Terry Ritter
Primary Discipline:
Master's 45+, Road Cat 2
Other Disciplines:
Gravel, CX, MTB and Track
City Of Residence:
Royal Oak
Favorite Race:
Three races stand out for me. One is the old Mount Snow National. It was such a tough course and there was no cheating it. You either were a decent enough rider to handle the most technical terrain on the circuit or you weren't. And there was so much climbing it was silly. I always liked Yankee Springs because it suited my style of racing and was were I'd find my first signs of how my off season went. And, finally, I have a soft spot in my heart for the Iceman, as it finishes in my hometown and, though I have raced it in about every class and genre, I like to run my tandem there and share the race experience with someone else and not have a lot of pressure to perform, just try. I will also always enjoy my participation in the Tour de Leelanau road race.
Biggest Accomplishments
I was able to get my meager physical abilities to a level that I could nip at what I considered successful racing results. By tailoring my abilities to the courses that would reward it, I was able to get wins in MTB Expert and decent placings in the Elite class at places like Yankee Springs, Pontiac Lake, and Ore to Shore. The process of making myself the best I could be and how to use that was long, but it taught me a lot about coaching and optimizing others.
Advice
First, look at it as a journey and enjoy the steps. You only have your first success once. Next, find someone that will take an interest in your desire to improve and listen to them. If you want to get the most from the sport, find someone that can help you identify your weaknesses and then address them. That's where the area of improvement is most accessible.
If I'm Not Competing...
I like to coach and help others, and I get a lot of enjoyment from working with programs that aid cycling. I've had years where I've worked with the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, and am now working with the Michigan Bicycling Racing Association. My real interest is in helping a developmental team grow with Team Athletic Mentors.
One Thing You Don't Know About Me:
If you've never traveled to a race with me, I sing in the car (country, usually). Best not to let me pick the music.
