The secret to happiness as a mediocre cyclist
The secret to happiness as a mediocre cyclist
It's what you choose to remember that really matters.
My team, Six26 Cycling, hosts a Saturday morning ride open to any strong cyclists who want to mix it up in a few sprint zones that simulate racing.
I’m a perpetual Cat 4: one step above a beginner but, at 56, lacking the time and physical ability to move up to a higher level. So short bits of simulated racing on the Saturday ride with my team and other racers are the closest I’ll get to going wheel to wheel with the fast guys (and ladies) at the front.
The railroad tracks outside Leeds mark the beginning of a mile-long sprint zone, the third of the day. The Cat 2s and 3s are at the front, cruising at about 30 mph; I work my way up the outside. And attack, which is ludicrous, but even more so with almost half a mile to go.
Predictably, four or five guys caught and passed me. I have only a vague recollection of those 600 meters, not much more than a flash of power that faded quickly. But I remember clearly the clap on the back from David and compliments on my attack from racers I respect when we stopped at the Coosa Mart. Again, cycling mirrors life: Trim away the stuff that doesn’t matter and it’s much easier to keep what’s really important.