Adventures of the Northwest

Happiness at the track, how sweet it is!

Happiness at the track comes in so many forms both familiar and yet some are all new to me, new worlds, new relationships, new challenges, new adventures. My world, through the track, is always evolving and changing, always fun and forever in my memories. Yesterday was an exciting day for me as I participated in my 3rd Wednesday night race night.

Happiness takes so many forms, like clouds, they are forever forming and changing as they gracefully dance in the sky…I was on cloud 9 yesterday for so many reasons.

*I received my welcome letter from the race team of my choice…(Jet City Velo/Byrne Speciality Gases)

*Having a team member, and good friend, offer you her extra jersey to wear for your first race as an official team member, even if I was unsure of whether I should wear it. I asked another team member: “but will you be embarrassed if I come in last?” He came back with – well make sure that doesn’t happen. LOL! :)

*Getting to the start line, preparing to race and having my name, and new team, announced over the PA system for the first time…

*Talking and laughing with all kinds of team members, ride participants and friends regarding the races, the performance, strategies and just having fun..

*Not coming in last…

*Sucking a wheel like my life depends on it and not coming in last…

*Being mentored on the track by those that really want to see you succeed and getting positive feedback…

*Having our token male ‘coach’ email me, and Jane, the next day and tell us what a blast it is to watch us improve, get stronger, get faster and for me to come in 2nd on the last 4x4 lap race sprint! (Wish Jill could have been there! We missed her! :))

*Networking with others, encouraging them, praising them because you truly felt they did well and want to see them next year on the track – and succeeding!…

*Recognizing those people that are there for your friends and being excited that I saw them, before they did, and I am excited they are there for them.

*Getting positive feedback that even though I only made 1 point, with all that dang hard work I did, I am reminded that I should be proud that I am even out there. That in all the population of the world, how many people are doing any such activity? And of those people that are racing, on the track, how many are placing points? I should be proud of myself beyond having fun, challenging myself and just showing up to participate!

*Chilling after a race night and enjoying each other’s company and getting to know those people that are important to you and those that are important to them.

*Being driven crazy that someone, during one of my races, was cheering for me in Turn 2. As soon as the race ended, *POOF!*, they were gone. Who was that? No idea who that was, emailing everyone you can think of, but just no clue! Hmmm…. What is up with that? I got people cheering for me and yet, I have no idea who is my fan. How bizarre!


Happiness is found on the track.... the track is happiness!

posted by Seattlebiker @ 9:40 AM