Well our vacation is over and we are back to reality.
The sun, the beach and riding every day are behind us and now it’s time to get focused again. We are excited to ramp it up at the bike shop this year with more staff, more events and more group rides.
Look for us to be even more involved in the community this year. It will be a lot of work, but we have a great team and big goals for 2016 and are really looking forward to the journey.
Under the personal goals column, I signed up for the tenth annual BC Bike Race this July. I know what I am in for since I have done this race two times previously, but I am having mixed feelings, regret and excitement, about signing up this year?
Maybe its because the first time I raced it I was single, kidless and had quit my job to train. Zero responsibilities and nothing to do but ride. Easy!
The second time around, I lived with Chenoa and worked again, but I had a 70 km round trip commute and I had loads of free time, so it took a bit more organizing, but preparation was still easily managed..
This time I am married, have two kids – including a new born – and run a business. I just used up my whole year’s free time in January and now it’s go time. So how will I possibly get myself in good enough shape to actually enjoy the race, never mind finish? Hence the regret.
On the flip side I have an unbelievably supportive family. I am also lucky enough to have a buddy who, like me, is a glutten for punishment and has decided to join me for the race.
To keep it realistic, I have tweaked the goals for the 2016 event. Rather than try to compete in the race aspect I have adjusted my expectations. I am looking at the BC Bike Race not as a race, but a great vacation with Jeremy, an opportunity to ride seven fantastic locations around B.C. with 500 mountain bikers from around the world, and one more way to convince myself that maybe, just maybe, I am not getting older. When I think about it this way I get excited about it.
Maybe I’ll just call it the BC Bike “RIDE”
So stay tuned as we ride through spring and get closer to the big event this Summer. I am going to do my best to hold down my competitive side and just make sure we are able to have some great rides around B.C.
I’m James Durand and I’m Goin’ Ridin’…just for fun