tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1226582792024698090.post8336530621179572103..comments2010-09-19T09:10:20.093-07:00Comments on ECCC---Director's Call: Introduction to the FutureJoe Kopenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13629085901176090088noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1226582792024698090.post-45669920855847465112009-03-12T14:32:00.000-07:002009-03-12T14:32:00.000-07:00I started racing in the 2007 season when the Intro...I started racing in the 2007 season when the Intro categories were introduced. As one of two new and only female riders on the team that year, I found the category extremely helpful. However, it is also something that no one wants to really stay in since it gets a little repetitive. Two years later I finally feel that I understand the sport a lot better. Unfortunately at this point my schoolwork has taken away time from my training. So as that lonely rider in the back of the Women's B category, I just want to thank Caitlin for being there to urge me on a bit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1226582792024698090.post-39121126703648873672009-03-11T22:05:00.000-07:002009-03-11T22:05:00.000-07:00Notably, Intro Coaches are apparently also possess...Notably, Intro Coaches are apparently also possessed of hot bodies and dazzling skills. I was pretty sure that was the case, but now know it for sure:<BR/><BR/>http://mhccycling.blogspot.com/2009/03/tinted-windows.htmlJoe Kopenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13629085901176090088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1226582792024698090.post-61526555220138790352009-03-11T17:40:00.000-07:002009-03-11T17:40:00.000-07:00Well said! My first race ever was the Rutgers int...Well said! My first race ever was the Rutgers intro two years ago. Without it I probably would have gotten quickly demoralised and quit. I still remember the words of advice I got from my coaches there (the Army and Williams coaches) - absolute reassurance that I could make it as a bike racer. It gets the butterflies out of the stomach if nothing else. I was glad to see more time during the race-day schedule dedicated to intro this year. It's not a passing little formality anymore - the intro event was a central part of the race weekend, it felt like this time. I essentially demand all our first-time racers to do their first weekend in intro. I'll be out volunteering to coach intro soon, once I can finish with the pack in my own races and don't have that weighing on my mind. Thanks again for writing this.Graham Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14173834851422061241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1226582792024698090.post-8918030620196282342009-03-11T15:43:00.000-07:002009-03-11T15:43:00.000-07:00Stuff like this is why collegiate racing is the be...Stuff like this is why collegiate racing is the best thing that has happened to bike racing. Both my little sister and GF rolled around in an intro race at UVM two and three years ago. It got both of them real pumped on the whole scene. If it helps spark the passion for anyone it is worthwhile. If it saves a few patches of Road Rash or a trip in the ambulence then it is totally worth it.<BR/><BR/>A huge thank you to those who have put in the effort to make it happen.<BR/><BR/>Can't wait for MTB Skill Clinics.Sullyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16170092807281494014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1226582792024698090.post-30329688137347131812009-03-11T14:45:00.000-07:002009-03-11T14:45:00.000-07:00Intro is great and the support system on the ECCC ...Intro is great and the support system on the ECCC itself is amazing; there is positive energy everywhere. I had an Intro racer crash out on Saturday, only to be even more excited to race again on Sunday. The ECCC is about development, and Intro was one of the greatest ideas to expand that development to more and more riders.<BR/><BR/>Touché Joe, you and the ECCC are on the money with this one.Kyle Bruleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17474409564302087024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1226582792024698090.post-82156106358810067882009-03-11T12:15:00.000-07:002009-03-11T12:15:00.000-07:00Intro category is great. I spent an entire season...Intro category is great. I spent an entire season in Intro two years ago due to my out-of-shape-ness, a nagging knee injury and of course... having zero experience. I came out of the season with so much confidence and have been racing and improving ever since. We're even trying to institute similar practices at the local training series here in Pittsburgh. Good job to everybody involved... ECCC racing is where it's at.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com