It’s that all too familiar feeling again; the pre-season jitters. This time of year I always get an eager yet anxious feeling to get the season underway. However, this time around it’s a bit different for me. While my aspirations are high as usual, my racing results may be taking second priority for the first time in awhile. This is a concept that I dabbled in last year and it proved to be a successful equation with a season of 8 wins, and 14 total podium finishes. It seems ironic that when I took my racing and training with a much more relaxed approach, I arguably had my best results. Perhaps my older age induced wisdom is leading me to understand that I race simply for fun. However, racing aside, I always turn the pedals for much bigger motives. This attitude has aided in me not taking myself too seriously and simply focusing on being the best I personally can be at the game of bike racing. It’s with this philosophy that I will line up this race season.
This past weekend we headed up to Rose City for the Wolverines 5th annual training camp. The saying goes as follows, “anyone can head south for winter training, the Wolverines head north”. For some it was an opportunity for one last fine-tuning of their fitness before opening weekend. For others, it was like cramming for an exam.
With great roads in front of me and even greater teammates at my side, I was able to roll 220 miles in two days. Overall, I was pretty pleased with my fitness and am hopeful for a new season. However, despite whatever results may follow, I’m simply thankful for another season to be involved in the sport and interact with those around me who share my same passion.
One thing I’ve learned this off season through watching the entire 6 seasons of The Sopranos aboard the trainer can best be summed up in the following quote.
“Every day is a gift. Focus on the good times…try and remember the times that were good.”-Tony Soprano
As we were rolling in a paceline of synergistic harmony on Sunday afternoon, Joe Bruchanski turned to me and commented, “You know Tim, it’s moments like this that make life so worth living”. I’d have to say I agree with him.
I look forward to seeing you all at the line yet again for another season. Good luck to everyone lining up this weekend…may your investment yield a great return.
