Are You Riding for a Trophy or a Good Cause?
January 11th, 2010There are dozens of competitive biking events each year. At the top, we have the internationally recognized Tour de France and every four years, the world Olympics. Nationally we have USA Cycling events across road, mountain, track, cyclo cross and BMX. And locally there are hundreds of competitive cycling races of all sorts held as race series and mega annual races. At the same time each year we have charitable cycling events for practically every ailment known to man.
Of course we all want to be in these events for a reason. Perhaps you have set a personal goal to win a local race or at least finish it without being dead last. Perhaps a loved one was lost to a common genetic defect and you’re hoping your contributions of money and enthusiasm will bring attention to the disease and perhaps a cure.
Here’s what I know: I have no ambitions of winning any local, state, national or international mountain biking titles. If I did, I would know that each title is even harder to obtain that the last and that less than 1% of all participants in this sport ever make it to an internationally recognized championship. I also know that the higher up I want to be on the ladder, the further down the ladder my family and friends will become.
I focus my energy on charitable events. I know that even though my contribution of time and a little money won’t be the cure in itself, it contributes to the cure. And I know that the more people who act selflessly, the more likely there will be a cure. And I know, that when participating in a charitiable cause, my family and friends are no further no up or down the ladder than myself. Riding for the common good is a far greater payoff than any shiny little trophy I could ever obtain to me. But that’s just my opionion!
Charitable events unite people. Competitive events split them apart.
So, are you training to ride for a trophy or preparing to ride for a good cause?