Cross Washington (XWA) 2026
Hey, I bet you’ve all been waiting to hear how my XWA race turned out! It was super, I don’t think I could have done anything better. I am very proud and satisfied with my race.
This was my 4th time racing and finishing XWA. Currently I hold the record for the most XWA’s ridden by a woman. At the vibrant age of 66 I may well be the oldest woman finisher.
The stats of the race are this:
734 miles
43,813 feet of climbing
My finishing time- 7 days, 11 hours, 35 minutes. My best time yet. I came in a whole day and 12 hours faster than my last best time. Position 27 out of 66.
This year I rode the route solo. This greatly contributed to the increase in how fast I completed the race. With only one person to account for bathroom stops and resupply efficiency is so much greater. I made my resupply stops fast by making a list in my mind before I got to the store. No more dawdling about wondering what to get. Especially earlier in the race I didn’t take a lot of rest time. I rode from sunup to sundown every day. Getting up at 4:30 a.m. and hitting the trail by 5:00. I got about 6 hours of sleep/down time each night . I wild camped four nights and stayed in a hotel three nights. I rode for a couple of days with another racer and friend, Kathleen. For awhile our paces matched and then they didn’t. Riding becomes harder when paces don’t sync up and we made the mutual decision to ride our own paces. The fact that I had great weather the entire time I was riding also helped keep the speed up, no cold rain, mud, or extreme heat to deal with.
One of the unfortunate things that slowed me down on the fifth day was great discomfort in my nether region, and I don’t mean my butt. It was a burning pain and I felt like I was being cut. This made it hard to put any power into the pedals. Base The pain made it hard to breathe and I slowed down even more.
It wasn’t until I reached a town park with a very nice clean and bright bathroom that I could examine what was happening down there. Much to my horror and relief I found a foxtail grass head burr stabbing deep into a very sensitive part. With that removed and some A and D ointment applied the situation rapidly improved. So Public Service Announcement ladies- watch where you squat to go pee!
In earlier posts I listed all the gear I brought with me. I used everything except the rain jacket and rain pants. The weather was great the whole way and I didn’t need them. I also didn’t need two extra headlight batteries I brought. I guess I know myself pretty well and so packing was a success. I gave up on the hydration pack by day three. Even though I was only carrying about 1.5 liters of water the weight got to my shoulders and neck. I stuffed the pack into rear bag and used the hydration bag from my handlebar bag.
I love riding by myself and talk to myself, the birds, insects, trees and whatever else. I’m also glad I brought my headphones along. I always just have one earbud in. Music really gives me energy and I must have listened to the Hamilton soundtrack at least 6 times. Sure I had low times, but I kept telling my self that nothing lasts forever. Also when I feel especially sluggish I know it’s time for food. I try to eat something once an hour. Sometimes I got downright tired of eating but I usually managed to get something down. Each time I do one of these races the foods that I find appealing changes so it’s I’m always thinking about what might feel good at the next resupply.
I want to encourage anyone that you too can accomplish big things. If you dream it you can do it. Go for it!!!
Thanks to Troy Hopwood for putting on this incredible and insane ride.
Much heartfelt gratitude to all the trail angels:
Brook Muldrow,
Darin Nelson and Keri Bergere
Marty and Keith who live between Othello and Warden
Recycled Cycles and teammates at Norway Hill
Irena Netick
Matt on top of the Colockum
and any others my tired brain just forgot to register
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