Another month in the bag! I have been travelling all over the country as most of you know, and it took me some time to read through and choose a winner. This month there were a mixed bag of questions that really made me think about who I picked to win a new pair of Smith Pivlock V90 glasses. In the end it was Brittany Blanco who asked:
Q; When you ride with men who are faster, what is your motivation to just kick it into gear and show them up? I ride with guys and I absolutely hate when I can’t keep up with them.
A: For me internal motivation is way stronger than external. When I’m riding with someone faster than me (male or female), my motivation is not to show them up, it’s more wanting to raise my own level. Whether I’m in a race or training, I really focus on trying not to worry about the riders around me and instead ride the best that I can. When I ride with that approach, I ride faster. If you have overwhelmingly competitive thoughts when you ride with guys, perhaps it’s time to do some solo riding or find some women to ride with. For me, it’s beneficial to ride with all different levels for different experiences. Faster people will push you and raise your level. Slower riders will allow you to give the brain a break and get in some easier endurance training. Riding with beginners gives you the opportunity to teach and at the same time improve your own skills by teaching them.
Thanksf or the intersting question Brittany, and enjoy seeing the world through a new pair of shades!
