"...turns out I'm a bit of a mechanic!"

I'm not just a muddy face and winning bike races in retirement, folks. Turns out I can change a flat tire too!

I'm absolutely floored with the reception I've received for taking home the win at Dirty Kanza. On site, online, from family, friends, fans, and friendly people I don't know. Look, we can all admit I didn't win a lot of races as a pro, so on one hand, it feels hackneyed, but on the other hand it's entirely forgotten in the sport of cycling, so I'd like to genuinely thank my sponsors.

Cannondale Slate was the perfect bike for the job. I mean that, perfect.
SRAM gave me the 1x drivetrain. A 44t front ring paired with a 10-42 rear cassette provided me the best range someone could ask for. "Kansas is flat", right? No, 10,000 feet of climbing is a testament to that misconception.
Zipp carbon handlebars and seatpost provided a plush and comfortable place for my hands and hind quarters for a long day in the saddle.
Cycliq captured all the fun and prizes over a long long day in the saddle (battery life anyone?!). Stay tuned for some sweet videography.
Velocio outfitted me in their Ultralight jersey which was ideal for the baking hot, dry conditions. And let's also add that my rear end is still quite comfortable which is a testament of my Velocio Signature Bibs over the course of 11 hours 50 minutes in the saddle.
POC's Octal helmet is supremely comfortable. And the DO glasses protected me from the sun, stray rocks, mud, sweat, fog, humidity, and everything else that might smack into my precious eyes. Plus they look awesome.
I'm a lifelong Speedplay user and fan. I'm long accustomed to their road technology but they really wowed me with their SYZR pedals. It's an entirely new thinking to a very traditional world of mountain bike pedals/cleats. They were perfect all day... and trust me, from river crossings to ankle deep mud to bone dry, rutted out gnarly descents, we saw every condition imaginable over the course of the day.
I downed a whole lot of UnTapped Maple out there on course. Ten packets and three waffles. Fact. Oh, I also had a few pickles at the final aid station.
Strava provided the route which was displayed on my handlebars. They're also featuring a blog, so check that out shortly.
RoadID kept me a little closer to safe were something to arise. Safety is important when you're in the middle of nowhere!
Giro, I mean seriously, I have the most comfortable shoes in the entire 2,000 person peloton (or on par with the other people in the race with same super stylie Empire shoes).
Sunflower Outdoor and Bike is owned by Dan Hughes, an unequivocal legend. The only multiple time men's winner (Reba Rusch has the women's 3x title), Dan is also a father, husband, benevolent host, sincere friend, and likely the nicest guy in Kansas. Without a doubt, he was instrumental in my victory. Go to Sunflower in Lawrence, KS and spend some dollars, because those guys are awesome. Also an employee of his and addition great guy is Colin, who generously served as my pit crew, so a huge thanks to Colin and his mechanical prowess.
And of course the great people at Dirty Kanza. I met every one of the incredible people who run this event and to continually draw thousands of people back year after year is a testament to their dedication to a remarkable event. Thank you.