I Ride 4 fun
I Ride 4 Fun – Mini Blog of Randy Minnich, Coach
In the winter, when trails are closed, there is nothing to do except work on you bike and dream about riding. While tinkering, my brain starts to wonder. The posts below are the results of my aimless mind. I hope you enjoy them. If you have a comment or question, please email me at Randy@CatawbaRidgeRiders.org.
Disclaimer to make everyone happy: These posts are my thoughts/opinions only. The do not reflect the position of the Catawba Ridge Riders, NICA, our sponsors or wife/kids.
Post 12 First Race of the Year – Randy Minnich, Coach
Today is it, finally here
The first NICA race of the year
I have practiced, sweated and trained
Through cold, dark nights and chilly rain
Months of labor, all for this date
I’m happy, excited and ready to race
Morning is cool, a little wet
Dew has settled on grass and tent
The bright sun peeks through morning clouds
Daylight streaming thru puffy shrouds
The clouds will thin as time passes
A great day to go my fastest
My team gathers around our pit
Most are antsy, a nervous fit
Some are chatty, talking a lot
Others are silent, lost in thought
Each racer must deal with their stress
In the moments before their racing test
Calm down, breath, clear my mind
Save my energy for race time
Task is easier said than done
Today, I’ll pedal my rookie run
Unfortunately, I must wait
Two hours till the starting gate
How can I pass this empty span?
Patience is not my strongest hand
What do I need? Can I prepare?
Stay in the shade. Sit in a chair
Drink my water. Eat a light snack
Review my pre-ride of the track
The course is fast and has good flow
Only a few quick climbs to know
It starts with berms, wide double track
I must start strong and pass a pack
Down the chute into the tree line
Start single track for a mile’s time
No room for passing, not this track
Ride the trail. Staying with your pack
The course frees up, a short gravel bend
Gain speed for a punchy ascend
Up and right around the tall pine
The trail levels to an even line
Next is the most technical ride
Tight turns up and down the hillside
Down a drop to a banked turn
Climb back up, feeling your legs burn
Repeat this sequence few times more
The climbs and roots are a chore
The last section is surely fun
Once the final hill climb is done
Reach the crest and descend a turn
Over small jumps and a high-speed berm
Towards the woods for a final span
Single track until start/finish land
I know the course, ride it with flair
It’s simple sitting in this chair
What will the other racers do?
With 60 boys, Chaos will ensue
Positive that someone will crash
Each race starts with a mad dash
Enough thinking, race time is here
Stretch my legs, last check of my gear
Snap my helmet, don my glasses
With gloves, my safety gear passes
Grab my trusty bike from the rack
Ready to go, head to the track