My pain is self-chosen

At least, so The Prophet says

I could either burn

Or cut off my pride and buy some time

A head full of lies is the weight, tied to my waist-Mad Season circa '94

Eighteen months of no racing + first race back=PAIN!!

Last weekend was a real eye opener for me personally, as I decided to throw a leg back over the bicycle and race. You tend to forget just how painful racing mountain bikes can be, and I got a refresher course this weekend.

As Sho-Air/Specialized's team manager, there really isn't a reason to go out and compete anymore. With guys like Sid Taberlay and Max Plaxton each taking big win's on the Pro tour last year, I can just sit back and enjoy their success, knowing these guys will bring it!

But I've been at racing in some form or another for over 20 years now, and its something I don't think I will ever get out of my system. For me there's a masochistic comfort in the pain, and there's that little space you crawl inside your mind and everything else is irrelevant at that point. Pain is something that ever cyclists have make peace with if they plan on winning…..at any level!

So the opener to Kenda Cup West Series presented by Specialized has been on my calendar for the last few months, and I've been quietly logging in my lunch miles from the office, laying of the beer, adult beverages and Happy hour nacho's, in hopes of not embarrassing myself or my team guys.

Luckily, when the day was done, I pulled one out of the hat and took home the CAT 1 30-34 victory, which was my first race in over 18 months. While not as impressive as Sid Taberlay's two and a half minute win over the men's pro field, I'll take it!

A big congrats to all the race finishers and it was good to see everyone come out and support the US Cup, despite all the rain.

Next Stop, H2O Overdrive Triple Crown at Bonelli Park…..OUCH!!

Till next time, enjoy the ride!

The Red Cowboy