I’ll admit it. Posts like this can border on cringe. How many times have we seen amateur athletes take part in a race and suddenly feel they’ve unlocked the secrets of life? But bear with me. While I didn’t exactly have any profound epiphanies during my recent gravel bike race, I couldn’t help noticing the parallels between grinding out miles on a bike and grinding out days as an entrepreneur.
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 On August 18th, I competed in the SBT GRVL race in the picturesque mountains of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I opted for the 99-mile Blue Course. Like so many endurance events, it was filled with physical and mental challenges. I didn’t come out the other side with a magic formula for picking top fund managers or finding the next big investment trend, but there were moments that made me think, “This isn’t that different from building a business.”
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Endurance sports and entrepreneurship share more than just time in the pain cave. Both involve small victories, constant momentum, and pushing through when everything in you screams “stop”. I’m not about to drop a list of "10 things I learned about manager selection during a 100-mile race.” Someone has probably already written that post. Instead, let me share a few thoughts on how staying in the game — whether in business or on the bike — can make all the difference.

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The Challenges of Endurance

The race threw everything at me — altitude, fatigue, cramps, and, yes, some moments of self-doubt. At times I found myself questioning why I thought I could handle it, especially with no prior experience racing at altitude. But I kept pedaling. Sometimes that’s all you can do. And the funny thing about momentum is that it can change quickly. One moment, you’re struggling; the next, you’re hitting your stride. Small victories — like staying on someone’s wheel, crushing a big climb, or navigating a tricky descent — fuel you. You keep going.

Building a business isn’t all that different. Every day presents challenges that can make you question whether you’re on the right path. But you keep moving, making small decisions along the way. There’s no going back, only learning and adjusting as you move forward. Just as each pedal stroke brings you closer to the finish line, each decision in business moves you toward your goals.

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Small Wins

The small wins — whether making a new investment, hiring a new teammate, or simply surviving a rough patch — help you build confidence. At Epic Funds, we’ve had our fair share of these moments. Even the smallest success serves as a reminder to stay in the game and trust the process. You don’t always have control over the big picture, but you do have control over the next pedal stroke or the next decision.

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The Unlikely Competitor

Here’s the thing: on paper, my background is unconventional for building an asset management firm or competing in long-distance bike races. I didn’t go to an Ivy League school, I didn’t work on Wall Street, and I certainly didn’t grow up cycling. But I thrive on the fact that I’m not supposed to be in these situations. It motivates me to succeed when others might expect me to fail.

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Support System

I may be riding solo, but I’m far from alone. I have an incredible support system — my wife, my family, my friends, and the amazing team at Epic Funds. Their encouragement helps me tackle these challenges head-on, both on the trail and at the office. Surrounding yourself with a strong network, whether in business or sports, makes all the difference when facing adversity.

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Values and Takeaways

At the end of the day, I believe in a few simple values: go outside, do something hard, be kind, and have fun. Whether building a business or tackling a long ride, these principles guide me through the tough moments and make the journey worthwhile.

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Alec Garza Race Stats: Steamboat Gravel (SBT GRVL)
Blue Course (99 miles | 7,926 feet | 84% gravel)

• Time: 6:31:09
• Pace: 15.14 MPH
• Overall Ranking: 309 / 946
• Male Ranking: 258 / 722
• M30-39 Ranking: 57 / 167
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P.S. If you’re ever in Austin and want to have a meeting on two wheels, I’ll be happy to host.

- Alec Garza

Epic Funds is an asset management firm specializing in niche and capacity-constrained strategies within private equity and private credit. Alec Garza is Managing Partner and Co-founder.

The Race: SBT GRVL                     

 SBT GRVL is a world-class gravel racing experience held in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain, the event features courses that wind through some of the best gravel roads in Routt County.
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SBT GRVL offers multiple course options to cater to different skill levels, from the shorter Green course to the demanding Black course, which covers more than 125 miles and nearly 11,000 feet of elevation gain.
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Whether you’re a seasoned gravel racer or a newcomer to the sport, this event provides an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views and a strong sense of community.

If you’re looking for a new challenge, I highly recommend SBT GRVL.

See you out there!

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