I had the pleasure of racing Chris Skogen’s Royal 162 this weekend. Having been deprived of sun, warmth and sporting company for much of this arctic Duluth Spring, the weekend satisfied all tenfold. Skogens’ Almanzo gravel series (which includes the Almanzo 100 mile, Royal 162 mile and Alexander 380 mile) is truly a gravel classic. A Spring wouldn’t be complete without partaking in this right of dirt road camaraderie. Thanks to my riding companions for making it an amazing 160 miles of Minnesota limestone goodness.