Written by Aravaipa Rides Race Director, Morgan Weinberg.
I’m not the best cyclist. I’m certainly not going to win any races. But, I win the battle with myself every time I get on my bike. When I was a freshman in high school, I crashed my bike riding to go play lacrosse with a friend. Because of that, I missed the majority of my freshman soccer season, my main sport, and I became terrified of bikes.
Four years ago, I decided to face that fear to try something I always wanted to do and bought my first mountain bike. Every day I get on my bike, I get that same feeling of fear I got the day I had my crash. But, what I love about fear is the body and mind’s ability to overcome it. You feel the fear, you identify it and you focus your mind on pushing through it. That’s why I continue to get on the bike. That’s why I continue to sign up for races. It’s even why I run ultras too. Because, when that feeling of fear creeps in it’s saying hello brain, I challenge you. And I love how it feels to come out the other side.
My passion and excitement for being a race director lies in those who are scared out of their mind to sign up for the race. And then, they do it anyways. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching our elite athletes cross that line too. Their achievement is no less than the last finisher. But it is no more, either, and my biggest hope is that anyone looking to push themselves will give themselves the chance to be brave.
So be brave, whatever that means to you. If it’s riding around the block, exploring new trails or signing up for your first bike race. Know that to race with us doesn’t have to mean you’re going to win. Or that you’re an expert rider. Or maybe you are, we like that too! See that’s the thing about it, getting on the bike means so many things to so many different people. So find your own meaning and let’s ride some bikes! See you on the trails.
Your Race Director,
Morgan