving the bike I finally had free time and beautiful weather to get out and test my new Lauf True Grit Weekend Warrior and boy what a blast I had! This bike is so smooth and fast. I can't thank everyone over at  Michigan Gravel Race Series enough for this opportunity of a lifetime that I get to be a part of! My current goal is to push myself a little bit farther every time I ride. Whether it's 5 more miles than the day before or getting a little faster and increasing my stamina, any growth I attain, I will consider a success. I can't wait to see what other goals I can crush by the end of the year! 

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!

Considering all that's going on in the world, it’s not so easy to get out and ride everyday (as I would like to do). I work two jobs, seven days a week. The moment I get free time, I set out for my next gravel adventure! It is so fun to explore, clear my head, soak in the beautiful Michigan landscape, and just ride.

Well, I’m excited to start my countdown to my first race! On August 29, I will be racing in the Cow Pie Classic in Ionia. During these times, it has been difficult to get into a specific training routine. So I amped up my training by using the Kudo Coach app that helps me plan and track my pace and set up goals to get me ready for my first race. For the most part, I have been staying on target with my build loads every week. I regularly ride the Paul Henry Trail since it's right down the road from my house.

Being able to explore different trails and roads on my own has been a lot of fun (and helps keep the social distancing). I have mostly been riding in the Middleville, Hopkins and Dorr areas. I must say, Dorr has such sweet gravel routes! The Lauf is an amazing bike and the front fork is even more amazing. It soaks up all the terrain and it has held up against some pretty gnarly bumps I didn’t see while bombing down rough gravel roads!

Velocity makes one hell of a rim. Mine have definitely taken some serious abuse. They made the bike oh, so much better! I've done a few upgrades since I've gotten the True Grit. I had to dial it in to fit me a little better. I got a new seat and short stem. I also switched over to clipless pedals. I gotta tell ya, that was a site to see LOL, but it didn't take me too long to figure it out. Minus a few practice landings in the grass.

It has been an exciting ride already...and I haven’t even gotten to do a race yet. So finally, I am looking forward to the Cow Pie Classic! See you there and let the countdown begin!

-Calvin King