Meyrick Jones Racing: Countdown to STP!

"wise guys" quote:

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

- Theodore Roosevelt, speech titled "Citizen in a Republic" delivered at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910

Everything you need is already inside.

- Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, legendary coach, and father of the running movement.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Countdown to STP!

STP is getting close now... I can feel my excitement level rising. If you have a hard time getting excited about events in life I have a recommendation - custom jerseys.

I know, it may seem excessive if you are just trying to get excited about going to work or going to the gym, but I can attest to their effectiveness... I picked up our custom jerseys today and they are sweet! I immediately became 3x as excited about STP.

The old 'into the bathroom mirror, headless horseman, grasp your own butt' shot.... I tried in vain to reverse this image (and paste a head on it) before uploading so that it wouldn't read backwards, but couldn't make it happen.

Atac Sportswear in Langley sponsored us by providing these jerseys on super-short notice so that we would look coordinated and suitably 'pro' while tearing up the tarmac between Seattle and Portland. I enjoyed working with them and look forward to placing a big order in the future once Momentum gets rolling.

I also picked up Brian's race package today, closing a long and painful chapter of this STP adventure. I almost wrote that it was a "pain in the ass" but then it occurred to me that I should save that phrase for the ride report where it may find a FAR more appropriate usage.

I guess it's true that nothing good ever comes easily, and particularly so in the case of a late registration to STP! A huge thanks to Dave Herder, an I.F. customer, for hooking us up.

So, then.... riders registered, hotels booked, trucks and transport arranged, jerseys in hand, training completed.... I figure I am one huge tube of chamois cream away from being ready!

Tonight I am off to dryland training - where we will be doing our fitness tests for Cross Country Canada. The test involves a combination of exercises - timed push-ups, sit-ups and burpees as well as a 3000 metre run (I think). I don't think I will be 100% fresh because of all the riding I have been doing, and the workout Rob and I did yesterday at I.F. - but I intend to throw down with all my might. Should make for a tiring evening....