Hi, your friends. Welcome back to King of the Ride podcast. If you've heard me say it once,

you have likely heard me say it 143 times, as this is episode 143. I am Ted King, your host on

this fine show. If you're a longtime listener, welcome back. I'm thrilled to have show. If you're a long-time listener, welcome back.

I'm thrilled to have you.

If you're new here, I have the privilege on this show to talk to people with whom the bicycle is a significant thread woven through their lives.

We have industry leaders, folks from entertainment to technology, to professionals in the kitchen.

We have bike riders and professional bike racers from the very tip-top of the game.

And that is where today's guest lands on the scatter chart.

Melissa Rawlins is our guest today.

She's been in the game for a handful of years, but she is quickly turning heads, especially

here in 2024.

Earning the most acclaim with a smashing victory at Leadville, the hallowed 100-mile

mountain bike race scraping across some of Colorado's highest peaks.

I crossed paths with Melissa just a few weeks ago, actually unbeknownst to

her, as we're going to talk about today, as she won Iceman Cometh. This mega turnout race, 5,500 people,

12,000 spectators in northern Michigan that caps off a lengthy season. Melissa was second in the Lifetime Grand Prix, which is wild since she didn't even have it

on her radar until August.

Also, as we will talk about today, she has won Schwamigan.

She has podium the overall at Redlands.

She has seven Leadville's to her name.

Yes, that Melissa Rollins.

This is a fun one.

...