Nobody is disappointed in you guys. People like myself love watching your videos to watch your 2 wheeled adventures unfold. Thanks for sharing and keeping it 100.

Honestly, failing with grace is as important as anything else. I really appreciate your honesty, transparency, and attitudes throughout all this. Despite the heartbreak of DNF, I’ve felt inspired by your experience anyway, so keep up the great work 😀

Nice honest video. I’m with those advocating for 100 in 2019 and 200 in 2020. I’d think you’d want to do 200 a few times in training before trying it at DK. Great effort, both of you!

That was a great video. Gravel is tough. Gravel and sun are depleting. Gravel, sun, and wind make you hate riding. Doing all that for 100+ miles is really, really hard. Consider yourselves amazing to be able to do so much. Be less concerned with what you didn't do and amazed at what you did.

Russ and Laura, I was just running some of your videos as I sit here in my COVID-19 survival bunker (my house) and while I'd seen this one before it came up again. I appreciate the raw honesty of this whole series and this video. I understand not finishing was a big disappointment, but I really respect that you took a big risk, set a goal, and followed after it, and didn't varnish over the truth. To me, it gives your entire approach and your KZfaq channel a lot of credibility.

In a world that seems so focused on competition, I am ambivalent about races. But I think you have to feel good about your honest and conscientious effort. Thanks for taking us all along with you. You are both an inspiration.

Guys, you have absolutely nothing to feel bad about. I’m sure with the passage of time you’re feeling better about it. Really appreciate your honesty.

Fantastic job! It was a great pleasure to witness your buildup and struggles with the infamous Dirty Kanza! Thanks for bringing us along on the journey! Kudos to you both for putting yourselves out there. Sorry you didn't make the 200 miles. But Its almost more inspiring to see you back in the AirBnB room sipping whiskey, reflecting on your epic adventure, and being gracious in defeat. What a great example to follow one’s dreams wherever they may lead. You two are brilliant (and adorable)! Come on 50,000 views! I’m hoping for a round two, and next time may the wind be at your back!

Thank you for sharing your ride, thoughts and emotions. Your #couchtokanza series was an total success. Congrats!

You are both such lovely "real" people. Some things we just can't control, such as the weather or even how we feel. This is a real story. What happened, happened. You both shared this physical and emotional experience with each other and with your viewers. What a fantastic achievement. Thank You for all that you do!

I failed to finish The Hondo last year in similar terrain. I knew from that I would attempt the DK100 instead of the DK200. Kansas is a harsh environment to ride in. The wind demoralizes you then the hills of the Great Plains finish you off. Imagine, the pioneer settlers rode and walked though that on their way to a better life out west. We all have it in us, but not every day. My Hondo DNF also made me revamp every aspect of the DK training plan. I changed to a lighter bike, switched to Camel Bak water, purchased tight fitting clothes that do not flap, practiced drinking on schedule and taking salts and carbohydrates by the clock. I do painful interval training. I ride up and down those miserable hills. I ride against 30 mph wind all the time. I live here in south Kansas. The landscape is beautiful, but it’s not highly populated for a reason, just like the mountain peaks are not densely populated. Nature is harsh. I love you guys. Thank you for putting your videos out there. I saw you on the ride-you had pulled over. I didn’t stop to chat. Geoff

Good job you guys. You don't have anything to be ashamed of. You worked hard and did the best you could. DK is seriously a reality check. You have definitely learned from the experience, and you should take that into the event next time. :)

My favorite video you've ever made!! I've read nothing but nice comments of people you inspired and people who RELATE to this story. They reason we love musicians like Paul Simon or actors like Daniel Day Lewis is that they are master story tellers. You kept taking the camera out even when you felt like puking! This will be your most watched video because you guys let us see your fear, disappointment and mixed emotions. Very well done all around. I haven't even checked to see who won the race or in how much time, because I don't care, but you guys made this real. I did the TAT (via motorcycle)a few years back and I had sponsorships, a book deal and we finished but got off route a lot for various reasons. I wrote the book but never did anything with it. I felt like I failed or wimped out. very mixed emotions ..for years. I think you just inspired me to publish it. If I was in your shoes I would go home, unplug the computer, phone, grab your bike, your bourbon and your fishing rod and go bike packing for a couple days and ride as short of distances as you want, don't film anything and just breath. You deserve it.

