The Mongols are taking back the Mongol Derby
Hey Athletes!
Well another edition of the Mongol Derby is done and dusted. Something very exciting this time around was that there were two Mongolian riders competing… a first! I don’t think anyone was all that surprised when one of them won the race entirely.
I made the joke the other day… have you ever seen the meme that is something along the lines of “We should send one normal person into the Olympics for reference so we can truly appreciate the talents of these world class athletes”? I like to think of the Mongolian rider being the opposite of that. It gives us a solid reality check.
When I finished the Marcha, I had a dramatic change in my perspective of these races. Competing alongside the locals with the best of THEIR best was satisfying beyond all belief. It made these “adventure” races seem like a big ego driven tourist escapade. A bunch of foreigners descending on an exotic land, prepared to conquer the landscapes and horses, while the locals looked on in amusement as our narcissistic attempts swiftly humbled us into the dirt of the steppe.
It’s what I loved about the Marcha. I didn’t speak the language, I couldn’t bring ego there if I wanted to… I could never tell them how wonderful I am and all the things I did in the past or to prepare (cue air quote and eye rolls). I had to prove myself worthy of being there by riding with skill, kindness, and a willingness to learn and adapt to the local style.
So going back to the Mongol Derby, after having that experience at the Marcha, it had zero appeal to me anymore. I don’t have any FOMO from my attempt at it, but it kind of sealed the deal with me because I had a taste of riding shoulder to shoulder with the locals and I loved it. It was such a relief to give up any ego still clinging to life after many wins and defeats and just RIDE.
I still love the people that I work with for rides like MD, and I love the “genie in a bottle” effect that the MD has on your life. It gives you what you need/want but not necessarily in the way that you asked for and you may not be happy about it. I absolutely encourage others to enter and take a crack at it. However, I knew it wasn’t the experience I was looking for… my genie gave me that.
Having the locals compete in the Mongol Derby, now THAT changes the game! That is an amazing gift to both the locals and the riders who get to compete. Sure, it can add to the intimidation factor (which is already so high during these races), but it will pay dividends to the riders who are ready give up the ego and fully submit to the experience. Those are my people, and I am overjoyed for them. I do love and appreciate that the Adventurists are committed to improving the race every year, perhaps they heard inside my head through the Marcha and wanted to get ahead while the gettin’s good and try to dominate on all fronts.
Good job to everyone in both derbies, riders and staff alike. Whether you finished or not, may your personal growth continue as you reflect on your experiences.
Watch the world around you change, its the same as it always was but your view is a little different - life will never quite be the same.
Take some time to look inside of you, this is the perfect opportunity for self honesty. You can get everything you want if you are willing to dig through to find and open to receiving it.
-Sarah