First Race of the Season Butterflies

by Marsh Cooper

The mix of emotions that come with the first races of the year are always unsettling for me. A healthy dose of nerves, mixed with excitement, sprinkle in doubt and a pinch of expectation and that is pretty much the recipe that turns my stomach into jello. All of this was magnified as I had only been training for the last eight weeks. Prior to that I hadn't touched a bike since the West Side Classic. While I did focus as much as I could, would it be enough? Would I embarrass myself? These questions played over and over in my mind like the track stars turn laps in the velodrome.

Once I got to the start line I was fine. My nerves settle and doubts subside. Meeting up with old friends after a long winter's hibernation is always calming. Having race directors, yell 'friendly' reminders about yellow line violations and the litter policy is re-assuring in its familiarity.

I check my tire pressure one last time as Jeff Ain ensures everyone is listening to his last race instructions. Before I know it we are off. There is no time to be nervous now. Bike racing has started!

Who knows what the season will bring. The only thing I can guarantee is that there will be lots of pain and suffering followed, hopefully, by a few victories as well. Oh and of course a few nerves every now and then.