Turns out, cycling is a contact sport.
Up at Grattan on Wednesday, I learned this the hard way. Speeding over the smooth-as-glass racetrack, shoulder to shoulder with cyclists way more experienced than myself, I was more than a little terrified. My number was flapping in the wind screaming ‘Rookie!’ Going around curves, my bike was tipping so far in I could practically lick the blacktop.
Holy smokes, I thought to myself. Not okay. I grabbed my brakes and weaved around other riders like a lunatic and (to other riders relief) scooted to the back of the pack next to some old guys.
I can do this. I can do this. Repeating that mantra inside my head, I clung on to the tail end for a few laps until I began to feel myself losing steam up a hill. One of the old guys in a jersey with red flames saw my grimacing face and instructed “Push!” I didn’t have a choice. I pushed.
But by the time we got around the next corner I was burning out. I watched the flames jersey get further and further away from me.
“B rider, take a break” the official ordered. I unclipped and hunched over my handlebars, waiting for the pack to come back around. He told me to go ahead and roll out, so I did…unfortunately right in front of the group. They came whizzing by me on either side shouting with surprise and knocking into each other and bad mouthing me. One grunting guy zoomed by on my left and socked me square in the number.
Jeez oh petes! That was scary. I did another lap, but I was so embarrassed I just told the official I was ready to tap out. No need to make anyone else angry.
Sitting in the fresh cut grass, I went over in my head what I learned and what I needed to learn. Advice was being tossed at me left and right. There is a lot to be gained from humbling experiences like these. I could feel all the spectators’ eyes on me as I sat there. I think I might as well have scrawled NEWBIE across my forehead in chain grease. It was mildly embarrassing but I knew one thing for sure- practice makes perfect, so I’m definitely going back.
Mrs. Harvitt's iPhone captured me expressing how great I initially felt after earning my first DNF...
3 Comments
I so respect and admire your willingness to share what you did, Riley. My sport is running and since I’ve only been doing it for just over 2 years I’m still learning from so many others. Your being open to learning tells me you’re going to go far. Keep on pedaling!
You were punched? I guess next time I’ll have to show you how to throw an elbow…no…just kidding. Nice job out there and I’m so glad you are going to do it again.
Riley,
I know a nice “old guy” who rides in the B group at Grattan. He showed me how to ride around the track my first few times out.I showed him your blog and he has offered to help you out if you decide to try it again….