Tour of America's Dairyland - Day Nine

A cyclist's relationship with their coach is an almost sacred thing. Through the process of building fitness, they are your compass in uncharted waters. They help you to find new lands of undeveloped potential, and map the weaknesses that may cause you harm along the way. That is to say, a good coaches is absolutely indispensable.

Meet Derek Dalzell, my coach. 

For the past three years, Derek has worked to guide me through the journey of my cycling career. I don't remember when we first met. But, it's a small world in Kalamazoo. So, between bike shops, group rides, and our converging interests of riding bikes and going fast, it was almost inevitable that we would become friends. We did. 

Fast forward to coffee. 

We met on a weekday morning and talked about what my next steps in cycling should be. Derek bought me my favorite morning coffee, an americano, and talked me through how I could make my cycling aspirations a reality. It was decided. He would be my coach and we would be going pro. 

At the time I was a category 4 cyclist (category 5 being the lowest rank and 1 the highest before professional). And, to his tremendous credit, Derek didn't see my low "ranking" as a barrier to high performance. He knew that I would need time to develop. He knew that I needed more structured training to gain strength. He looked at my total picture and proposed actionable steps for improving tomorrow while also discussing his vision for the cyclist I could be 5 years in the future. 

Side note to coach: Isn't it crazy we're already 3 years into this thing? absolutely insane! 

There are a lot of ups and downs in life. Derek has been through those with me. I don't think there are words to describe the dependability of this guy. No matter what, he's there. Most of the time that means training plans. Sometimes it also means a friend to talk to when the road gets rough. I needed both sides of that equation. I couldn't have made it this far without a coach who is not only a good technician of his trade, but also a good friend. 

Why this long winded reflection? 

Tonight, Derek came to watch me race. He's been to my races before, in fact, we have even raced together in the past. So why was this race so important?  It was my first "pro" race with Derek in the crowd. This is a dream come true for both of us. Though I do not yet call cycling my professional occupation, I am now able to compete with those who do. Rad, right? 

The Downer Classic criterium is what the kids call "a big deal". Ten thousand spectators line the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for one of the most renowned criterium races in the United States. Big crowds, loud music, Jumbotrons on the corners, camera flashes, and the deafening ring of cowbells are still fresh in my mind. So too is the proud face of my coach smiling up at me every lap. 

That's what I'll remember about tonights race. 

A year from now, I won't remember what place I finished, how my legs felt, or any of the little victories and mistakes that tie 90 minutes of racing together. No, I'll remember seeing my coach grinning ear to ear giving me a big thumbs-up. Years, miles, money, sweat, tears, and a fair amount of blood went into that moment. And, it was all worth it. 

Thank you Derek.  

A quick conversation and side hug from Derek during my warm-up, smiles all around.