George Sheehan once said that the only difference between a jogger and a runner was a bib number. I loved that quote when I was running. I always took that iconic statement as a reflection on the commitment it takes to sign up for a race. It didn't matter if you were fast or slow, there to win or simply to finish. If you were willing to take a risk an toe the starting line, you earned the title of runner. That step is scary for many people as all the standard worries are voiced. "I'm not fast." "I don't have the ability to compete." "I'll finish dead last." So some never take the next step - remaining a jogger. On the outside, looking in at the fun, exhilarating world of racing, but wishing for something more.

That was with running, where people are more likely to accept all comers at the local 5k. How does that translate into mountain biking, where the divide between riders and racers sometimes feels like a chasm? I had the chance to ponder that a few weeks ago when someone I was riding with said "oh, I'm not a racer like you. I'm just a rider." As if being a rider was any less worthy then racing. There are no easy answers but the innocent simplicity of Sheehan's statement still applies. We are all riders - everyone from the new cyclist trying a switchback for the first time to the multi-time national champion out crushing it. If the Chutes is the ride or the warmup - it doesn't matter. Riding is what matters. I might race, but at the heart, I consider myself a rider. Like with running, the joys of mountain biking come from the simple things. From pedaling - finding new trails and making new friends. Its practicing the basics to the point of boredom, but knowing simple balance could prevent a fall. It's taking the opportunity to learn new skills, even if it's a little scary. It's also passing along well practiced skills to the next cycle of riders - of any age. Riding is studying the map and filling a pack for an all day adventure. Or riding can be as simple as a few laps around Bear Creek.

Which brings me to racing. Again, the only difference between a rider and racer is that number plate. The commitment to test yourself - against the clock, the course or other riders. It doesn't matter how fast or skilled - one of the reasons we have classes in mountain biking - if you are willing to tie on a number plate and roll up to the line, you are a racer. There may be a "racer's mindset" of lighter is better and only speed and power matters, but only in a few people who never really get just riding. Because what is a race besides a one way ride? All the number plate means is you get to go as hard as you can without worrying about traffic? There might be prizes for the fastest, like with any sport. But without them, what is there to measure improvement against? To me, racing is the best way to measure my improvement as a rider - in my skills, the basics and yes, my speed. But at the end of the day, we are all still riders.

So to all the riders who looks at the "racers" and say "I wish I could do that," you can. Becoming a racer is as easy as signing up for the next event (Ascent Cycling Series - June 5th....) A one way ride with someone keeping time - but nothing else changes. It's still you, on the bike riding as we all love to do, just now with a few new friends! See you in Bear Creek - I'll be riding my bike!