You two are both amazing. Thank's for sharing this huge challenge. You didn't let anyone down. You should be very proud of what you accomplished. Stay safe.

I know what it's like to fail and get broken heart :( I did Peaks Challenge Falls Creek event in Australia in 2015, 235km with 4000m+ elevation and did not finish. I spent thousands of dollars in training, plane tickets, etc. I didn't get over it even until 6 months later. In the end, I re-trained and I have even now managed to complete the whole series 3 x Peaks Challenges in 2016 and 2017. SO YES, DO IT AGAIN GUYS :)

Good going, I'm proud of you guys. I've done this kind of riding for going on 30 years. I've had success, and I've failed miserably. I've met some goals, and I've quit simply because I wasn't having fun. I now have a saying that just getting to the start line is a huge success. I am now 71 years old, still doing events, but over time my perspective has changed, and am proud that I have learned to "live" life, and not tried to master it. They say life is a journey, and what I have learned is to do it gracefully. You guys did that. I have an abundance of experience in cycling, but will not presume to give you advice. Simply pursue your goals with this same grace. Best wishes.

You are both to be commended for putting this out for all of us to see and follow along. Besides all the hard training and preparation work you put into this. Bravo! Give it a couple weeks, and you will be able to objectively look back and decide if you want to try again. You have my vote of confidence to give it another shot! The conditions were obviously not in your favor, so don't let it get you down... I am inspired to attempt it myself (if I can get in), but probably not until 2020. Maybe I'll see you guys then?? Also, I would be interested to hear more about what you think worked well, and what didn't in terms of gear, bikes, etc... Thanks so much!

Thanks for sharing your Dk200 journey and your honesty. You are correct in saying it’s a hard race. I finished the DK100 and then went after DK200 in 2016. At mile 131, I rode myself onto the ground with an asthma attack. I still wanted to try for checkpoint 3 hoping to regroup. Fortunately for me, sane friends intervened and took me out of the race. A big part of me still wants to go back. You owe it to yourself to give it another try. Good job.

Oh. My.God.... Nothing is harder than facing up to your own limitations. Thank you for being so honest and forthright about your experience. Your comment at 28.00 is perfect. People always say have fun, but events like DK200 are only fun when they're over. This video on the day after is interesting. But PLEASE come back in a month and tell us about how you feel.

55k views, looks like you’re doing it again!

I used to do a lot of this kind of stuff, pushing the body beyond what's good for health. It's a psychosis motivated by ego. Grow, change your paradigm from a fitness-based one to a health-based one. You do need to be fit to be healthy, however you don't need to be healthy to be fit. Live the former, put health first and approached fitness from a balanced, holistic perspective, where fitness only serves your health.

I had to watch this episode again since my own experience last Saturday was very similar. You guys are so good. Absolutely, you crushed it. 100 miles of that wind, heat, terrain is something to be proud of. Congratulations.

I have watched this episode many times , you both are hero’s in my mind. You worked hard to get there and gave it all you had on that day . Cheers !! ❤❤

Nothing to hide from. An honest and steady effort all the way through. Next year is a new year;)

Great video i really enjoyed both of them, thanks for sharing.

The wind in Kansas can be brutal, but the scenery of the Flint Hills is gorgeous.There is annual road ride that has been held on Memorial Day Weekend since 1976, with the exception of this year of course. The Cottonwood 200 is one of my favorite rides, but one year the first day in hot windy conditions my wife and I turn south to finish the last 15 miles of the 75 mile day and we hit a fierce headwind. Two hours later we finished the ride. My wife likes to say there were blood, sweat and tears on the road that day, but it is amazing how much better you feel after a shower, and nap and a visit to the DQ. Thanks for sharing your story.

