In a hundred hours of saddle time, you average just one this gratifying. A moment where all the variables of the situation come together in a perfect equation

Jenny Lake, photo by Mike Best

The waning light of the crisp autumn day is beginning to sink beyond the horizon. I’m undeterred. My pulse quickens as I scurry to change from khakis to spandex while tucked in a corner of the trailhead parking lot. Mentally astute, I run the checklist of essentials, as I do the bib short dance and click into my carbon tap shoes. There’s no time for a preflight check today; pressures, chain lube, loose bolts will be assessed tomorrow. My window of opportunity is small, and every minute counts.

Read more about Mike's incredible journey here.