From $288 Walmart Bike to the Kentucky Cycling Challenge

2024: The Year of Consistency

My journey started with a simple goal: complete the Legacy Trail in Lexington, KY. I didn’t have a high-end setup; I bought an Ozark Trail Explorer G.1 from Wal-Mart for $288.00. I rode it around the neighborhood, focusing solely on consistency—rain or shine, I was out there. I grew to love the feeling of getting home and just riding. By the fall of 2024, I hit my milestone and completed the trail.

The Legacy Trail Stats

• Distance: 21.2 miles

• Elevation Gain: +961 ft

• Location: Lexington, KY
  

  

2025: Chasing the Solo Century

One day, I came across a GCN video on YouTube about preparing for a Century—riding 100 miles in a single day. I decided right then I would work toward that goal. It wasn’t easy so I bought another bike on Facebook Marketplace; between March and November, I faced missed sessions, mechanical issues that sidelined me for two weeks, and even a trip to the ER for severe dehydration.

On the first Saturday of November 2025, in 41-degree weather, I finally did it. I completed a solo century on a custom course I designed in MapMyGPS.

Solo Century Event Details

• Total Distance: 104.4 miles

• Total Elevation: 5,754 ft

• The Route: A combination of two favorite courses with a lunch stop at Windy Corner.

2026: The Kentucky Cycling Challenge

My new “chunky” goal for 2026 is the Kentucky Cycling Challenge. This isn’t just one ride; it requires completing several events to earn the official jersey and bibs—the full “kit”.

To succeed, I’m getting technical with my training. While I’ve used Garmin Training Coach and TrainingPeaks in the past, TrainerRoad will be my primary tool this year. I’m focusing on two main metrics: FTP (Functional Threshold Power) and TSS (Training Stress Score).

My Current Fitness Profile

I am starting the year with a lower baseline than I’d like, but that’s why we train.

My goal is to hit an FTP of 200 by November to ensure the TSS of my final Century is manageable. I’ll be ramping up on the smart trainer in the garage until the weather clears up.

Join the Journey

I want to share everything—the wins, the mechanicals, and the data, the bike—to stay accountable.

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