What an amazing and inspiring story. I cannot say I was doing a 100 km race when I was eleven, in fact, I was probably climbing trees and still playing hide and seek most likely. For me to read that there are youngsters like Alex doing what I am doing as an adult is very inspiring.
Dillon, thanks for asking uncomfortable questions. It’s a gray line between fun and suffering to the point of resenting a sport.
I’ve been biking hard since I was a kid and peaked with a 70th place at Leadville and 5th at Tatanka. During leadville I wanted to quit biking and have a family. 6 years later, I’m still struggling to let go of the competition that I’ve associated with biking and deep down I want to sell 3 of my 4 bikes just to prove to myself my worth is not what I can do on a bike. Biking hard just is not fun anymore.
I appreciate that you point out parents or other figures in kids life may focus too much on one skill and blow it out of proportion not in the best interest of kids. Like getting their kid to be what they could never be or trying to recreate their own childhood. I’ve seen that happen a few times pretty seriously. I’m working through similar things as well now that I have a 3 year old daughter.
I don’t think the physical pain will keep anyone from biking. That goes away in a matter of hours and days and is replaced with the feeling “that was fun!”. For me I’ve struggled with the feelings of FOMO, shame and disappointment if I don’t keep doing those epic races and training rides. I dont regret the memories and achievement but they also are weighing on me while I try to move on. I want to be the guy riding a beach cruiser in flip flops with a huge smile on his face - that is still a work in progress.
Anyway this article really resonated with me at this moment in life as I’m finally coming out the other side of (amateur) competitive biking and it’s hard.
Congrats to Alex on an amazing achievement. Alex, please realize you can take your grit and determination to ANYTHING in life you want and you can succeed at anything YOU want to do. You aren’t just a good biker, you’ve shown everyone who you are THROUGH what you can do on a bike.
I am the Team Director for Lost in the Woods Racing (club team) and also our 3 Lost in the Woods NICA teams that our overall non profit support. Alex is special. He has grit. He inspires. Above all, he has a joy that is contagious. He will achieve greatness in anything he puts his mind to. We in the cycling community are fortunate that riding bikes (and riding them fast) is one of his passions in life. Our team is also fortunate to have both Alex and Denny with us. They epitomize what it means to Get Lost. Thank you for taking the time to share their story.
As the Mohican MTB100 and OMBC Series Director, it has been exciting to witness Alex as he has progressed to compete at a high level at such a young age. My 10 year old son, Justin, was inspired by Alex’s 100k finish and would like to follow in his tire tracks next year. Way to go Alex! Can’t wait to see what is ahead for you. Just keep it fun and it can be a lifetime of fun and adventure for you and your dad. 🏁👊🤠
What an amazing and inspiring story. I cannot say I was doing a 100 km race when I was eleven, in fact, I was probably climbing trees and still playing hide and seek most likely. For me to read that there are youngsters like Alex doing what I am doing as an adult is very inspiring.
Yep. I definitely wasn’t doing that at 11.
Dillon, thanks for asking uncomfortable questions. It’s a gray line between fun and suffering to the point of resenting a sport.
I’ve been biking hard since I was a kid and peaked with a 70th place at Leadville and 5th at Tatanka. During leadville I wanted to quit biking and have a family. 6 years later, I’m still struggling to let go of the competition that I’ve associated with biking and deep down I want to sell 3 of my 4 bikes just to prove to myself my worth is not what I can do on a bike. Biking hard just is not fun anymore.
I appreciate that you point out parents or other figures in kids life may focus too much on one skill and blow it out of proportion not in the best interest of kids. Like getting their kid to be what they could never be or trying to recreate their own childhood. I’ve seen that happen a few times pretty seriously. I’m working through similar things as well now that I have a 3 year old daughter.
I don’t think the physical pain will keep anyone from biking. That goes away in a matter of hours and days and is replaced with the feeling “that was fun!”. For me I’ve struggled with the feelings of FOMO, shame and disappointment if I don’t keep doing those epic races and training rides. I dont regret the memories and achievement but they also are weighing on me while I try to move on. I want to be the guy riding a beach cruiser in flip flops with a huge smile on his face - that is still a work in progress.
Anyway this article really resonated with me at this moment in life as I’m finally coming out the other side of (amateur) competitive biking and it’s hard.
Congrats to Alex on an amazing achievement. Alex, please realize you can take your grit and determination to ANYTHING in life you want and you can succeed at anything YOU want to do. You aren’t just a good biker, you’ve shown everyone who you are THROUGH what you can do on a bike.
Join me in riding bikes for fun!
Wow, thanks for such a thoughtful comment, Joe. And welcome to Cycotherapy!
I am the Team Director for Lost in the Woods Racing (club team) and also our 3 Lost in the Woods NICA teams that our overall non profit support. Alex is special. He has grit. He inspires. Above all, he has a joy that is contagious. He will achieve greatness in anything he puts his mind to. We in the cycling community are fortunate that riding bikes (and riding them fast) is one of his passions in life. Our team is also fortunate to have both Alex and Denny with us. They epitomize what it means to Get Lost. Thank you for taking the time to share their story.
Thanks for the comment, James. Glad you found the article!
As the Mohican MTB100 and OMBC Series Director, it has been exciting to witness Alex as he has progressed to compete at a high level at such a young age. My 10 year old son, Justin, was inspired by Alex’s 100k finish and would like to follow in his tire tracks next year. Way to go Alex! Can’t wait to see what is ahead for you. Just keep it fun and it can be a lifetime of fun and adventure for you and your dad. 🏁👊🤠
That's awesome. I know Justin can do it!
Fascinating story well-told. Thanks for having your multi-tool with you and for choosing sportsmanship and kindness over cut-throat-ism. Cool.
I don't think he will hate it, how could you?
Good point. But I think too much of anything, even cycling, could get old.
Incredible story on a child who grasps his fortitude and runs away with it!