‘Ms Geiter, why do you ride bikes so much?’ is a common question from my 8th grade students. From September to June, I’m happily learning about space, physics, and genetics with ~130 middle schoolers in the small town of Walla Walla, WA. They are fascinated by my weekly trips to Portland or Seattle, how far and long and fast I ride, the strange spandex suits, and asking me how much money I make racing. My colleagues are shocked by my weekends filled with 4+ hour drives and muddy/rainy/cold races. And no, the kids don’t go easy on you just because you’re exhausted! My student’s big question - why do you race bikes? - is a good one.

This spring my favorite teaching colleague and I were talking about the grueling weekend I’d just finished with my road team, Gene Johnson. Besides cyclocross, I also love road racing. Our Northwest based team formed last year; we’ve been learning to execute group strategy and to ride for the team, rather than ourselves. We’d just returned from Tour de Bloom - 4 tough stages in 3 days - and I was questioning my capacity to survive the long week of teaching ahead. I lamented, and my colleague responded, ‘Rachel, racing fills your bucket.’ As usual, she’s correct. I feel alive while racing. For a short time, I’m immersed in a world of suffering, strategy, success, and failure; not thinking about anything else but the race. Competing, whether it’s mountain, cross, or road, brings me both satisfaction and joy. 

This last year of racing has been especially rewarding because I finally got a coach. I’ve learned most things are more enjoyable if you have the unwritten, yet pre-required fitness. Before coaching, I’d find myself often riding too easy or too hard, which built a limited engine. Coaching also provides peace of mind. It’s luxurious to finish a long school day and not have to think of the ‘right’ workout. Consistently completing thoughtfully planned training sessions have resulted in big gains. After never being part of a breakaway, I’ve started one in nearly every race this year. I realized I like climbing after a decade of distaste. I won my first ever road race and got my first UCI cross points! The last year has been filled with learning and growth. 

Also, the last year has been challenging, peppered with the death of loved ones. Time, and how one spends it, has been on my mind. I’ve asked myself if spending 2-3 hours a day training is a wise use of limited time on Earth. Racing isn’t a universal solution to a meaningful life. However it’s surprising that bike racing continues to bring me joy, and exponentially so. This season I’m excited to enroll as a ‘student’ of cyclocross with some special teachers from Team S&M. With the additional support and knowledge of the team, I’m hoping to secure top tens at UCI races again, nab some local wins, and improve my mud skills. I’m also looking forward to the companionship of fellow female cross racers, and encouraging the cross community with our passionate spirit. 

Come September, school and cross will begin; a time to pursue sport and more of life. There’s a common French saying, ‘Profitez bien’, meaning enjoy it, and take advantage - words I’ll try to remember in the classroom and at races. Cheers to the impending 2022 cyclocross season folks! Profitez bien! Let’s get it!