Bicycle racing can sometimes become very intense. As a young rider, I'm sure you've gone through moments of real pressure and anxiety. Most of the time these pressures come from outside sources such as your parents or even (NEVER!) your coach. Sometimes we are not sure how to act or react to certain situations we find ourselves in.

The very first thing you should remember is that this is supposed to be fun! If you have a mechanical breakdown, mental blow-up or just can't quite get things going, remind yourself that racing your bicycle is supposed to be fun! None of us are pro's and most of us never will be. Even if one of you makes it to the pro level, you better be having fun doing it or you better get out. OK now for some simple team rules and expectations regarding riders and parents actions.

Rule #1: You will have a mechanical in a race!
- Expect a mechanical sometime in your racing career. It is very rare for someone to never have a mechanical! The most common mechanical is the dreaded flat! It happens to everyone! If you get a flat, run to the pits and see if a wheel is available to replace your one with the flat. If there isn't one, run to the finish and finish your race knowing you did your best. Do not get angry, throw a fit or leave for the day mad because you (this especially includes you parents!) had a flat. Check the race off your to do list and move on. Parents; loading your kid up angry and leaving for the day sets a very bad example for your child! There are more important issues in our world (WAR, Hunger, and Violence) than a simple mechanical in a race!

Rule #2: Act professionally when you win and when you lose.
- There is nothing worse than a bad loser than a bad winner! If you win your race, go up to your competitors and congratulate them for their efforts. DO NOT BRAG ABOUT HOW YOU WON BY OVER 5 MINUTES! Trust me; they already know you beat them! Be a good winner! Do not brag about your wins! Be humble! You will lose more friends bragging about a win and will gain more friends and respect by not bragging. Let them congratulate you and then say thank you.

Rule #3: Talking while others are trying to talk to a group is
unacceptable.
- Juniors, when a coach, instructor, parent or anyone else is trying to address a group, be quiet! Having a discussion amongst yourself while an instructor who volunteers their time is trying to speak is flat out rude and is not acceptable if you are on this team. At the Wednesday evening cross workout, instructors are there to teach and are volunteers. Do not waist their time by being rude!

Rule #4: Remember your actions are a direct reflection on your team, sponsors, parents, yourself and me! Think before you do something that will reflect poorly on the team and those involved. If your not sure you are about to do the right or wrong thing, don't do it!

Rule #5: Cover your knees when the temp is below 60 degrees. This is an injury preventative rule. Your knees are very important and when it gets below 60, things don't move so well. Cover them and keep them healthy.

OK, those are some very simple rules that we expect you to follow and think about. Oh yeah, parents, these apply to you too! You also represent this team, sponsors, your kid, yourself and me!

Thank you for reading this and making sure each junior has read it and thank you in advance for following these simple rules and also beating me by 5 minutes! Now let's have fun!