Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1540851
16 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com The A ermath Everything came full circle, the way the best narra- ve arcs do. That night, on the drive to the end-of- season podium ceremony, we had one too many people to fit in the rental car… so it ended exactly as it had started, with the champion of the world stuffed into a trunk in eastern Germany, listening to the so pa er of raindrops against the lid of the trunk, and pondering the absurdity of life. That next day, while I was si ng in the Berlin airport, a friend from back home texted and asked how it felt to be the world champion. It took me a long me to write my answer, because the feelings were so much different than usual that I didn't know how to ar cu- late them. I was happy about my accomplishment. In the past, I've felt a fierce, savage sort of joy when I win things. This was different. Domes cated, quieter. Maybe because I had all day to absorb the fact that this was really happening. Or maybe because from the moment I realized I was coming back to EnduroGP this season, I never doubted that I could do this. Or maybe, because it was a different feeling altogether. While wai ng on my plane at the Berlin airport the next day, another friend texted me asking how it felt to be the world champion. I sat there, trying to fig- ure out what to say, because I s ll didn't know how to describe it. Si ng there on the floor, watching a cross-sec on of humanity walking by, every one of them different but each of them in a hurry, it finally clicked. I was content. I was feeling a sense of contentment, something that as best I can remember I've never felt before in my adult life. I've spent my career running from one challenge to the next, barely finishing one thing before moving on to the next with scarcely a pause to celebrate or even think too hard about it. But this… from the moment I knew it was possible, I knew this would be the crowning accomplishment of my career, the one thing I'll be remembered for… for however long I am remembered. I will win other races and tles. But nothing will top this. I don't plan to re re any me soon. But the thought of never racing again doesn't destroy me the way it used to. I have accomplished what I was put here to do. The purpose of my career, maybe even my life, feels complete. I am at peace.