"BIG GOALS FOR 2026" with Melisa Rollins

In this episode, Stuart and Chip catch up with professional gravel and mountain bike racer Melissa “Mel” Rollins as she reflects on a transformative few years. Mel shares how she went from working as a chemist in a kidney stone lab to betting on herself, quitting her full-time job, and ultimately winning Leadville in 2024. She talks candidly about the mental side of that leap—dealing with pressure, redefining her goals after a dream result, and learning to see herself as more than “just” a Leadville specialist. Mel walks through her 2025 season goals (from winning a sprint finish to conquering singletrack), the crash that left her with two broken wrists, and how she came back stronger. The conversation then looks ahead to Cape Epic 2026, where Mel will team up with world champion Kate Courtney. She explains how the pairs format works, what it takes to race eight brutal days in South Africa, what she’s learning from training with Kate, and how she uses process goals, preparation, and adaptability as her “superpowers” on race day. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of long-distance love across time zones, tent camping in South Africa, mid‑valley community roots, and what it really feels like to chase big, scary dreams with your whole heart.