July 24-29, 2012 - Colorado Springs, CO - The training Marilyn and I completed gave some confidence, but I still had the jitters before my first ride here at the Master’s Nationals. Some things about competition were old hat, some things were new. I was returning to my “home” track, having lived at the Olympic Training Center and in Colorado Springs many times during my 7 years on the U.S. National Cycling Team in the 1980’s. I know this track better than my current home track. It is still so fast.
It was different seeing the infield filled with grey heads. I liked how everyone rode the track so courteously, leaving the black line open for those going fast in their warm-up, moving up track when a riders was practicing a
start, calling “stick” when passing closely. The aggression was left to the events; no one here wants to go down.
It was wonderful seeing some fellow old-timers, former National Team racers from my era. Some were there to compete, some were organizers like Pat MacDonough and race announcer John “Beckbird” Beckman. I spent many laps on the track with those two. Then there were the coaches – Roger Young and Eddie B. We were so happy to see each other, pleased to know the other is happy and healthy.
The events went like clockwork, the officials and organizers have this routine down. There were some rain and lightening delays, but otherwise the schedule rolled on. World Records were set, 90 National Titles awarded, and every day’s session began with the playing of the National Anthem. You can see all the results and podium photos on the usacycling.org website. Marilyn and I were top 5 in most of our races and won the Team Pursuit for Women 45+ in our gorgeous Voler made “Sage Riders” kit, adding Charlotte Miller for the 3 person event. Our Team Sprint was perfectly executed even though we had never practiced. The real golden moment for me however, was talking with fellow competitors after the Scratch Race. The camaraderie was priceless, a chance I don’t normally get when I am the only woman racing on the track with the men.
That sharing is what we are striving for in the Voler Connect and specifically for Masters cyclists in the launching of
Sage Riders this past week. See our
flyer for more information, and please join us by sending your questions or filling out our
Masters Survey.
Coach Peg