Go for #2 but use a 2 year plan. Dk100 next year and dk200 the year after.

Newbie of the channel, watching this late. But I just have to say this: thanks for being so human, so gracefully guys❤️.

I learned a great deal watching your journey. You inspired me to get back on the bike after being hit by a truck. The honest emotional connection you have with your viewers is your forever win!

You folks are an inspiration. Seeing you folks train and struggle yet still want to try again makes one want to train and try it. Like the idea people say of dk100 in 2019 and 200 in 2020. You guys did awesome and had very upbeat attitude despite all the challenges. Very fun to watch. Go 4 it next year and have fun!

You two did a great job documenting this journey. It was such a wonderful joy following this adventure✌😊👍🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

Listen. It’s crazy hard just to ride a motorcycle across Kansas in the wind from east to west on the prairie. Let alone a bicycle for 200 miles. You guys did great. Be blessed and count your blessings. Oh. Drinking a little tonic water at night before bed well help end those cramps.

Kudos... there are many people that wouldn't be able to do as much as you did. Enjoy very much your videos. Thanks for sharing.

Ya'll are AWESOME!!! I love watching you guys because you remind me of a younger version of me and my husband. We are not fast, we just love the adventure of riding a bike. But a challenge like DK is so enticing. I'm so impressed with the effort and work ya'll have put in with your training. I would love to see ya'll have another go at it, I think with more time training ya'll can do it!! "You can do it!"

Thank you for sharing PLP adventures like this series of videos and all the experience of your journey to DK with us. You're an inspiration to so many - your authenticity, character and willingness to take on a massively challenging task is wonderful. Very few people would be willing to take on such a challenge, much less share all the ups & downs of the process with the world. Please keep doing what you're doing - it helps the rest of us mere mortals learn alongside you, feeling a sense of camaraderie & OK-ness no matter what the outcome of an event is. "Perfection can be the enemy of good enough" and by extension good enough is a ton better than not trying (esp. new things). Proud of you guys. Wishing you the best in all your adventures.

great series, great video. I appreciate the honest assessment. I finished the Oregon Outback last week, and I trained all of 2018 to do it, not knowing if I really could finish the ride. I did it, and I wish I had documented the progression and the ride like you guys have. I really appreciate the level of dedication and commitment it takes to not only go for the ride, but to capture it on video, edit it, present it like you have. So kudos to you both. I'm a fan of your stuff, and we'll probably see you on the trail! I had a fishing guide couple in Maupin name drop your videos when I asked about fly fishing on the Deschutes while riding through on a training ride. Small world, big ripples.

I noticed a few things that can help with the heat. Take them with as much salt as necessary, but they are based on experience riding in the midwest. :) 1. Get a helmet with a visor to block sun, not a cap under it. That cap is a serious insulator. 2. Short haircut. It isn't fashionable, but it's good for 5 degrees more tolerance, at least. 3. Skip the undershirt. 4. Lighter colored long sleeve shirt with vents. Check out desert running gear, but go for slimmer fit because the wind catches billowing material.

An awesome video! An encouragement for the average rider! Thanks guys. That’s why I love your videos - always entertaining, always true! We have a race in South Africa called the Trans Baviaans - it is a a 230km gravel ride (with some single track and mountain trails). It looks like very similar terrain to what you rode. I rode it last year and struggled so much! The last time I had suffered that much was during my basic training in the military! Thanks again for the video!

Give it another go! See what a difference a year makes!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This was a very emotional video and I commend you both for your willingness to put it out there for us. No judgement here. Only support. I hope you see more and more of the positive side over the coming weeks.

Great job guys. 100mi down, 100mi to go, w/ next 60mi against a headwind when drained, cramping, and not holding down food? no way, great choice to bus it home - 43,790views, only 6,210 more and DK2 - the revenge!!! aren't you glad you did it? freakin great to challenge yourselves like that because normal rides get easier/more supple. I would love to try DK! (till i do it, then im sure id hit the headwind and wish i never did)

The only failure would be not trying! Kudos to you both! Not everyone is made to be a gladiator but going through the training and experience is just an amazing thing. Thank you for sharing love your channel.

