CrimsonKarter21

I subconciously let my plans of racing glory slip tonight on my team's Google Group.
I let slip that I have had a secret savings fund labelled "Belgium" for the past year.
After being confronted, I also let slip that this savings fund could be depleted within a year, and would take roughly 6 months to completely dissolve.


I figured that since 50+ people already have gotten the memo, I might as well inform the "public". But first, we'll see how 2009 goes.

Road Fan

How has Johan Bruyneel responded? Are they opening up a slot for you?

You're not planning a European peleton debut in the Paris-Roubaix, are you?

MJH2

I must be dense.

Your post is either very cryptic or doesn't say a whole lot. You're saving money. You want to spend this money racing/riding your bike in Europe. I get that much.

Why must this be some sort of secret? Are you a Secret Agent Man, or something?

nocondorfx

garysol1 

TrekDen

I figure he's going to celebrate by tilting a few "Belgium's" back after his successful endeavor's.

Denny

spry

I have a 19 yr old college athlete so I,ll translate:
Mitch has a secret stash of bling put away to be a race playa with the frogs in Europe.
He is down with fact he could not be fat after 6 months there.

garysol1 

So Mitch...How would your new team that just gave you the new Giant and Zipps feel about you moving to Europe?

MJH2

I figured out the problem with this thread...

I mean, I figured out the first problem with this thread. It starts with (title) something about letting "it slip". It does not end, however with letting us know a due date, or if they're getting married. This is why I'm confused

nocondorfx

at first I thought it was something like in stepbrothers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AMgagxCvZQ

CrimsonKarter21

Well, I am moving to Belgium. In a year or more. I have an option to outright buy my current equipment at the end of the year for somthing rediculously cheap.
I've got 14 months to figure out everything. I'm taking every risk while I can. If I fail (which is a pretty good chance) I'm going to be poor, living in crappy Cleveland and without a penny to my name.

garysol1 

Do it now....Have no regrets!

spry

Hey slick,
Some of us spent half a century in crappy Cleveland.
What are you telling me?

CrimsonKarter21

Consider me in the classic role of the Coal-Miner's Son. It may have worked for you all, but not for me.

RJBTrek

Good for you! There will always be money that can be made but youth is fleeting.

Psimet2001 

No need to be redundant.

...and at your age money is highly overated. I didn't take nearly enough risks as I should have at that age. All because I thought it was important to have money then. I would be much more successful if I had taken more risks then....enjoy your youth.

...you've heard the expression regarding negotiations that goes "don't leave any money onthe table"? Well don't leave any of your youth on the table.

spry

"there,s no place like home"
Dorthy from Kansas

But see the world while you can Mitch,its worthwhile.
The current Ryanf travel plan would not cost you a dime.

Frunkin

Here's my 4 step program:
1. Train
2. Kick ass
3. Get on national team
4. Go to Belgium for free

Through results this year or the next, plus contacts through your team, this probably isn't too far off.

Severian

mmm... Belgium. Best beer that side of the pond.

CrimsonKarter21

I'm not going to waste my life doing something I don't believe in.

I think that by doing this all on my own, I'll be able to achieve more. Trust me, I've thought about trying to shoot for the National Team, but I think that by being unattached will teach me a lot more.
Plus, I hate handouts. I actually felt like a freeloader by accepting a bike and wheels from my team. What can I say, my mother screwed me up on that note.

momof4greatkids

+1 what he said.....you can be old and cautious in your 30's and 40's and beyond.....now is the time, be young and carefree.

Frunkin

I know two guys who spent time on the national team. One of them is on the livestrong U23 team, the other is on BMC. It gets you into races that you can't enter yourself. You can race all the kermesses you want unattached, but the national team can get you into the U23 versions of most of the pro tour races. Including Paris-Roubaix.

So yeah you can go alone, but the national team gets your name out there in higher level races. If I upgrade this year it's definitely something I'm going to look into.

invwnut

At your age I say take a chance. You have plenty of time to catch up. It will teach you some humbling characteristics you may yet have. At least you can say you did it on your own and you will know that you didn't fail even if you don't get to where you want. My neice is doing the same thing and I think it is great. I wish I took the time to stop and smell the roses and do something oustside the box. You may/or may not make it but that is what you are setting out to achieve.

Psimet2001 

Dude....I'm 34 with a wife and kid. I have a mortgage, 2 cars, tons of crap and a rockin bike habit. I may be looking at losing my job like right now....


....go do whatever you want while you can. Apologize to people later.

invwnut

Hell I'm 40 in April. I have been laid off 3x, not married so I'm lucky. I have two homes, one which I can't sell. But I have 3 cars, all kinds of sporting goods and a dog. I just became a HS chem teacher after 17yrs of on and off jobs. I love what I do but I wish I didn't focus on working so soon before I got to enjoy life. I enjoy my life now but do it when it's less complicated.