Get a Freakin' Life!

I thought about titling this "The series of my content" or "Grow up!" but decided on "Get a freakin' life" - seriously. Last week I did my first race of the year with the cat 3's. First, I noticed there were quite a few young bucks there trying to move up in the standings and this was just another race for them to drive down from Portland to get an easy win. One kid went off the front two laps in! On a 40 lap race! And he held it. We were moving pretty darn fast, with a head wind, and in the pouring rain. I was content with my 7th place finish in the first chase group. I felt good enough.

I have not been up to my usual par for racing this year. With 4 kids and a new job (for this year) I saw my intensity and focus shift, as well as my time. I am still getting in my riding, but not as long or hard. So this week I decided to hit the long, hard, fast group ride. There were about 30 guys there, so I knew I was in trouble. About a third of the way in I turned off with a group of 10 to do a shorter (75 mile) ride. They group was doing a 100+ miler, which would have made for a 130 day for me. As stated above, no time for that long. I felt good throughout. I never was going to pull away from anyone, but took off second up the main climb.

What I realized about cyclists after talking to a few people were: 1. you are young and work in a bike shop and ride your bike. 2. you did #1 when you were young, now you have 1 (maybe 2) kids and still relive the glory days. 3. Actually, I was the only three - 4 kids a full time job and a church calling. When I rolled in many guys said, "How are you? Haven't seen you ride the group ride for a few months!" My reply - "4 kids!" Didn't have to say much more.

One guy (the one who killed me up the hill) works in a bike shop and took a month off to go train in Arizona. Sorry. Reality check! You are not going to be a pro - get a job! I walked (barely and very tired) away knowing - I will never race as a cat 1, but don't care. I have a family and a job. I am feeling very content with where I am at in my riding, even if I am not pulling away from the local hero.

But it doesn't get better than this!