Why We Race…

Bicycle racing is objectively one of the most trying, demanding sports ever devised.  Grinding, grueling mile after mile, giving it all only to reach deeper for that last ounce of drive.  It remakes the body at the same time it reforms the mind, under the most extreme conditions of physical duress.  So, why do we do it?  Why do we pin on a number, line up amicably side-by-side with our eventual torturers, ramp up our heart rates and throw caution to the wind?  Here is a compilation of the Team’s hard-won wisdom and insight…

I want to set a good example for my son. … Being a former college and professional ball player, I also need some competition fix every now and then. If you don't get a little nervous and out of your comfort zone sometimes, what are you going to do when real life problems come about? – Don Parr

When I came back from my first marathon, my kids asked "did you win"? I laughed & said no. Their next question was "so why did you do it"? -- I race to be an example to my children that it's not always about winning or being the best … It's about stepping outside your comfort zone. It's about lining up and giving something a go. I want them to see that regardless of where you finish, what matters is that you did finish - you don't give up. … I race because I never thought I could (or would). Because inherently & quite honestly, it scares the shit out of me. But every time I line up, I face down the fear and do my best to conquer it. – Suzanne Webster

The main reason I race is because it's an outlet for me to get away from work and the stresses of life. It allows me to do something that few people get the chance to do. When I'm on a ride … all I'm thinking about is staying on the wheel in front of me or waiting to cover an attack or making a move of my own. I feel like I'm in a different world, few things can truly give you that feeling. – Andrew Boyd

I race because I think bike racing is the most beautiful sport in the world and have since I was a little kid pretend racing in circles around my block on my wee Schwinn. … I am part of the teamwork, color, sounds, and sheer human effort that make the sport spectacular. – Joan Hanscom

Escape everything, make myself concentrate so hard on riding and racing that all my teenage angst and worrys disappear for a while. … I've always loved being fit and healthy.  Its just a value that my parents instilled in me from a very young age and i don't want to waste any part of my youth being lazy and not having fun in the outdoors.  (while i still have pretty good knees!) – Will Bain

Honestly, I only race because I am fairly addicted to exercise. Racing is fun, but it is mostly just an excuse for me to ride a ton of miles. – Jon Lamar

The fraternity, community, society, fellowship. All walks and ages welcome. … The sizzle of a gaggle of bikes going all out just inches away from each other, and the way the pack gets really quiet before something happens (or gets loud as its happening). … Beer hand-ups. I don't even drink, but they're pretty darn cool. What other sport has that? … Beats the hell out of running, which beats the hell out of you. … When I'm doing it, I'm not at work. … The view from the podium is spectacular. – Larry Pethick