It's Time To RACE BIKES!!!

“You'll never lose, we are winners

I'll be the roots, you be the tree

Pass on the fruit that was given to me

Legacy, ah, we're part of something way bigger”

-Beyoncé, Bigger

While it feels bittersweet to miss so many of my favorite US races this summer, I have been admiring all of the newer faces in familiar places. It’s been incredible seeing BiPOC WTF not just participating, but thriving, podiuming, and winning! 

This week I start my first European road stage race with the Liv Racing World Team. Initially I was preparing to race in early August, but with most things during this pandemic, there have been a few pivots since then. Finally, my time has arrived, and I feel so ready to do this. I’ve been waiting for this so long it’s unreal that it’s actually happening. 

I’ll be participating in the 19th edition of the International Women's Cycling Tour of Ardèche, a 7-day stage race in France. Lots and lots and LOTS of climbing. I’m really confident in the work that I’ve put in and I’m ready to take on whatever the race throws at me. I know there will likely be bad days, but I plan to take them in stride. More than individual race results, I want to savor the entire experience and learn from it. 

I’ve missed stage racing, I’ve missed the long days, the questioning my life choices, and trying to do whatever I can to keep my stubborn auntie legs moving. This will be my first 7-day stage race, so that will certainly be a learning experience, but I feel as prepared as possible and I’m ready to do my best with what I’ve got.

It is thrilling to be in a position to learn in real-time what works and to learn what doesn’t. It’s also a privilege to have such incredible teammates to observe and to be amongst the other members of the peloton. I’m excited to adjust to a style of racing that is currently foreign to me. I believe my biggest obstacle will be fueling for longer races, as American races don’t usually match the lengths of the longer stages at Ardeche. I’ve got a plan in place for that!

It would be absolutely fantastic to find myself successful in these races, I want to race bravely and boldly for my team and for myself. I’ve got 7 challenging stages to really show myself what I’m capable of. 

What if it doesn’t work out? Regardless of how it goes, I am in a position to learn from this experience and do better next time! Bike racing isn’t always kind regardless of how excited you are, but I’m not going in worrying about what bad things might happen. I’m going in ready to give it my everything. Here I go! 

“Step out your estimate

Step in your essence and know that you're excellent

Rise, the spirit is teachin'

Oh, I'm not just preachin', I'm takin' my own advice

If you feel insignificant, you better think again

Better wake up 'cause you're part of something way bigger”

-Beyoncé, Bigger