Thanking The Folks Who Made 2012 a Success...

As 2012 winds down, it's time to take a look back and thank the people who contributed to the successes I achieved over the season, as my 22nd season racing bicycles was perhaps my best yet, overall.

The season's highlights started with the opportunity to volunteer at TransIowa v.8, and I'd like to thank Guitar Ted for the opportunity to do that. Being able to experience this fantastic event from the "other side" was an unforgettable experience and is a big reason I've decided to jump back into the event as a TransIowa v.9 participant in 2013.

Standing atop the Marathon podium at Platte River State Park

I had a great season racing my mountain bike as a member of the Cycle Works/Moose's Tooth team, much credit due to the awesome Giant Anthem X-29 0 mountain bike I was able to race. It was a huge factor in the victories I earned over the course of the season, including wins in the marathon class in the Psycowpath event at Platte River State Park, and the Nebraska State MTB Marathon Championship at Ponca State Park.

Slithering through the trees on the way to the Ponca win. Photo: Mike McColgan

The State Championship hardware.

On the way to winning at Ponca. Photo: Mike McColgan

I also won the 6-hour Pedal in the Pasture at Branched Oak Lake. These victories came in addition to numerous top-three finishes in other races I participated in throughout the season. Thanks to Kris and Julie Sonderup at Cycle Works and The Moose's Tooth for their support!

Finally, I'd like to thank Dirty Kanza 200 promoters Jim Cummins, Kristi Mohn and Tim Mohn, as they are great friends and are folks who gave me the opportunity to help them race and promote their event in 2012 as one of the racers they featured with a Dirty Kanza trading card.

My 2012 Dirty Kanza Trading Card -- the front

Laura and I at the finish of the 2012 Dirty Kanza 200. Photo: Kristi Mohn

I backed that up with a 10th place finish in the Veteran class in the race. Talk about a life highlight! I'd never imagined I'd get my own trading card, but now I've got one -- thanks to you guys. Thanks again!! Laura and I are already looking forward to traveling to Emporia for the 2013 Dirty Kanza 200.

Tuesday edit: When I wrote this story, I walked away knowing I would inevitably forget to thank somebody, but I never thought I'd forget to thank Rob Versteegh at Oakley. Over the years, Rob has been not only a solid supporter, keeping me in the best eyewear on the planet, but he's also been a great friend. Thank you so much for your support and continued friendship, Rob. I am so sorry that thanks to you wasn't in my first draft... I owe you more than one.

In closing, I'd just like to say that my race finishes this past season were particularly important to me, and also noteworthy, as 2012 has been the single most challenging year of my life from a personal and professional standpoint. The challenges Laura and I have been faced with have been (and continue to be) significant and daunting, and I especially want to thank the people who have stuck with us and have supported us through this challenging time. These folks include both of my Grandmas (my angels), my two incredible TeamMates, Dan and Loyie Weber, my Mom (Terri), Jesse Petersen, Matt Wills, Jim Cummins, Mark Stevenson, Noah Clayton, Errin Vasquez, Brent Schott, and finally, my incredible, beautiful wife, Laura. I sincerely appreciate the contribution each of you has made to my life over the past year, and look forward to making each of your lives better in the future!

Thanks to everyone who made 2012 great! I'm looking forward to having more fun, and to taking on bigger, more challenging adventures in 2013, both on my fatbike and in life. I hope you'll be with me.

Cheers,
MG