You guys did well. The event was meant to make you "find your limit" and that it did. I gave up at mile 192, the only reason I finished is because a group of riders encouraged me enough to get me going again. As someone who did finish the race I can say, that it sucked. At some point it's not about the miles it's about your body. There's no shame in reading your body. You made the right call. Best of luck if you decide to do it again!

This is why I love this channel and am a supporter...the honesty in all things! A lot of instagram feeds and such from a lot of racers feel like press releases and it gets in your head. This video is amazing and I appreciate the brutal honesty. Once some time has passed you will be able to see what you did accomplish more clearly. Focus on that, for your SECOND race ever to be DK200 is a huge challenge and you both rocked it! Thank you for sharing this with us all in such an open way. It is very helpful to be able to feel that camaraderie with others who are trying stuff that pushes us out of our comfort zones.

Absolutely the most honest DK review ever. In 2013 I was just on the other side of your equation and finished just under the final cutoff. Good job you guys. Do it again!!!!

Had a chance to briefly catch up with you at 4:30 this morning before heading off to Missoula to work in the local hospital; and was able to finish your vlog when I got home this afternoon... Feel that I need to strongly correct Larua's feeling of being crushed at the two of you not crossing the finishing line. What if you two had finished? What has kept all of us compelled to follow you the past year or so, has been the remarkable chemistry between you two...from fishing along Oregon streams and rivers, training in the nasty snows of Missoula's Winter, fighting over that piece of pie at Glen's Cafe in Florence. The relationship between you two human beings is what what we cherish, and whether or not you stood upon a podium or not is irrelevant. Your preamble, and your journey, and your ride was perfect......

You guys did awesome! Thanks for bringing us along on the Journey. Now lets get back to awesome reviews, cool bike trips and fishing! :D

Great job. We need to see the good and the bad . So many videos sugar coat everything, but you have brought reality to an event from start to finish, and then giving us this reiteration in detail. Much appreciated! In a way, I'd call this a very successful video compilation.

You guys are great. The best part of your channel IMO is that you put out content that reflects your passions and you're honest about your experiences. Most of the time that's really fun, obviously it can't always be. Couch to Kanza was a Herculean task. Doing it publicly was incredibly risky and courageous. Bravo for making the effort.

Nothing wrong with failing, not trying is the real issue. Congrats on pushing yourself in training and stepping up for a huge challenge, respect!

Amazing effort! Looking forward to stumbling into your other event videos.

Just catching up on "Path Less Pedaled" like binge watching Game of Thrones... The comment that asking the question if you both would do it again, and that it was too soon to ask, caused me to spit up my coffee on my keyboard ~ haven't done that in a long time... BTW Regardless of finishing, you both are better riders for it! Cheers

What a great team you guys are! Definitely not disappointed in your efforts, and do love the free and open comments which sort-of put the audience in your shoes. Look forward to watching your DK next year! Thanks for another great video.

You two are just lovely, authentic, and humble people. Thank you for sharing your story.

1) Laura has the single greatest number plate you could possibly have a for DK 200, never lose it! 2) It probably seems like I comment on all of these couch2kanza videos but that's only because they have been so enjoyable to watch and you guys are so fun to root for! It has ALMOST made me want to try it myself lol. I think that if you guys keep training through to next year, diversify what your workouts and do some more events in between that in a year or two you can come away with a completely different DK experience. And if that doesn't sound appealing come down to Idaho for the Angry Horse gravel race. While you guys attempted 200 miles we had a blast tackling 45 (or 82 if you're real ambitious). Side note : How wide do those Riddler's measure on your rims?

Let us down? Heavens, no. Making your trial public is an inspiration, and I'm so grateful for your real, honest conversation. Thank you!

Honest and humble... a breath of fresh air in cycle reporting... appreciated!

