Determination

From the 'cross field to my business plan to the blog, determination has been on my mind this week.  Determination to make it up to Montrose Harbor by 7:25 a.m. --on a Sunday morning, after the first snow fall.  Still, I knew it was going to be the fastest way.  The iMac read 22 degrees.  It was sunny, the roads seemed clear and mostly dry, so I hauled up Green Lantern and set on my way.  Of course, I forgot a few things and had to go back in.  Onto Damen about 6:55 had me pushing that tank all the way.  Was definitely awake and warmed up by the time I got there.  Rolled up to the registration tent at 7:22!  Saweet.

The scene heading east on Montrose into the park area was every bit as pristine and cyclocross-morning as I expected.  A single racer in his vehicle passed me with a smile--at what I was riding more so than my presence I'm sure, but it was the whole scene.  A hello to a cyclist heading the opposite way.  It was the bright beautiful snow, the blue sky with low thin clouds and the warm glowing sun.  Stunning, and probably a good thing my camera batteries were dead because I needed all the time we had for registration tent set up and training.

The 40+ Masters were up first.  Gotta say my favs were the 40+'s registering in the 30+ category.  And the 60 year old man.  Didn't get to talk to many of them as I'd hoped.  It was in and out, but that's ok.  I got to meet Chris Mailing, who started Turin Bicycle seven years ago after a career in the finance industry.  He rode in the 50+.  It all was very well run and executed.  Professional.  I am honored to have been a part of it.  I didn't stay until the end, and would have liked to have watched more of the races, but I got a great feel, and look forward to continuing to be a part of the cyclocross world.  Who knows, I've never really had a competitive streak, and man would it take dedication, but shit, why not?  There were just as many 40+ women registering as otherwise. . . and the youngest was 9!!  Loved her.  Chatted a bit with her out in the field later that day.  It was not her first ride.  Watch that little one!  Be darned if I remember her name though.  All in all, it was a fantastic experience.  I met George Vargas too, who coordinated all the volunteers, but I don't know his connection beyond that.  


Determination, people.  It's not a quality, although I suppose it could be, but I think of it more as an action.  Which means it is a choice.  I think I am fairly determined, but it can't stay in your mind, you have to act on that determination.  It ain't determination unless you're gettin it done! (Right Bino? Congrats again!!)  And so I have it cut out for me, that's for sure, but hanging around people that can ride for 45 minutes through snow and sand and switchback turns in the cold December weather sure does provide more than a tiny bit of inspiration.


Kudos riders.