Looking Back, Moving Forward

      Cycling as a whole has brought me to many memorable places (mountains, forests, coastal areas), each with their own unique set of challenges, and introduced me to so many fascinating people (fellow racers, bike shop employees, random mountain bikers I encountered on the trails, and so many others). In addition to these general accomplishments and challenges, cycling has also taught me three specific lessons about life:

Here, I am looking back on my biggest moments of the year.

     One, you must learn from your mistakes and failures. Now why did I just crash trying to get over that obstacle or through a gnarly rock garden? Why did I not perform so well in that big race? Think about things just enough to figure out why they happened and find a way to improve and do better next time. Don’t dwell on your mistakes too long, learn to laugh at yourself, and don’t take things too seriously. 

     Two, Always have fun! Isn’t that what cycling is all about? If it’s not fun, then why do it? No matter how skilled the competition gets or how difficult that climb is, you have to remember to have a good time. Get to know those fellow racers and go for a fun ride together sometime. Oh and that climb? Well, you must go up to go down. You are taking part in something that not many people are able to do. Build a team, find a group, compete in a challenging race. Mainly surround yourself with great people as this will add to the experience, thus in turn keeping you motivated as well as smiling. 

     Lastly, you're not going to always feel your strongest. Don't get in a battle with yourself about that. Be strong when you're feeling strong, go easy when you're not. One way or the other, just go you,ll learn that listening to your body is key in maintaining longevity in this sport. What most people don’t realize is that when you’re serious about cycling, it’s not just getting ready for your race a couple of weeks before. It’s a year-long commitment and adjusting your plans accordingly. Why would one want to plan and train for so long you may ask? Well, the pay off  is being able to collectively piece together the riders’ fitness, strength and athletic prowess along with the bike and its technologies through super technical rock gardens with multiple line choices, up steep hill climbs that rob your lungs of its precious oxygen. When these all come together it is an exhilarating feeling. 

     With these valuable lessons, I am really looking ahead to next year, there are quite a lot of welcomed changes with the addition of new teammates, different rivals, as part of my year long commitment to the sport, I am looking to gain more seat time and continue to learn  and build off my experiences from last year.