Music is my passion. Even though I may not be out performing as much as I’d like lately, (which is going to change soon), I’m thinking or working on music or music related anything pretty much every waking hour.
So if I’m talking to you and not totally engaged, it’s not you, I’m most likely thinking about a song, singing a song, or working out a song in my head (sorry).
The only other thing that takes my time is mountain biking.
I’ve been so focused on music lately (when I’m not working the day job, which I totally concentrate on when I’m there, I swear), that I’ve put biking on the back burner this season pretty much. I feel it too. Not only when I go to put my leather pants on, but mentally too.
It’s either music or biking in my house.
Our house is an eclectic mix of guitars, music equipment, cds, stereos, ipods, bikes and bike gear. Both inside and outside.
My significant other’s passion is mountain biking.
He’s been riding for a long time and racing for about 10 years.
He had a really great race season this year; I think he was on the podium every race this season (if he knew I mentioned that he’d be pissed he’s very modest about his wins…me, not so much).
His dedication to racing amazes and inspires me.
He trains year round. One month off. He doesn’t stray from his schedule unless he’s sick (which doesn’t happen very often).
I wish I had that dedication for sure, but pisces are notorious for being lazy and I’ve raced more than a few times myself it’s freaking hard!
I don’t understand why he races, but he doesn’t really understand why I get up on a stage and open my soul either but he understands my passion.
I figured I’d ask him a few questions about it.
RB: When did you start mountain biking and why that sport in particular?
LEE: I started when I stopped going to the pub for beers. Mountain Biking because I’m an adrenalin junkie who wanted a level of fitness in my lifestyle.
RB: Why do you race?
LEE: People who are passionate about racing are wired differently than people who aren’t, it’s a lifestyle that you either understand or don’t understand.
RB: If you didn’t race, would you still train?
LEE: Yes, cause sooner or later you end up riding with someone and if there’s two of you, it’s a race.
RB: Were you athletic as a kid?
LEE: No, I had things with engines.
RB: Do you think about biking all the time?
LEE: Not all the time. I mean, I’ve got to work.
But if you want to be good at something it’s got to be part of your lifestyle, so it takes a lot of thought.
RB: Are you thinking about biking now?
LEE: While watching Dancing With The Stars (Robin makes me), a little.
RB: How many bikes do you own? Be honest now
LEE: (Sighs) One, two, three, four hmmm, six rideable, another 5 carcasses that I steal parts from do you think that’s too many? I just sold one.
RB: Advice for others getting into racing or even biking?
LEE: If you want to race, you have to enjoy it, don’t kid yourself, if you want to ride, find people who are of the same skill level as you; try a skills clinic to learn some basics.
RB: Road or mountain bike?
LEE: Road biking is something I do to change it up. I’d sooner be in the wilderness away from cars.
RB: Do you still get nervous at the starting line?
LEE: Starting lines are brutal. It’s the most nerve wracking thing I can ever imagine. Some people are calm and relaxed; my heart rate’s usually pegged at 180 once the gun goes off I settle in within a minute, but start lines are terrible, oh yeah.
RB: Most memorable race?
LEE: Always the last race I raced. Always.
RB: Am I or am I not the best water bottle passer in race history?
LEE: Totally. If your readers have never been to a mtb race, they need to go to a really big one and watch the feed zone. That’s just about as much fun as watching the race itself. I really need a calm and organized person- and that’s just for me. I’ve seen you feed multiple racers…people are jealous over my feed zone girl. I’m sure some couples have gotten divorced over what happens in the feed zone.
RB: What do you tell yourself when you just don’t feel like training?
LEE: You don’t get results without the work, and your competition isn’t training this hard.
