Long story short: 2015 was training to compete in RAAM. Nov 2015 my body decided it hated me 2020 I was 315 pounds, about to go on disability (the dole) and nearly dead Quarantine was a godsend for me. I got on meds that helped and I could just rest and start rehab. EOY 2020 I was 265 thanks to intermittent fasting and the ability to walk or ride an e bike. 2021-2025 I bounced up and down in weight. Got as low as 225 thanks to reading and the gym but would just bounce up and down. Jan 5, started Hexis. Today, I'm down 5 pounds and 1% bodyfat, to my lowest weight in 15 years. I can only surmise that it's healing my metabolism after years of calorie restriction. I don't know how else to explain it. I cannot believe I'm under 100kg.

Probably can't start planning too early, right? So my current gravel bike has treated me well, but the rear derailleur clutch is busted. If I engage it it makes some very loud noises and does not shift smoothly at all. I had the cables replaced and took it to the LBS I bought it from to service the clutch. They said it looks fine to them and to just not use the clutch... I don't love that advice. Love the store and the people though, they run the local group rides that best suit my riding. So, I am considering replacing the rear mech, changing from a 2x to a 1x? Maybe going electronic. Then when I was talking with my father, he suggested a new bike... who doesn't love someone else encouraging them to get a new bike, haha. My current bike is a Trek Checkpoint Gen 2 SL5.5. I say 5.5 because when I bought this bike I was using it as gravel with road set, and bought the Bontrager rims that come on the SL6. I would love to hear input as to should I just upgrade the drivetrain or if this bike is even a good choice for Unbound 200? I set a most likely unreasonably high goal of making top 200. So bike choice likely makes a meaningful impact in my overall time. I have this compulsion that I should buy from the LBS because of how often I ride with them, but maybe I should just get over that? Their brands are: Trek, Giant, Cervelo, Cannondale.