Well done for trying! You learn more from your losses than your victories. Be proud of your attempt, there is no shame in honest endeavour. It’s good for your viewers to see that all attempts don’t end in success. I love Kilian Journet’s philosophy on failed attempts at climbing mountains, it gives you the ultimate reason to go back! Respect for your honesty. Come to Wales and see our wonderful rolling green hills!

Weather you choose to try again or not, what an amazing experience you’ve had. It’s far better to take on the challenge and not finish than not even try. Congratulations on toeing the line and going for it.

Much respect to you and everyone who attempts and even finishes the 200. Do the 100 next year and take your time and enjoy the ride. Enjoy the scenery. Doing the 100 gives you ample time to take it all in. Enjoy riding through the finish line. It’s an amazing experience to do that. You truly feel like a rockstar when Emporia welcomes you in with cowbells ringing. Hope to see you again next year.

This was my 3rd year in a row and perhaps the hardest one to finish. I enjoyed your series and meeting you Friday in Emporia. Your observations about the Kanza are spot on. You' ve captured the essence. It's tough. Hope you keep going and try again. The feeling of completing is unbelievable and counteracts the very real pain of getting there. Don't give up.

This is the essence of what cycling is for so many of us. It is always a struggle. It is 30 % physical the rest is that internal mental battle fighting the pain. The fact that you showed up is a win. I can relate to your DK experiences. I have had my own experiences were things did not go well. Often things have not gone as expected and what I have come to realize over 30 years of doing long rides is it is all part of the game. The important part is that you don’t quit. You have to do part two for yourselves. You just got beaten down on a ride. Anyone who can call themselves a cyclist knows this feeling. Everyone has a story. So chin up!!! Be proud of how far you have come as riders. Keep living the struggle!!! Welcome to the sick game of cycling. It’s not for everyone but it is for us.

7,500 views so far. Better watch out. 50,000 is within the realm of possibility! My respect for you two, which was already high, increased even more after watching this video. Your honesty and humility, as well as, using Joshua's word, your grace, is inspiring. There is no shame in not finishing. There would have been shame in not trying. In my eyes, you are winners. Really enjoyed watching.

Russ and Laura, much props for sharing your journey through this experience with the KZfaq Universe. Honesty with yourselves and us viewers goes much *further* than pushing til you're broken. Seriously inspirational to see C2K through the months and can't wait to see what the channel has to offer next. Keep on grinding!

Congratulations on doing it and going for it! Would like to know the following if you could go into it after you feel better.1. How would you train differently next time? 2. Was your bike set up the right one?3. Did you also strength train at all or just do all riding?4. When would you start training (How far in advance) and what would a weekly regiment looks like.Again, be proud of going for it..... Lots of folks (most) would never even attempt it.

I have watched this video a few times. Thank you for being open and honest. Learn from your mistakes and continue training, but have FUN. Work out your challenges, together. Help each other out both mental and physically. Well done and keep the rubber side down. :)

Keep up the training ! Sounds like you learned a lot about your limits physically and mentally. Keep the training up. Return, crush the 100 in 2019 then take your revenge on the 200 in 2020. #200 in 2020!

Two thumbs up, for doing the training and the ride and doing it publicly. Also, this is my favorite video so far.

Such a great video! It really captures what’s so difficult and yet wonderful about this ride. The weather, the wind, the sun, the relentless rolling hills. I’ve done the 100 twice and learned a lot. I recommend doing the 100 first for anyone considering the 200. I also know the feeling of not completing a goal - LAND RUN! But that’s what makes these challenges such an epic endeavor. You have to lose a few to make the wins even more sweet. Thanks so much for sharing and I hope to see you out there next year. You guys are an inspiration.

Russ and Laura, I really enjoyed watching this whole process. I think you should be proud of how far you've come since earlier this year!! Keep up the great work!

I would like to thank you for your honest video. You guys did great no matter the outcome. 100 miles under those conditions is an accomplishment for any rider... I am a big fan of your channel. And enjoy both of your enthusiasm. Keep riding! And dont ever back down from a challenge!

