Lauf Grit Takes On The DK200
This post almost got lost. I found it in the archives and thought it would be good to post since my Warbird is still rockin' the Lauf Grit fork. I LOVE IT!
First of all I want to thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your Dirty Dozen Team. You all sure hand picked a STELLAR group of individuals to represent the Lauf Grit Garvel Fork! I can say that with confidence because I know most of the Dirty Dozen personally. In fact, I finished my 1st DK200 with Chad (in 2012), a couple years I was able to ride with Bobby (until he got speedy), Chris and I rode together last year and finished within a few minutes of each other (and I know his wife), Don B. is a good friend and magnificent cheerleader (going for a Goblet!), Jimmy is a first-rate fella I have ridden with at a couple DK's and sadly one year I passed him 'relaxing" in a ditch. What's really COOL is that there were FIVE on this team going for Goblets (the DK200 5x award)! I feel very lucky/blessed to be included in such awesome company!
I tried not to pay attention to what others thoughts were about LG (Lauf Grit) so I could form my own opinion and give my honest review. So, without further adieu... here goes.... I will admit to not being physically attracted to LG, so it was definitely not "love at first sight". Once he was installed on my Warbird it only took a few rides to get used to him and since January LG has just made riding better. Hell, LG has made me better. This gravel fork does exactly what it needs to do.... sucks up bumps and makes it feel like you are riding pavement. Also, I have picked several bad lines and LG has given me the confidence that I need to ride it out.
With 2400 miles underneath us LG and I headed to Kansas. We were both nervously excited to tackle 207 miles of gravel. This will be the seventh time I stand on the start line and it still feels like the first time... similar to angry butterflies with ball bats in my tummy. I know what it will take to finish this ride and having five under my belt does not make it any easier. A LOT can and usually does happen in 200 miles. This year I was hoping to 'beat the sun', if that is not doable I will settle for a PR. If the PR is not going to happen I would like a finish. I work the best when I have a plan, now that I have three plans I am sure ONE of them will happen.
From the moment LG and I hit gravel I knew we would have a fun yet challenging day. The first leg was just a warm-up for the next three so I had to pace myself accordingly. I rode within my comfort zone and was able to hang with several groups of strong riders. If I was going to beat the sun I needed to average just over 14mph. I finished this leg with a 14.6 mph avg! I was stunned, so was my husband. I knew it wouldn't last. Nutrition had been a huge fail. At some point I would fade in the heat of the day. I don't think it hit 90 degrees but it still felt like being cooked in an oven.
Leg Two was a bit more challenging. It was a longer section with some sketchy gravel. Around mile 75 I was ripping downhill and then all of a sudden I wasn't. Flat! I couldn't be mad about a flat tire since I have only experienced three in 1230 miles of The Flint Hills. I changed the tire quickly and somehow managed to break the CO2 head and explode the cartriadage. Seriously!? I look up the hill to see Big Dave Mizzelle ripping down and he stops, like a knight in shiny spandex. He saw what happened and Immediately came to my rescue. Thanks Dave!!
Leg Three is the longest leg, nearly 58 miles. So far LG has proven he can handle himself in the Flint Hills. He has had no problem dealing with loose gravel, fast sketchy downhills and creek crossings, Plus, I blew chunks on him, twice. LG managed everything that was thrown at him. I was asked many questions by curious cyclists during the day. I couldn't help but sing the Lauf Grit praises.
On Leg Four I met a fella named Steve from Washington DC. He was rocking a Lauf Grit too and loved his as much as I love mine. Yes! We exchanged many riding stories during the 45 mile end to our day long journey. We also agreed that riding was better with a Lauf Grit Fork! As we got closer to town I glanced at the time. In my jello brain I was able to figure out that I was going to PR if I stayed on pace. My son posted that he would like me to get a 16:40. Noticing the time it was going to be close. I finally crossed the finish line at 16:41:37. I missed the 16:40 but gained a new PR by 16 minutes and completed my 6th Dirty Kanza 200 in a row.
I give credit for my success to my husband and daughter, for their constant support AND to the fork that has made me a better rider. Just so we are clear...The Lauf Grit is the sh!t and I am NOT giving it back.
Sincerely,
Wendy Davis
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