Growing Up
Provided courtesy of Saris Cycling Group
My older brother and his wife are going to have a baby in three weeks. It will be their first child — the first of our family’s next generation. Between baby showers and trips to ‘Babies R Us,’ I’ve been taking every opportunity to make fun of him, razing him that he’s not going to have enough time to make it to ‘Bed Bath and Beyond’ before he has to convert his “man office” into the new “baby room,” pulling down in the process all the plaques, awards, and pictures that have marked his well traveled career as a military helicopter pilot.
But, as I run amuck Peter Pan style all over France and as facetious as I am with my brother about becoming a parent, I can’t help and also take pause at the fear, hope, and simple possibility that exists as he and his wife settle into this next major phase of their lives — a phase where the medallions of his youth are being cashed in for real adulthood. Beyond the Tour, it’s been the first and last thing on my mind each day.
So when a reporter asked me, almost cynically, about how Christian has transformed from a domestique to one of the top riders at this year’s Tour, I simply asked, “Do you have kids?” When he replied that he did, I then asked him how he made that transformation. How did he grow from a child to man, son to father, follower to leader. He got the point immediately.
There are moments in our lives that are simply thrust upon us. As much as we might prepare for those moments, it’s not until we are in them that our strengths or weaknesses show. I always hear ‘them’ say that there’s nothing that can prepare you. That it’s so much harder than you could ever imagine. And at the same time so much better.
It’s bizarre to me that only nine months ago at our first team camp in Boulder, all we wanted was to make it to the Tour de France. At the time, I know that Christian couldn’t have been ready to lead us to a top ten finish, as our invite itself was tenuous at best. If anything, I think he was just looking forward to having a quiet season where he could rebuild and take things slowly – test the waters of leadership with a very talented but very young and blissfully ignorant group of riders and staff.
Like little children, we followed our bliss, and as our simple goal of making it and then actually racing the Tour gained more and more momentum, our team got pregnant. As much as we all take ownership in this little baby, it was really Christian who emerged as our Big Daddy. As he crossed the line atop L’Alpe d’Huez today after more than six hours of painful labor, fifteen thousand feet of climbing, and one of the most exciting yet slowest ascents up to L’Alpe d’Huez in more than a decade, I felt more than just proud. I felt scared, excited, and a whole new sense of responsibility for the future.
A new era in professional cycling is upon us. It’s an era where guys like Christian can actually start dreaming and believing again. But like all new generations, there will always be a few snakes, just as prone to the mistakes of the past. In the end, I can only believe that our unconditional love for this sport will give us the strength and patience to keep us all on the right track. I guess it only gets more complicated from here. And I guess that’s just fine with me. Cause even though I don’t have my own kids, I’m finally starting to understand what George Norlin meant when he took inspiration from Cicero and stated, “who knows only his generation, remains always a child.” It was a sentiment that later inspired George Santayana to write,“those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
The past is still very fresh in my mind – in all of our minds – and more than ever, I’m just glad that Peter Pan is finally growing up.
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on Friday, July 25th, 2008 at 1:22 am and is filed under Features, Garmin Web Site, Home Page and tagged with Allen Lim, Christian Vande Velde, Tour de France.
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Powerful, beautiful stuff. Forget the “space legs,” I think you just might be the team’s secret weapon. Congrats on a breakaway, breakthrough season.
This is writing almost too good for a blog.
Go Christian!
An eloquent metaphor, Allen. See you in Paris!
jvv
Allen,
Obviously I am vry excited about Christian’s ride this year. He has exceeded so many expectations. But, I also want to let you know what a fantastic writer I think you are. I have been aware of your writing and analysis for many years, from your research on power that was in Velonews, to the first and second Floyd Landis power perspectives that you wrote. It is fantastic stuff, way more inciteful and enjoyable than “other” coaches (CC). Keep it up, and consider writing a book, about experiences as well as excercise (cycling) physiology!! I will pre-order!!!
As a parent of 2 young boys – who also love watching the “daddys” race their bikes – I love your analogy of how VdV went from domestique to team leader. Thanks again for sharing your insight and giving those of us on the outside a glimpse into your personal lives. It makes following the team so much more fun.
Thanks Allen for a thoughtful well written article. Are Garmin going to be known for their writing as well as the riding? Looking forward to what the growing team will do – but don’t loose all the childhood things. We all benefit when some of our childhood lasts throughout life.
Poetic, eloquent and deftly drawn. Thanks for the well written words Allen. Whenever any of you (or anyone) attempts to connect larger scenarios to the personal level, the result is stronger than it would otherwise be. Bonus for dropping Cicero AND Santayana in the same post!
This was an awesome addition to the blog. I’ll look forward to more, and be pulling for VDV to slay in the TT tomorrow.
As a parent of a rising college junior, and also as the parent who’s “baby” is entering college in the fall, I fully understand the sentiments that are shared. And it is not only at childbirth, it continues. Growth and maturation are continual. You never know when it happens, but after it does, you know that it did. And as for the team, it too will grow and mature over time. Thanks for sharing, and as a 50 year old who has returned ot the cycling of his youth, thanks for the enjoyment of the team this year.
marc
Great post! Thanks for your contributions.
My, what exemplary writing. I would hope that it has brought about some understanding of “the cycle” of cycling. I can only hope.
Allen, great to read your wisdom. Methinks you are not the only ‘doting dad’ of a beautiful emergence who is having his wounds healed. Paul is also writing some profound wisdom and its lovely to see that at last, the future, because we look back, is looking bright!!
Lucky little niece or nephew!!!!!!
Allen, it’s great to see your words of wisdom here. You are truly amazing and the team is so lucky to have you! I have seen videos of you working the numbers on your computer at the laundromat, fixing their meals, and even handing out the musettes in the feed zone. You do it all!
I was lucky enough to see you and the riders after the last stage of Tour of CA (Pasadena). It was awesome to see the guys win Best Team. If you remember… thanks for the favor! Hope to see you guys in February!
I am seriously about to die with happiness for the entire Garmin team, and VDV especially. You guys are bringing the love back and the future finally looks bright for the sport of cycling. This Tour has been the most compelling of any that I’ve watched over the last 10 years (final ITT and we don’t know who the winner will be? Astounding!!!) and I can only attribute that to the clean cycling movement led by teams like Garmin.
VDV, in the words of the mighty Deion, DO WHAT YOU DO! in tomorrow’s ITT and enjoy Sunday’s ride to Paris as the champion that you are.
I am impressed and inspired by your writing, as you so clearly bring forth the essence–what is really important, just like in your work with the team. Your brother’s child will be fortunate to call you Uncle Allen.
As the parent of two, who’s father did not make the transition to man from boy, I can honestly say it is not a given that one matures. It takes mentors, guides, examples, support and a willingness to do the work.
I am not surprised at the success of the team–it’s do to the strong mentoring, support, and guiding that you all engage with each other. And everyone’s willingness to do the work!
What I hear most from the team in interviews and writings is how much the everyone is thrilled to be on the team with each other. What better statement to future success can there be?
Keep it up!
Dr Lim,
Inspiring words, in so many ways. Thanks for sharing.