Robert Winder

We’re struggling with the news of Kristy Gough and Matt Peterson, their sad and untimely death is a reminder to us all of the struggles we face in our chosen sport.  It’s hard to get to sleep thinking of the traumatic events on Sunday on Stevens Creek Rd, and as the descriptions of what occurred have filtered through we’re all challenged to ride our bikes again.  But we must.

There are tough sports, we know that cycling is one of them.  The efforts involved in getting fit are huge, not just to reach the ultimate goal of being a pro, but to be competitive in a Cat 4 race like Merco Crit.  The hours of riding, early mornings, late evenings, rain, wind and sunshine all impact our required training.  Cycling takes dedication.  Racing at any level in Nor Cal requires a commitment beyond many other sports at an amateur level.

Passion is the biggest demand on us.  Passion is like a demanding playmate, it consumes our whole being, a time-filler with no equals.  Passion is the driving force to get you out of bed at 5am for that pre-work training ride.  Passion is the factor that will bring you to the next level of intensity when you need it the most.  Passion… without it, we’d be playing golf.

Kristy and Matt displayed their passion for our sport, the joy of winning, the result of sacrificing so much is etched into their faces in the photos that have outlasted them.

Why do it?  Because we must.  For now as an homage to their passion, but in time, because our own demanding passion will force us to.

See you on the road.