If you want to attempt it and you should, then you should do the necessary and right preparation for it. I think u owe it to yourself and those who did not get to take part to complete it. Honestly I didn't think you would be able to finish it when I was watching your preparation for it. But I was still hoping that somehow it would work out. A timed event will have added stress especially when you guys only did leisure bike touring in the past. Plan well if you try again and I'm sure all the viewers are rooting for you.

Huge kudos to you both for picking a nice bike hard goal, throwing yourselves at it, and seeing what happened. My heart really goes out to you both as I had a similar experience in my first AZTR attempt this year - realized very soon it was way way harder than I thought, and probably wasn't going to finish. Failing to meet your own expectations is hard, but doing so in public is even harder. Thanks for being honest and sharing your journey.

Well done guys, nothing to be ashamed off, go for the 100 next time so you get the victory you deserve and we get to watch you do it. You are a great couple and I loved the honest but still fun approach to this video. Take care.

Thanks for sharing this adventure. I do not feel let down at all - you kept us in the loop, you helped us grow alongside. Félicitations.

Love u guys. The most important thing is you guy did not get hurt. Over 30years of riding I find it harder and harder to stay healthy. Bad knees, muscle strains, and tendinitis.

You guys are amazing….thank you for sharing!!

This is one of the most honest videos of a goal unreached I've ever watched. The lessons shared will inspire others and hopefully motivate yourself. It would have been easy to not share this with the world, hiding it from everyone, but you didn't. You made a VERY unselfish video. You should be proud. It was a great effort and a great video.

Though you may not have completed the race, you both still went out there and did it! Keep your heads up, and next year you will be prepared, and know what to expect. Thank you for the great videos!

Excellent recap, but sorry you did not meet your goals. Don't feel bad, happens to most of us. I was unsuccessful my first year, said I would never do it again, and now I am a 5-time finisher. It was great to meet you guys, and you are welcome back to Emporia any time of year. Bring your fly rods and I will take you out for some Kansas warm water fishing. Hope to see you back for DK next year. I will do what I can to share this video and make sure you hit the 50,000 views!

Thank you for your honest commentary. I can commiserate with you and don't slight you at all for not finishing. I would not attempt it myself. My son and I go for one or two nighters in and around the Chicago area and have headed west into farmland often. On one mid August ride in particular we ran into a series of hills on gravel in open land and hot sun and had a tough day that we were not really expecting (we didn't know what we were getting ourselves into). Even on paved roads with little wind a ride out in the prairie on a hot summer day can be draining. It was very interesting hearing about your experience and getting your points of view. As a non competitive rider it's good to hear from someone that has ridden in similar circumstances.

Thank you for this video and how honest it was! You guys should be proud of what you were able to accomplish.

Great job, both of you!! No shame in doing your best, and I can believe you both did with the cards dealt to you! It was a monumental effort and something to be proud of! I enjoyed watching your journey and will continue to follow with or without a second attempt. You guys ROCK!

My view is for the two, "The Revenge:. You guys are the reason I bought a gravel bike and thanks for being so honest about your ride, knowing that Laura was the basis for doing the race puts you guys in a whole new level. Your both winners in my book.

Sometimes your the bat, and sometimes your the ball. Trying and failing will make you stronger if you don’t let it beat you! You will be better prepared for the path less pedaled, next time! You guys rock!

Wow, crazy when you recognize jerseys from local riders in the video! Shoutout to Nebo Ridge.

Well, I for one am impressed. Your disappointment comes through, but as someone who couldn't do even 100 at this point, I'm very impressed with what you have done and look to you for inspiration. Please keep up the great work!

Well done both of you - courage and honesty is in short supply at the moment. Take time to recover and then plan your next moves. I personally, will watch this 50,000 times just so that you have to do it again. Take care. Much love.

