Odin's Revenge: Epilogue

The winners: (L-R) J. Caldwell, R. Sack, C. Godfrey- All 1st

The Aftermath: 

On a personal level, I was okay with my finish. I realize that my training was very limited, and that due to weather and work. Between the two, I had hardly gotten in anything consistent, long, or above and beyond the ordinary. This may have contributed to my DNF. However; I think that more than anything it was just a bad day on the bike, from a fitness standpoint. It was obvious that something was amiss during the event, and my body was not cooperating. To have gotten in the mileage I did was more than I probably should have done, but I did. I know that I left everything I had out there, so no regrets.


I was super-stoked for my brother and traveling companion, MG, who scored a third place finish. He did really well. (Read MG's report on Odin's HERE) Corey, "Cornbread" Godfrey scored a win, along with the two racers he was with, and one of those was a 64 year old fella by the name of Robert Sack. Awesome stuff right there.

 The Event: Odin's Revenge was the subject of much talk between MG and I after the event and on the trip home. Here are some thoughts we had about it in no particular order:

• This is one hard event. There is definitely more and harder climbing here than in something like the DK 200.  Odin's has better scenery, (with the possible exception of the Gold Rush 100),  as much "remoteness" as anything else out there, is very difficult to tackle, and has the "grassroots" feel that many say that they like in an event. Add it all up and you have one tough cookie to chew if you decide to race this one.
• It has the makings to become one of the best gravel events anywhere, bar none. MG and I prefer the low key, grassroots feel of Odin's, and add that to the challenge and scenic nature of this rare gem, well.......we can't figure out why most gravel riders would not want to give this a try at some point.
• Anyone that says Nebraska is "boring" is just ignorant of the facts. The dirt roads alone are worth going to see and ride on.
• The people that put on Odin's are genuinely some of the nicest, caring folks you'll ever meet. That pervaded the event from the Team DSG folks right on down to the volunteers. It showed in the checkpoints, the organization, and the way that MG and I were looked after personally by the Quigley's. 
• The town of Gothenburg seems primed to step in and support this event even more.

Overall, with some minor tweaks, this should become a much talked about event on the same playing field as Trans Iowa, DK 200, and Gravel Worlds. The scuttlebutt we heard was that Odin's will have an entirely new course next year and may be more than 150 miles again. We liked the 150 mile length here. Due to its summertime date, and potentially very hot temperatures, MG and I felt making Odin's too long wasn't in its best interest. But those things are not to be determined by us. Overall, we really, really liked the event, and recommend it to anyone.

Me leaving CP #1: (Image by M Quigley)

Thank You! 

There are so many people to thank, and if I miss anyone, please forgive me.

The Quigley's: You were running an event and still found the time to look after MG and I, (besides the other house guests), and we never lacked for anything. A very humble and grateful thanks to the both of you, and to Bear, your dog, for letting us invade his territory!

Team DSG: You folks have really impressed with the organization, the course, and the over-all feel of this great event. Thanks! Your running of things was faultless. The checkpoints were well stocked with water, things to chew on, and most importantly, great people. The event has great sponsors, a testament to the hard work of those who procured the promises of the companies behind you. Thanks to those sponsors, as well, by the way! Kona Bikes, Retroshift, Chamois Butter, Nebraska Beer- Craft Beer News, Bike Rags, Q-7, Revelate Designs, Back Country Research, Twin Six, and Osprey.

Matt Gersib: A public shout out to my brother, MG. Thanks for spending the weekend with me and being my traveling companion for much of my trip. Always a good time!

The Riders: What a cool bunch of folks! I want to especially thank Craig, the "MW Crew": Elizabeth, Noah, and MW, of course, and all the other folks that rode in Odin's. You made this a great event by being there. Thanks for letting an old, outta shape guy tag along!

Nebraska: Thanks for being something most folks do not believe, or know about. It was fun getting to know you better.

I'll be back.........

3GR: NOTE: I will have to bail out on another week of 3GR due to a funeral I will be attending.  Look for the 3GR to kick in again next week.

Congratulations to Mike Johnson!!! Mike Johnson finished the Tour Divide this morning in 16th place in his first attempt. What a ride!