Univest:....would prove to be another learning experience. I was fortunate enough to guest ride for Team Mountain Khakis presented by SmartStop. Thank you to Jamie, Neil, Ben, Thomas and Clay for bringing me on board for the day. Also, thank you to my wonderful and supportive father for flying in to see me race. I'm sorry I couldn't deliver the goods. Friday night found us at Palermo's in Blue Bell dominating pizza/pasta and having a team meeting. Thank you to Yoram and Maria for supplying us with great food. Saturday morning and we're off to Souderton to tackle this 100 mile road (circuit type) race. I felt so good it almost made me wonder if something was wrong. Looking back, my coach Brian Walton, had done an unbelievable job of preparing me for this race. I rode as smart and strong as I've ever ridden and was feeling very confident going into the last portion of the race. I could bore you with details, but I'll get to the point. We came into the finishing lap and with 3 miles to go, climbing up Wile St, my bike gave way. As I was out of my saddle climbing, the back end simply dropped to the ground. At the time, I had no idea what happened, but my race suddenly came to a stop. I couldn't believe it, but as I frantically tried to replace the back wheel, Dave (riding in our team car), made it clear that my day was done. The chainstay and seatstay snapped under stress. The bike was shot!! HR went from 190 to 120. I was sad and in disbelief. I had dreams and goals of a top ten finish and the way I way feeling that day, made it all that much more possible. I also knew my dad was waiting at the finish line just as dialed in as I. I just couldn't believe it. I finished the day with a "DNF" (did not finish). Amazing how quickly things can change. I was sitting 10th wheel with 3 miles to go in what could have been one of my biggest races.....5 minutes later....I'm riding in the back of the team car to the finish line, head full thoughts and feelings of anger, sadness, and discouragement. I just wanted it so bad. The stage was set so perfect....last race of the season, father in town, guest riding for a well known team....a perfect way to end a chapter.
Thanks again to Team Mountain Khakis |
Saturday, Sep 17th, 2011 |
Hmmm.....not a good thing when this happens. |
Onward: After a frustrating number of hours, both my dad and I changed our attitudes and had a wonderful time together. With the DNF, I was unable to participate in Sunday's race; therefore we went out for burgers and beers. Such a good time to just hang with my dad at a bar and not care about anything. We shared lots of conversation about the race, life, next steps, Wisconsin, jobs, relationships and more. It was great! The next few days would bring more fun. Thanks to Bryon Kremer for hooking us up with Cannondales, we were able to get some riding in as well as a evening dinner with Bryon and his wife Monica. We also visited the coveted Seven Stars Farm in Phoenixville. They produce well known organic yogurt. What a trip that was. My dad has been huge into this product and we headed out for there for a tour. Did I say tour??? Not even close...this place is so granola, organic, grass roots!! We could not believe our eyes. They have such a simple set up on that farm. Again, I could share a lot of information about this, but I don't want to bore you. I leave it at encouraging anyone to head out there for a look. They make a great product and are so passionate about it....admirable. Wednesday morning came all took quickly and with a few tears, we said our good byes. (keep in mind...these tears were coming at 5:30am as we thought it was a great idea to schedule a 7am flight!!...hmmm).
Thanks Bryon Kremer for getting my dad on I on bikes. |
There he is....love how he is displaying that yogurt!! |
The real stuff: It's safe to say, I've got a mindful at the moment. I'm tossing around idea's of what comes next. 1 year ago, I set out to go after my cycling dream. I walked away from my career, simplified my life, and went after it full speed. It's been an awesome ride to say the least. Unfortunately, I hate to think that it all ended with a DNF at Univest. Hard to swallow ending it all on that note. Not sure what to do next, but I'm tossing around a few ideas.
Option 1:... Thinking about staying out here and giving it another go, finding a part time job and chasing that top ten one more time. It's a drug...it's an addiction. I cannot even begin to explain the feelings and drive associated with cycling.
Option 2:...heading back to Wisconsin as I miss my family more and more everyday. It hurts to be left out on important family events (nieces, nephews, siblings, parents, Erin, gatherings, bbq's, life). Not sure where cycling would fit into this option as Wisconsin is pretty cold in the winter time. The race scene is also lacking. Simple put...it doesn't have the cycling vibe that the northeast does. I've created an awesome support structure out here and that could not be matched in Wisco.
Option 3: Finding a 'real' job. What does that mean? I'm not sure if I can adapt to a 'real' job at this point. I seem to run from it and seek out ways to avoid the 'realness'. I've thought about getting back into recruiting in PowerGen. I've also thought about seeking out a job in the cycling industry. Again, I'm going back to this drug of racing my bike. My mind puts that as a priority and looks for ways to work (job stuff) around it. If I go with option 3, I need to rearrange that priority. I don't foresee this as being an easy transition.
So there you have it. A recap of Univest and my father's visit as well as a taste of whats running through my mind in regards to moving forward. I'm seeking any and all suggestions.