At the starting line and focused, a young rider seems mismatched but maintains his composure, Crossroads Classic Bicycle Race, Salisbury, NC
At the starting line and focused, a young rider seems mismatched but maintains his composure, Crossroads Classic Bicycle Race, Salisbury, NC

 

Focus!

I photographed the Salisbury, NC, stage of the Crossroads Classic Bicycle Race back in August. In one of the men’s events a young boy lined up on the start line surrounded by  fully grown male participants and I remember thinking how unnerving that situation must be for him.  He seemed mismatched, his waist hardly as thick as some of their thighs knowing with the sounding of the start gun an all out sprint would begin for the first turn.  In that situation, being overwhelmed would have been understandable but, if he was, he never showed it.

Through the turn, Crossroads Classic Bicycle Race, Salisbury, NC
Through the turn (later in the race), Crossroads Classic Bicycle Race, Salisbury, NC

He kept his composure and his focus stayed true — down the course to the first turn objective. With the crack of the gun his lighter weight proved an advantage and he was within the top five or six as they reached that turn. It was only later when endurance became a factor that he started to fade.

Besides his focus, he did something else I admired greatly.  He took that front position on the starting line even when it seemed he had no chance.

So these days when I’m feeling tumbled about by life’s daily trials and opportunities, I try to remember to hold my place on the starting line and be focused on goals ahead.

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Steve Skinner
10 years ago

It’s important to keep that focus sharp. A supervisor once told me that if you want to be the general, then you have to think like the general!

Cedric Canard
10 years ago

These photos are excellent Earl. The first one is magic. You’ve done a wonderful job in post too.

Monte Stevens
10 years ago

Brave young man but seems like he can fit right in. And, you offer some good advice, “…to hold my place on the starting line and be focused on goals ahead.”