August 9 2010

Race your own race, funny expression that one, since one can't really have a race by oneself...but rather we endeavour to race against ourselves in the midst of others, just to keep it in perspective with regards to what is possible...such as that person who consistently is way ahead of the crowd  or the rest of the competitors, who in turn, also seem to consistently fall into a given order. It's the compulsion to improve or creep up the standings that keeps us coming back out to the next race.

It starts, of course, with the first race where it's all an unknown...if you blast to first place there might be a pressure then to maintain that placing on the next outing, if you place last you might feel disappointment, but what a fantastic spot to be as you can only go up, right? and if you place somewhere in the middle it's a mixture of feelings that will push you to come back to the next race, just to see what's possible for you....

For me ,as a spectator, it's the smile on their faces as the competitors cross the finish line...the wonderful feeling of accomplishment at the end of some very hard work that is inspiring ... it shows that - this is fun!!! and makes me  want to feel that too.

While watching the Wild Bettys yesterday, as Isabelle and, club member, Shannon , were trying their first OCup race ever and Becky was out for her first OCup of this season, I felt a combination of pride and admiration for the ladies.  I know they were nervous at the start, we all are, but they overcame that when they took off when Chico said his polite, 'Go'. When I saw them all next, they were all smiles and keen to tell me their time!! Nerves all vanished and replaced by satisfaction for a job well done...but watch out, next comes the,  "could I have done better?..hmmmm...."

I watched racers in all categories sprint past to the finish just beaming. A little family passed by my viewing spot and the Dad stopped to chat about my bike, I do have an awesome bike, just saying (2010 Gary Fisher Superfly, picture in our gallery if you are interested). He explained that he is new to the sport, but not new to athletic competition, and has noted that the mountain bike community is a refreshingly good mix of truly friendly competition and comradery that he wants to very much be a part of and is planning on coming out next season to race his own bike, but this year is content to watch his buddy, who happens to have the same bike as me, and make new friends at the events.

Our season of the Ontario Cup series is almost over, just one more event left, the Championships ...but there are lots of other events that go into the fall, indeed even into the winter...just in case  there are any others out there wanting to give it a go this season...I would safely wager that Isabelle and Shannon will be out again, I'll be there for sure, along with Becky and our awesome elite racer Erica.... hope to see you out there too.

Ride On!

Melinda