2016 Gratitude: Greg Gleason
We continue our series of 2016 Gratitude posts from our sponsored riders. Today we hear from Greg Gleason. -Kid
2016. Gratitude. Appreciation. Thanks.
Here are several of my most grateful cycling life moments from 2016.
#1 - THE ADVENTURES BY BIKE
The opportunity to explore, learn and challenge myself while riding my bike.
Trans Iowa v.12 – Walter Zitz and I riding into the nighttime hours. Grateful for the amazing sunset…
Photo courtesy of Wally Kilburg: Studio 46 West (http://www.studio46west.com/)
Black Hills Expedition attempt number one just after a massive rain and hail storm. Grateful for having the proper gear to stay warm during a very cold downpour.
Photo courtesy of Randy Ericksen: legendaryrandyericksenfilms (http://www.legendaryrandyericksenfilms.com/)
Tatanka Epic 100 mile single-track mountain bike race in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Grateful for my health and well-being. This is just four weeks after having major surgery and I love this photo!
Photo courtesy of Randy Ericksen: legendaryrandyericksenfilms (http://www.legendaryrandyericksenfilms.com/)
Black Hills Expedition attempt number two 103-degree temperature day. Grateful I was able to mentally overcome all the hike-a-bike sections of the rugged course.
Photo courtesy of Randy Ericksen: legendaryrandyericksenfilms (http://www.legendaryrandyericksenfilms.com/)
Black Hills Expedition attempt number three. Grateful for the mass start comradery and completion of the entire course overcoming some very difficult temperatures and course conditions.
#2 - FRIENDS
Perry Jewett and I preparing to race the Tatanka Epic. Grateful cycling has crossed my path with some of the most amazing ambassadors of cycling.
Photo courtesy of Randy Ericksen: legendaryrandyericksenfilms (http://www.legendaryrandyericksenfilms.com/)
Sarah Cooper and I lined up to start Trans Iowa v.12. Grateful cycling has crossed my path with some amazing and inspiring athletes.
Photo courtesy of Wally Kilburg: Studio 46 West (http://www.studio46west.com/)
Trans Iowa v.12 finish. Grateful to share the TI v.12 win with Walter Zitz’s.
Photo courtesy of Wally Kilburg: Studio 46 West (http://www.studio46west.com/)
Jay Petervary and I enjoying the bikepacking adventure at the Salsa RideCamp. Grateful my cycling has connected me with the best adventure cyclist in the world.
Not pictured but very blessed to have friends that love taking pictures of all us crazy adventure cyclists. Thank you Randy and Wally for capturing all our special moments!
Photo courtesy of Randy Ericksen: legendaryrandyericksenfilms (http://www.legendaryrandyericksenfilms.com/)
Photo courtesy of Wally Kilburg: Studio 46 West (http://www.studio46west.com/)
#3 - FAMILY
Start line of Trans Iowa v.12 Guitar Ted front and center. 90 of my gravel loving family members! Grateful for all the time Guitar Ted (aka Mark Stevenson) and his family invest in creating amazing challenges like Trans Iowa.
Photo courtesy of Wally Kilburg: Studio 46 West (http://www.studio46west.com/)
My wife Kit and my daughter Sawyer surprise me at the 4am finish of Trans Iowa v.12. Grateful that my family loves me enough to pull an all-nighter to cheer me into the finish of Trans Iowa.
Photo courtesy of Wally Kilburg: Studio 46 West (http://www.studio46west.com/)
My son TJ and I on top of the world. Grateful to have a son that is willing to go see the world on a bike with me! (insert family3.jpg)
All in all, 2016 has been challenging but also very rewarding year. But I have some amazing people surrounding me that my bike has connected me too. Thank you to all of you that fill my life with awesomeness!