Sweat drips from my forehead onto the lens of my sunglasses. My vision blurs and heart beats faster than my lungs can keep up. The deep, labored breathes are seemingly nothing compared to the burning sensation in my legs. Soon, however, the pain will be over. The trail will follow the natural terrain and flow back down the hill I just climbed up.
Whether I am climbing a hill and feeling my leg muscles get weaker with every switchback, or descending down a mountain, skipping and jumping my way down the rock littered trail, I have always found that mountain bike racing keeps my honest.
In bike racing there are no promises. You may feel amazing one day, but the next day someone will always beat you. Racing against people who are faster than me has given me a strong work ethic. I may not be able to keep up somedays, but I will do whatever I can do hold on for as long as I can.
Speeding up and down hills has taught me that there will always be obstacles in the way of goals. The trail may switch from smooth to rocky, and I must navigate the obstacles. However, sometimes taking a risk can lead to great rewards.
Most importantly racing and riding has taught me to enjoy the small things. Long hours driving to a race is a great exercise in patience. I have driven along the Pacific Coast and over the Continental Divide. I have ridden through redwood forests and alpine meadows. I always try to enjoy the view and live in the moment.
Mountain biking keeps me honest and humble. There are few things that give me more peace of mind. Whenever something is weighing on my brain I can start pedaling, and I can enjoy time with just me, my bike and wherever the trail or road leads me.