I follow your channel and I really enjoy your adventures. I think you two are selling yourselves short. When you start racing it brings on a different perspective and set of pressures. Then ad all the unknowns (weather, terrain, elevation, etc.). This is part of racing, competing, or structured rides where there an end goal is present. Anyway, I watch a lot of your videos. You two are really hard core! You may not realize it, but practicing in the snow, doing all these touring rides in freezing weather, persevering 100 plus miles in a race that you had no clue what you are getting into. These are all things to be very proud of! Also, if you look back. You will be amazed at how much you have learned and gained. Sometimes self progress is very slow, or not even noticeable when you are judging yourself. Many times we are our own hardest critics. I bet if you look back at how much better condition you were in just after the race vs. two months before the race. Your progress would be very evident. Anyway keep at it and don't give up! As long as you enjoy what your doing, keep doing it! We'll all be here cheering you on succeed or not.

Wow, 200 miles sounds extreme, especially on gravel and the like. I'm hoping to train for the 100 mile race in the next year or two

I've ridden and failed to finish the Triple Bypass in Colorado (a road event) twice so thank you for giving voice and sharing your feelings. I went through many of the same emotions. The second time I rode the Triple, I was strong mentally but my motor (legs) gave out - I couldn't pedal faster or harder no matter how determined I was to do so. I emptied the tank pure and simple. From your description, had you tried to continue, you would have emptied the tank and not finished. Some rides are like that. I felt defeated and didn't ride much the next year, which I regretted because now I've got even more work to do to get back to that level of fitness, so don't follow that path. My advice is that you sign up for another event for this year that will keep this event from being the only one you think about when you think about this season.

I am 100% confident you both can finish the 200. In fact, I'm jealous. Having crossed the DK200 finish line more than once I can tell you it's the part of the race you most want to experience. Even so, I'll never be able to experience the level of satisfaction & elation you two will when when you roll across. It's gonna be so great for you two.

I live in kansas and bike these hills often - I can honestly say the WIND and HEAT can have an amazing effect on how well your ride goes. It is so tough to predict and train for. I have never been able to get into the Dirty Kanza after 4 years of trying, but I can appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences. I'd still like to try the 100 but I believe that you really need to start slowly - even if you have biked gravel races before.

You guys did amazing job! And remember (as I’m sure you already know), every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow from the amazing opportunity you got to do! Congratulations again, and now you know how to better kick ass on your next challenge! Keep pedaling forward! Keep up the great job guys!!!

You still did better than the other 99.8% riding the couch this weekend. Kudos to both of you. Very well edited and moving video.

Do it!!! I rode DK this year for the first time too. I'm by no means an expert, but there are a couple of things that worked for me. Maybe you did them too, but here they are: 1)Ride with a power meter - it eliminates many of the head games, 2)nutrition is everything - write your plan down, tape it to your top tube, and follow it, 3)if you don't have a training plan, make one, or hire a coach - just going out and riding your bike a lot isn't the best way to prepare. I hope you decide to give it another shot. Good luck!

Russ and Laura. Thanks for sharing. The “failure” (not sure I would really consider it a failure) was just as inspiring if not more then a win. I think I may give the DK a shot myself someday.

It was cool seeing you all riding in what was my backyard! I’ve always wanted to meet you and when you visit, I moved! The DK200 is tough! You guys did great! The heat, wind and humidity make it extreme. I used to ride those roads for fun and photography, for Adventure Monkey, until I got talked into trying it. I put in lots of miles and had to figure out my nutrition and hydration because my body is really picky. But I ended up becoming a gravel “racer” for years. I finished back in 2010 when it was in the 100s! I’m back in school now, completely out of shape and I hope to ride the DK again someday. Great job. I loved seeing my old roads in your video. Thanks for posting it!

Nothing to be ashamed of - the hardest part was signing up for the DK200 having never ridden a century. Good on you for giving it your all, and hopefully we can all see you both successfully complete the 200 next year! :)

A wonderful, and personal, account of your DK experiences. The distance you still covered, despite weather (windy!) conditions was certainly not too shabby. You should still be proud of yourselves. Am I about to go out and do one? I dunno. It should rather intriguing. Though, I'll probably settle for no greater than a ton. Which would still be a lot. My record is not much more than a metric ton (just over 100 km)! 50,000 you say? Well, I see you're only just over 20,000 away from having to consider that promise!