The Spinistry gravel stage race from March 20 – 22 was set up for cyclists to race three long stages with very minimal gear on their bikes, meeting up with our support at campgrounds each night. Most of us who raced it, though, opted to practice some bikepacking skills, riding loaded with 30 – 40 pounds of gear and water.  Check, double check, triple check The stages were 125, 144, and 155 miles per day, and for the most part the weather was cool and beautiful. Margaret drove me up to the start line at Cedar Hill near Dallas and we rolled out at 7 a.m.  8 riders started at Cedar Hill, TX   about 100 miles in on Day 1 in Irene, TX. Irene herself was nowhere to be seen The 125-mile ride to Lake Navarro Mills near Corsicana was easy and pleasant. I wound up riding the last 30 miles or so with Mike Buenaventura and Jenell Decker, strong riders from Tyler, and we finished the first day together in the mid-afternoon. I was prepared to get back on the bike and ride a co...