Lessons from the 2018 Idaho High School MTB League

Photo: Idaho High School Mountain Bike League

The 2018 Idaho High School Mountain Bike League wrapped up this weekend at Bogus Basin, my local ski resort. It was literally freezing, but the kids were all smiles- layered up in warm clothes, and full of exuberance and energy. Working with these fantastic young riders has been such a joy- and to be honest, I’m pretty sure they teach me far more than I offer them in return. Below are some favorite reminders from my time riding with Team C4 Composite in Nampa, Idaho.

1. Have Fun- it's truly infectious. Whether it was windy, hot, cold, dark or daytime- the C4 kids were always finding ways to enjoy time with their teammates and friends. Practicing wheelies in the parking lot, searching for wild narwhals, stealing each others helmets, taking silly photos together and smiling endlessly. It was impossible to not smile when I rode with them. Share that same joy with others whenever you can, it is powerful stuff. ​
2. Get Out There, No Matter How Scary it Seems. No one is born knowing how to race; let alone walk, sing, or take on any sort of new challenge. Being brave is the fastest way that I know to improve at anything. You won't be alone, and you won't look any more silly than the person next to you- no matter what your fearful little amygdala tries to tell you. There is nothing cooler than crossing the finish line you were afraid to line up on earlier, or arriving home after a workout that pushed you beyond everything you thought you knew about your limits. Give yourself the chance to have those experiences- you won't regret it, I promise.
3. Don’t Quit. You’ll spend the next week (or year) wondering what might have happened if you’d tried. It’s ok to have a crap workout or race; heck it’s ok to “just not feel good for any good reason” sometimes. Just give it a try, be brave, and if that doesn’t work out- try to find something else (like skills or parking lot drills) that you can work on. Same thing goes for races- crashes, mechanicals and chaos are all part of the game. Be brave, throw on a big smile on and see where that gets you- one of my riders landed on the podium after a 4 minute mechanical right off the start line, you just never know.
4. Set Regular, Small Goals and celebrate when you accomplish them. Ride through that tricky rock section that used to scare you? Get to the top of a hill that you used to have to walk? Overcome an injury? Hoot and holler a little! Take a picture with your friends, smile, write it down! Give yourself permission to be excited. These moments are your rocket fuel for the tougher days. They are special, so treat them accordingly!
5. Eat Breakfast, Every Day- no matter what. Seriously, the alternative isn’t pretty and waffles are always a safe bet.
6. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously. This is supposed to be fun, dangit! Fueling discipline in your training pursuits, and sustaining a heartfelt commitment to your goals requires regular reflection on why you love what you do. Write down what you love about riding bikes, or whatever you are passionately pursuing in life and look at it- A LOT. We called these “stoke notes” on the C4 Composite Team; riders were to write out and then carry a little note card with their stoke note, looking at it every time they started to feel nervous on race week.
7. Embrace the Good Stuff. There are so many amazing people who make our cycling community special. Coaches, volunteers, parents, race officials, friends, and supporting companies who want to share in your passion. Take a moment to connect with them- say thank you to the volunteers, go make a new friend after the race, support the company that donated to the race event and tell them why. Being part of a community is such a special thing- help to build it up in whatever little ways you can think of.
8. Ride-Bikes are the best and so are bike people!

Photo: Jessica Wyman

Photo: Jessica Wyman

Photo: Lee Wyman

C4 Rider Cody Wyman Photo: Jessica Wyman

Photo: Hyperthreads