Not like a wussy

"Like a pro."

That would be nice to hear, wouldn't it?

"You look like a pro in those socks."
"You bridged to that breakaway perfectly - like a pro."
"Man, you cleaned that gnarly stretch of singletrack like a pro."
"Awesome nature break, dude - totally pro."

I've said before that cycling is nothing if not aspirational. And aspiring to be "pro" (whatever that means to each of us) probably governs much of what we do in this sport, and how we do it. But I'm also an advocate of setting achievable near-term goals, and of not taking ourselves too seriously when we don't achieve them (and particularly when we do).

So this week launches the new GamJams Racing Curriculum Series, written exclusively by racers for racers. Dubbed "Not like a Wussy," the series examines all aspects of bike racing, with the primary objective of making you faster, and the secondary objective of keeping you from looking like you don't know what you're doing.

Why is it important to do something not like a wussy? In bike racing, confidence is king. Training makes you faster, but confidence lets you use your fast when you need it. And let's face it - the only thing worse than losing is looking like a loser. This is a sport where style is as important as speed, and where we measure our success not just in podiums, but in panache.

So here is what you've got to look forward to over the next few months. Part of it anyway. If you have a topic you're an expert on and want to contribute, let me know.

Not Like a Wussy Publishing Schedule:

How to not run cross barriers like a wussy (Oct 08)
Marc Vettori, C3-Sollay.com

How to not attend a training camp like a wussy (Nov 08)
Jay Moglia, Route 1 Velo / Arrow Bicycle

How to not ride an indoor trainer workout like a wussy (Dec 08)
Joshua Goyet, Virginia Beach Wheelmen

How to not do a group ride like a wussy (Jan 09)
Jesse Liefert, Route 1 Velo / Arrow Bicycle

How to not launch an attack like a wussy (Feb 09)
Chuck Hutcheson, Battley Harley-Davidson / Sonoma

How to not write a race report like a wussy (Mar 09)
Mike May, Artemis

How to not corner like a wussy (Apr 09)
Jared Nieters, Haymarket Bicycles p/b Function Drinks

Comments

[Kyle]

Chucks write up will only have Attack as the only verb in his write up.

I would like to see Ramon do a write up "How not to arrive too early to a race like a wussy."