 |
|||
|
|||
 |
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||
Those of you who consistently read my meanderings
have surely noticed that Sterling is launching a
cyclocross team this year. After the deep
disappointment at the
failure of my rad-guy team last year, some may
wonder why am I doing
it again....well, The truth is I Love Bike Racing!
We've finalized the roster for our 2008 Team.
Though not the powerhouse squad of last years effort,
nor resplendent in the fictitious $100K, this team is
better. Why?
Simple...everyone joined to to feel the camaraderie, to
have fun, improve themselves and to revel in the
suffering that is cyclocross.
The other team had great riders, guys I respect
and still talk to. They've paid their dues and are
deserving of a chance to race
on a well run, high octane team. . My new team - well
they are mostly newbies! Folks who, for the most part,
haven't been around the sport long enough to have
that full cachet of stories, absurdly high threshold
power, or even attitude - but they do have enthusiasm,
courage and drive.
Take Chris C for example - dude had a HEART
TRANSPLANT!!!! and wants to race this year. He'll
probably spend the season in the C's (beginner
class), but I bet he has more fun and enjoyment for
the simple thrill of being ABLE to ride than most of
the 'fast guys' I race with all the time. Or what about
Jason? He got clocked by a car last year and has
the scars to prove it, but Jason wants to race because
it helps him be a better person. Our juniors - Matt and
Anthony - are crazy for cycling, just like lots of us at that
age! Liza R is a three
time state champion on the road, yet she sought us
out to help her transition into cyclocross. Ed M - at 53
Ed may be one of our breakout riders and win some
races this year. Justin K,
mildly type A, but funny and self-depreicating. Once we
get his brakes right it's full steam ahead! Aaron H
rides for a great local club, but liked the idea of a
program that provides coaching and support to all
members of the team. Aaron may tell you that I tricked
him into racing Masters "A's"..but dont' believe it! His
power is better than mine! Bill S is gonna sneak up on
some folks this year, although with calves like his
once he's by 'em, they'll know he's legit.
So that's the team. Quite a cast of characters it
seems. I'm just dern excited to go riding and racing
with these
folks over the next four or five months. We'll make
some war stories, fall down a bunch, and probably
drink some beers after races ('cept the jrs!)....and it'll
be perfect!
|
||||
|
||||
|
||
|
Oh yea I love candy! Ask anyone. My old roommate
Dan used to have a sweet collection of Pez
Dispensers, I mean like dozens of them. They were all
pristine and un-opened, collectors items he said. Well
I didn't care about the dispensers, I wanted what was
inside...the PEZ man! I need the PEZ!
WHAT? Not that Pez?
PezCyclingNews.com!
Oh, that Pez. Right...so I've been lucky enough to pen
several articles for the fine folks at
PezCyclingNews.com over the past few months and
what a treat it's been. As a member of their "Tool Box"
group - experienced coaches writing useful training
articles for cyclists - I've been able to do some fun
essays on
the intricacies of pack riding and the essential
elements
of a proper taper. My next articles will deal with
weight training for cyclists.
The articles are fun because they give me a chance to
do some research, some speechifying, and some
teaching all in one easy format. If you have time, pop
over to Pez and see what the site is all about. They
aren't your run of the mill 'news source Instead they've
got some irreverant writers doing things that other
cycling websites won't touch, or haven't thought of yet
(or simply can't do less they seem copy-cat)...
|
||
|
|
||
Can you remember being 18? Can you remember the
joy of sleeping late, knowing nearly everything, and not
being at the crux of your physical prowess - but still on
the upswing? I can...and I'd like to think that when I
was 18 I carried myself with as much character and
aplomb as the August Athlete of the Month - Steven
Reid
At the recent Junior National Championships Steven
took an impressive 12th place in the criterium, and
perhaps more impressively a 29th in the Time Trial.
Both of these events featured start lists in excess of
100 riders.
Of course there are the accomplishments and the
data to say that Steven is going t be a very good rider,
but it's the intangibles like maturity, good
naturedness, and joie de vivre that help clear his path.
|
||
|
|
|
|
If you are not currently on a coaching program now is a good time to start (or restart)! We offer a variety of coaching options for athletes at every level. From the ease and simplicity of our pre built training plans to the private training sessions of our Gold and Sterling programs, each one is created with athletes in mind. In addition, If you are a member of one of our sponsored teams you'll enjoy a substantial discount as well. So do something productive for your cycling...Sign up for a Sterling Sports Group Program Today!
Sincerely,
Matt McNamara
Sterling Sports Group
email:
info@sterlingwins.com
phone:
408.891.3462
|
|
