Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving come and gone I took some time to think about what I need to be thankful for. It’s a pretty long list to say the least. But I thought I’d take the opportunity to thank those who make not just bike racing possible for me, but life possible for me.

First is my immediate family. Gosh I love them so much. My parents are always there. Growing up we didn’t always have everything, but my dad always made sure I had a bike and there was always food on the table. What we lacked in things, we made up for in love. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Their support of me now is much the same. Whether it is school, racing or just living, they do what they can to make sure I can succeed. Sometimes it’s a few bucks, sometimes it’s a car on the weekend, but it’s always done with love. They love me so much and are always there when I need them, and when I don’t. Especially my dad, beyond the respect I have for him, I can always tell that he worries about me working too hard, or training too much. He helps me stay sane, and that isn’t always easy.

 And then of course there is my sister. We haven’t always acted like it, but we love each other. One of Ellie’s friends said the other day that we are closer than most siblings. It’s so true. We are two of the biggest goofballs around, and we seriously sometimes think on the same wavelength. Besides that she is usually the one to come pick me up from Madison and bring me home, or drive me to a race. I am amazed at how much she willingly does for me, usually without even being asked. She is a college student just like me and sometimes I wonder how she has the time to help me out as much as she does. She is also trying to make it as a musician. She has the most amazing talent, not just with her voice, but in the way that she sings. Check her out on Youtube! Love you Ellie!

Then of course there is the extended family. On both sides of the family there is a lot of love. On my mom’s side there are the crazies, and I mean that in the best way. They are all so alive and full of love. I don’t see all of them a whole bunch, but when I do it’s like we saw each other the other day because we are just so comfortable. On my dad’s side of the family the story is much the same. They live all over the place so I don’t see them so much, and not nearly as much as I’d like to. But it is the same thing as with my mom’s side, every time we see each other it’s like we hang out every day. They are definitely not as crazy as the other side of family, but I definitely get my work ethic from that side of the family. All my aunts and uncles are busy people on that side and they set a good example of how to work hard, but still make time for those you love and for yourself. Love all you guys!

Then there are my friends. I’ve got a few different circles, but they all share something in common, they are all enthusiastic and extremely supportive. I’ve got my UW cycling friends. Talk about a fun and motivated group of people. I love training with them and racing with all of them. The entire atmosphere at the club is easy going and always playful. I’ve got my friends from Milwaukee too. Robotics friends from high school who are busy people like me, and understand and relate to those pressure I feel every once and a while. Plus they know how to have fun and relieve that stress.

Then finally there is my team, KS Energy Services/Team Wisconsin. I don’t want that to sound like I have to talk about them because although I would either way, it has become more than a team to me throughout the past year. It’s a support system, and a great group of friends that are all there to support one another. Obviously there are the sponsors, most of which are small to large business owners from around the region who love to ride and ride with us. Dennis from KS, Jason from MC2, and a new sponsor this year Brent from Emery’s bike shop along with Trek. It’s these companies that stick there neck out there for us to ride. They put their name on my chest for a reason and I’m proud to ride for them. I’d like to think that it’s a mutual respect because I know that I respect them beyond comprehension. For instance, I remember when I rode in the Make-a-Wish run as the pace rider with Dennis from KS Energy Services. I had a lot of fun riding and hanging out. I was even a little surprised at their speed. With how busy he is, he was still putting the hammer down. But beyond that we spent some time talking about life and things in general. In just a few minutes I learned so much about him and the lessons he has learned. Just invaluable things you can’t learn from a book.

But of course in addition to the sponsors, there are the riders and administration that make it all possible. The MTB boys and my Cat 3 squad are tight. I think we all agree that through racing together we have become great friends and that’s something I’ll cherish forever. Then there is Dave Eckel, the director/president/magician. He does it out of the love for the sport. I had a chance to hang out and talk with him this past weekend at Jingle Cross. He is a really cool guy who puts so much into the team. Again I am proud to ride for the team and Dave because I know that my success is their success and I love to honor that.

With the CX season starting to hit its final leg, I’m starting to look into next year. I’m hoping to do some big things next year, because it my last big shot at something special before I graduate. It’s all really cool and I couldn’t do it without the support of my team, my friends and my family.

Thank you all so much.