Train with the best, and lift the rest.
It’s not a mantra, it’s a goal.
To keep myself sharp, I constantly search out the best riders and rides. Training with people who are better, always lifts my game. I push harder to stay with them, and in the process I learn all I can.
Many of the best riders are quite approachable. They typically are very willing to share their wisdom. This typically takes place after they’ve handed my head to me and we are in the cool down portion of the ride.
Riding “on the rivet” can’t be done every day.
My easy days, I do my best to get my pals out to spin and chat and have some fun. At these times, it’s easy for me to download what I’ve learned and help my friends find a little more joy in this wonderful sport.
Corollary:
The only shame in getting annihilated on a ride is in not learning from it.
The only shame in riding with a “Barney” is in not sharing what we know.