Scorpio Mentality

     I give all to my team when racing and I always appreciate the better rider on my team on any given day.   That being said,  there was a day when I felt seriously slanted and unappreciated by my teammates bc they said I was kicked off the team, at a little town in Delaware ( the capitol actually) So I made it my mission to prove that day they made a serious mistake.  I basically worked with all the other teams and made a serious problem for NCVC to get any progress at all.  In the last lap there was a guy up the road who me and my ex teammate could have easily caught if I wanted to help, but I simply rode his wheel , just desserts.  He was so pissed when he lost he tried to complain to the official.  I didnt gain any love from the group mentality of NCVC.  

Get Some

   The best way to overcome adversity is to tell yourself if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.  A guy I work with always says that.  There are many challenges in life,  the biggest often come from other people.  Remember your mission in the race or time of year and don't lose track because of better results then expected, or worse, or other riders talking smack.  I always take a pull regardless of who is in the move or my status with the team.  It's honorable and forget the motto, your only as good as your last race.  It should go like .. You're only as good as you're word.. If you say you will work in a break then , do so.  I think most riders in a break deserve you're honesty.  If you're a sprinter then that sucks for the break if it's like 20 to go.  Their job then is to dump you if they can.  Anyway,  I have seen guys say they won't sprint after doing nothing and do the opposite.. I guess that just reflects their lack of integrity.  Racing is tough and so is life, so remember.. All deals can be bulls:'t and all people have is their word.  The bottom line is if you don't mind; it don't matter.  This is a philosophy that will help carry one thru the moral quagmire that racing can be sometimes.

Thoughts on Racing

  I have raced since 1993, I sucked at first because of too much juice too early....but I always wanted to get reimbursed for my entry.  ( always broke syndrome ) I have gotten my share in the years but I have yet to shake the desire. ( desire to win the easier prime money ) I realize recently one thing which has been a detriment to my actual success as a criterium racer.  The unneeded result midway in a race.  A preme is sweet but if it puts you out of contentention for the finish in the  long run its a waste of juice.  I have some examples to provide,  such as once in a Richmond pro Crit I attacked Eric Saunders when we were in a breakaway and he easily beat me and I got dropped from the break.  Solely by being selfish for 100 $.  I might have helped close the break which was chasing two up, which I didnt even know....until Eric scolded me as he passed and said so.  I have much respect for him and his buddy John Hamblin.  Both are riders I grew up competing with and we gave each other a hard time to beat the other, Back in the day.
   Anyway,  the point of this post is to give some insight into my mental perspective for any teammates who wondered WTF or any new teammates who did not understand me.  I wish I could have been more composed and chill.  I apologize.  Its just as much the old guys job to impart 100 % as it is the new guys job to be willing to slow down and listen.
     I am impressed with Joe Dombrowski and I always could tell by his results in climbing that he was gonna be a serious mark on this world. If he continued, Which he has , obviously.   Its hard to see the future, but I swear years ago I gave home slice some serious props.  Anyway,  The reason I bring up Joe is not because he was a teammate for a stint, nor because I am grateful that he didnt just join Harley/XO but that he was focused and didnt go for the immediate self gratification....which is to me the most self controlled thing to do.  Anyway, there...I have posted in a year and I am sure you guys would rather read about some deep section rims for sale or the great feeling of simply spinning , but if you could post something to indicate you read, that would be cool.  Sorry for being me. Cat 1 money grabber.