My First Blog... Wow

mike — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:45:00 GMT

Hey Team,

Well tomorrow is the first day of a new adventure. For those of you new to our team and the sport of cycling tomorrow may be a bit overwhelming. You have so many things to learn and we want to share our knowledge. We sometimes get a little over eager. Don’t fret, absorb as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions all of us have been where you are. If it is a riding question, ask a coach if it is a fundraising question, ask your mentor. If you just want somebody to tell how mean the coaches are tell an alumni. They of course will agree and smile.

I would like to address a couple of issues that are asked every year. Why don’t we know where the ride is going before we get there? Because then you wouldn’t need us coaches. No the real reason is some people would decide the ride would be too hard and then would decide not to ride at all. I can tell you that each ride will be slightly longer than the last ride so plan accordingly. If it is going to take you nine hours to ride 100 miles you need to ride at least eight hours prior to the century. Next question. Should I eat breakfast before training? Absolutely! Before training think carbs, oatmeal, bagels, cereal with lowfat milk. You have to look at eating just like you do putting gas in your car. Without fuel you will not be able to do what we ask you to do so be sure to eat.

Next Question! Where do loaner bikes come from? I purchased about 30 bikes to use as loaners and have been given a few more by team members for use as loaners. The purpose of the loaner bikes was pretty simple. I want to introduce people to the sport and raise as much money as possible for charity. The loaner bike program allowed someone who was committed to raise funds but either wasn’t committed to cycling or could not decide what bike to buy or did not have the resources to purchase their bike to ride with the team and raise money. The ideal was each bike would be used by a fundraising participant each season and turned back in at the end of the season. Last week I was down to 12 bikes in the trailer so obviously the program isn’t working exactly like I was hoping. Never the less If you have a loaner or know someone with a loaner please get it to me by the end of the season.

This season we are posting the time we will be riding note new riders tomorrow need to be ready to ride at 8:00 we will be doing clinics inside starting promptly at 8:00. Alumni we will start riding at 9:15 so be ready to roll at 9:15. Please note I will do my best to get us started on time if you are late we won’t be waiting so plan accordingly. Hint I will start my ride briefing 15 minutes prior to the published ride time.

What is a buddy ride? On those days that are not coached rides we have buddy rides so find your new best friend and show up at the starting point and ride the ride together. By having a buddy you know someone will be there If you have a flat or need to borrow some food or just need a little encouragement.

So bring your list of questions with you tomorrow as we start off on our adventure together remember that we have two goals one is to complete 100 miles on a bike the other is to raise as much money as possible for our two charities so they can help those in need.

Coach Mike

My First Blog... Wow