A few in the making…

What I learned while cycling four days in the WV mountains is the point of this rant.  Here’s a sampling of learning in no particular order.  For those that know me, the lack of order is par for the course…

I learned:

Peteboy can get water on his artificial knees and they still don’t rust.

M&Frickin’M makes the best apple treats.  You simply slice an apple, sprinkle them with cinnamon, and put them in a plastic baggie.  They make for the best source of energy when you can’t possibly put down another energy bar or suck up some more protein/carb. gu.  Try this and you’ll love it.  Simple, huh.

Bill Nakasian’s new name is “map man.”  Just like the words dig deep, you’ve got say mapman as if it were ONE.

Bill can ride 69 miles with stretches of 15% gradient like a man half his size.  I know this because I witnessed this.  Amazing to see.

Greg can feel like total crap one day, and bounce back the next and be at the front.  Isn’t that a great reminder for all of us…

Markelage is faster than a billygoat going up mountain sides.  He just is.  It’s not because he’s younger, it’s not because he’s got a better bike, it’s not because he’s more strategic, it’s not because he’s lucky, it’s just NOT.  He rides fast going up mountain sides because he has the best power to weight ratio.

Simple, huh.

He has the best power to weight ratio because of his workout discipline first and foremost.  There’s a reason why he’s benched over 300 lbs, earned a black belt, and willed himself through VET school. Don’t bet against him finishing the toughest one day mountain bike race in the world later this August.

Tom taught me that some people are just faster on the mountains than they are on the flats.  AND, he reminded me that age is just a number.

There’s a reason that folks refer to George as “The Diesel.”  He can push the pedals with some serious authority.

Mark taught me that even some left brained lawyers use a MAC.  Who knew?

M&Frickin’M reminded me that these trips are all about slowing down.  No matter the situation, no matter the work that was left behind, no matter the schedule, and no matter even the “pacing Peteboy,” M&M was going to savor every last minute of his time on the mountain and with his friends.  I’m blessed to be one of those.

I learned that “together we improve” applies to cycling too.  When the fast guys remained in my site of vision, just seeing them kept me going a little harder.  Once they slipped beyond my line of sight, however, I eased off on the effort.  Funny, huh.  There was no difference in me physically.  The seconds that had passed and the effort that ensued wasn’t any more difficult.  The difference was that I couldn’t see my leaders, my friends, my team.  Leaders, extrapolate to your work and life…

The miles mean less than the effort.

The power of “being with.”

Lastly, I learned that personal power is enhanced by personnel power.  Be careful who you circle the wagons around and with.

AND, I am so blessed to be with Miss.

Yea, BABY…