Sue's story: Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash

BaseCamp athlete Sue Hageman shared her experience at the 2025 Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash in Kansas.

My brain and body are tired today! Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash was my longest and hardest event this year! Weather was perfect. ❤️❤️ A huge shout out to Menachem Brodie for getting me ready!! Next is foot surgery on Tuesday!

It was my longest and the most elevation for me for the year. Menachem suggested I go out big. Well, biggest I could attempt with foot issue. I did the 65 miler with 3793 feet of elevation.

The first third and last third were definitely the toughest. Hills were steeper but not hill after hill like Gravel Worlds. We actually had several "flat" sections.

I drank and ate very well. First time ever I had to go to bathroom 20-30 miles in.

Mentally I did surprisingly well. Even though the last 15 miles were rough. Sometimes I wanted to cry when I saw a hill!!! No crying happened!!!

The weather couldn't have been more perfect! My time wasn't what I had hoped for. But happy with my result. I'm finally learning not to compare myself to the other riders. I need to ride my ride and not someone else's.

Here's hoping after foot surgery and recovery along with winter training and Menachem's strength training I can push harder and be stronger next year!!

A new Lauf Seigla will FINALLY be purchased before next spring. My True Grit has tons of miles and is a lot heavier than the Seigla!

Good luck everyone with your fall events. I will be excitedly reading about them and itching to get on my bike. I will listen to dr for my recovery so I can get on bike and be stronger sooner than later!!