As a general social rule, we are not supposed to categorize people and most think it rude and insensitive. Since cyclists are a different breed to begin with, we love to categorize ourselves so much so, we define ourselves by it. Are you a Cat 1,2,3 or 4? Road, Mtn or CX racer?
Well on a few recent rides I’ve come across other categories that have nothing to do with speed or skills and thought I would list out a few. I hope you enjoy and feel free to add to the list!
Riding with Headphones: Who are you?
The Rocker—Find that favorite song where the beat and cadence come together.
The Multitasker—The person who only has one ear bud in so they can still talk on a group ride while listening to their favorite music.
Antisocial—The person who wears headphones just so they don’t have to talk to anyone.
Mosh Pit—The heavy metal song that can get your prerace heartbeat spiked and ready.
Natural—No headphones.
Walkman—The old school rider who’s rocking with that sweet yellow Sony Walkman we all wanted as a kid! This really happened a couple weeks ago and was my initial inspiration for list list…and seeing this dude on the trail totally made my day.
As a Cyclocross Fan: Who are you?
The Carrot—“Good job, you’re gaining on them!”
The Stick—“You better hustle cause they’re catching you.”
The Cheerleader—Under 12 years old and yell “Go Eastside” every time you see a TEC racer. How cool is this!
More Cowbell—I’m out here just because I like more cowbell.
Boxers or Briefs: Who are you?
Who cares…We all wear Spandex!
-Bryan W.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
While warming up this past Sunday at Wafflecross #2, I was reflecting on this bike season. It has been an adventure from start to finish. I went into this year with no real goals for racing except to have fun! And the journey has been one that has taught me much and has spread into so many parts of my life. The biggest lessons learned:
• A team makes a difference. Riding has become my main source of enjoyment and hard work every week. Knowing that friends and team mates are out there cheering me on pushes me each time. As I’m struggling up the next hill and there is a teammate, friend, partner, or crowd member cheering and ringing there blessed cow bell, I push just a little harder up the hill. Watching waffle cross grow to having the largest weekend and days in the treasure valley this past weekend is amazing and it is due to Cory, Brian, Ham, Team Eastside, and Look!. It takes a huge commitment each year to put on the series and this team has done some amazing work. I am continually impressed with the passion in the team to put something together start to finish and increase the cycling community. Another time to remember life lesson number one.
• Breathe. Who would have thought breathing would be important. I’m a loud breather when I am working hard and I am reminded regularly by fellow team mates to breathe into the corners. Another life lesson, transitions are times to breathe, flow through the hard times and come out stronger and smoothly on the other side. Also, see life lesson number one.
• I learn by doing and watching others. There have been so many awesome riders, especially Cory, who have helped learn technique and push me to ride better each week. I love seeing new tasks get easier and easier, and watching everyone around me doing the same thing. It is so inspiring the dedication and passion the cycling community has for their favorite sport.
• My head can make for a good day or a bad day on the bike. That is when it is time for me to remember that this is fun and I get to relive my childhood roaming the foothills and neighborhoods on my bike with great friends.
• Having a supportive, dedicated, and endearing partner is one of the biggest treats of this sport. While, I mostly ride with the girls, I love being able to share in my partners passions and goals, while pushing to keep up with him on an “easy” ride.
Excited for the rest of the cross season!
Beth
• Look where you want to go. I have found this applies to everything in my life. I started the ski season last year after cross and noticed the ease I was turning and realizing my simple new strategy look where I want to go. It happens all of the time, when I am struggling with something, I change my mindset and start to focus on how I want to feel or what my end goal is and I look where I want to go.
• A team makes a difference. Riding has become my main source of enjoyment and hard work every week. Knowing that friends and team mates are out there cheering me on pushes me each time. As I’m struggling up the next hill and there is a teammate, friend, partner, or crowd member cheering and ringing there blessed cow bell, I push just a little harder up the hill. Watching waffle cross grow to having the largest weekend and days in the treasure valley this past weekend is amazing and it is due to Cory, Brian, Ham, Team Eastside, and Look!. It takes a huge commitment each year to put on the series and this team has done some amazing work. I am continually impressed with the passion in the team to put something together start to finish and increase the cycling community. Another time to remember life lesson number one.
• Breathe. Who would have thought breathing would be important. I’m a loud breather when I am working hard and I am reminded regularly by fellow team mates to breathe into the corners. Another life lesson, transitions are times to breathe, flow through the hard times and come out stronger and smoothly on the other side. Also, see life lesson number one.
• I learn by doing and watching others. There have been so many awesome riders, especially Cory, who have helped learn technique and push me to ride better each week. I love seeing new tasks get easier and easier, and watching everyone around me doing the same thing. It is so inspiring the dedication and passion the cycling community has for their favorite sport.
• My head can make for a good day or a bad day on the bike. That is when it is time for me to remember that this is fun and I get to relive my childhood roaming the foothills and neighborhoods on my bike with great friends.
• Having a supportive, dedicated, and endearing partner is one of the biggest treats of this sport. While, I mostly ride with the girls, I love being able to share in my partners passions and goals, while pushing to keep up with him on an “easy” ride.
Excited for the rest of the cross season!
Beth
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