What do you see when you hear the phrase, “future of cycling”. Some of you may see a giggling toddler on a tricycle, and other’s may see a competitive junior cyclist on a frame that is slightly too big. What do I see? I see this.
Grampy and I, Team Tetrick, before he WINS another National Championship!
An 81 year old man. Healthy. Fit. Not only riding his bike, but racing his bike! Racing his bike against fellow competitors his age. He is winning a National Championship road race that climbs over 4000 feet in 64k. He is racing a criterium for an hour. He is doing a time trial. He is sharp. He is calculated. He has an opportunity. This is the future. Who wouldn’t want to do this? Who wouldn’t wish that they could scale mountains at this age? Who wouldn’t want to still feel that adrenaline rush of competiting, of challenge, and of success at this age? This is the future. How do we get there? We keep riding our bikes. We keep supporting our events through USA Cycling through NCNCA through the Levi’s Gran Fondo through our training and our bike commute to work. We just ride our bikes. We race our bikes. We stay fit and healthy, and our future looks bright.
My Grandpa and I all smiles before pre-riding the TT course.
Yes, this future may be exemplified by my 81 year old grandfather, Paul Tetrick, but it still can be your future. It still can be our future. Feeling inspired yet? I am.
Don’t discount your future in the sport. It isn’t only found in the young. It is found in everyone.
Some of my Grampy’s fellow 70+ competitors and friends
Did I make Tshirts to go support my Grandpa at USA Cycling Master’s Nationals? Absolutely. Team Tetrick. Did this embarrass him? Yes. But was it worth it? Absolutely. It isn’t everyday you can cheer your grandfather to his 17th National Title, and meet his training partners and friends. They are the future of cycling.
Thank you to the people who cheered so loud for my Grampy, they made him blush, and for those who randomly walked up to him, and those who sent notes on FB/Twitter of encouragement. It was amazing! Thanks to all who volunteered, announced (Dave Towle), cheered (Granny), and put on the event (USA Cycling) for making each athlete feel like the future and the champion that they are.
Kris Johnson. Your 60-64+ National Crit Champ! Love her!
I love this! I’m definitely not the future of cycling (I don’t even think I can ride a bike! Last time I tried it was a sad spectacle…) but I started running for exactly this reason. I wanted to start now to make sure that I could have a healthy future where I am still active and fit instead of a future where I had trouble with mobility.
I won’t be winning any road races in the near future…but my plan is to just keep running until I get into the 70+ age groups where there are only a few competitors at any given race. Then everyone better watch out…I’ll be medaling in every race!
This is awesome, Emily! The best luck to you and your running, riding, and just enjoying! You are on a great path, and I hope I am too! Thank you:)
Inspiring yes! And more to the point personally, humbling. I am a lot younger than Mr Paul Tetrick but a real physical slob with stack of excuses for being so. Okay, inspired! Next step…
And best wishes, Alison. Will watch your progress. Stay safe and inpiring. God Bless.
Thank you! Just be inspired and challenge yourself! You are your own future!
Wonderful – Respect, an inspiration. More so with the lovely touch of support from Grandchildren! You’re absolutely right. The future of cycling is the recognition of the quality of life benefits that it offers.
Thank you! I am very blessed to have such an active and supportive family–I try to pay them back by being their biggest fans!
Yup – I agree.
But USA Cycling needs to realize it. Its current brackets assume everybody over 35 is either a master, or a non-racer. At a minimum, there should be 5-year brackets – not 10 – and an entirely different set of race types.
#novision
I agree… I think this feedback is so important. Thanks, Jay!
How cool! Go team Tetrick!!! Congrats grandpa T. He’s got to be chuckling at his newfound fame, as does his wife.
Thanks, John! I think Granny loved being a star more than anything! xo
Very well said.
Thank you!
Team Tetrick, you two ROCK! You inspire all of us!
I’m with Jay…some redefining of USA Cycling rules is needed. Yet I’m proud of all who bike, all who bike competitively, and all who stay young thru biking!
Ride like the wind, Alison and Grandpa Paul!
I love the feedback! Age categories are great, and creating the opportunity is better! We will work on it! Thank you!