After the Thanksgiving day Northwest Harvest ride, I had the opportunity to chat over coffee with a half-dozen members of First Rate Mortgage. “FRM” is a well-established team with a serious racing focus, and includes some of the best racers in the Pacific Northwest.
Unfortunately, my camera died that morning, so here is a stock photo of the 2007 Men’s First Rate Mortgage Team.
At the veteran end of the spectrum, team leader Mick Walsh was excited that Kenny Williams is competing at the Track World Cup races in Sydney this weekend and in Beijing in 2 weeks. While the opportunity to train with riders like Mick and Kenny is a big attraction for young ambitious riders, the new riders also acknowledged that the team’s friendly chemistry was key in their decision to join FRM.
Newcomers Dan Doran and Sean Henderson bubbled with excitement about being on a team with experienced veterans like Mick and Kenny, and at the opportunity to develop their racing skills. Dan and Sean clearly have serious ambitions, and FRM is a team where they can go as far as their abilities will take them.
As we discussed training tips, Martha Walsh let us in on Mick’s secret weapon: He is a master of the post-ride nap. Riders with big ambitions, take note. Mastering the nap is key (Floyd Landis famously napped under the registration table after one of his races.)
I could tell that masters level rider Martin Senkyrik has experienced his fair share of cycling-induced misery, and it’s by-product, sarcasm: “This team is friendly? These new guys must not have talked with me yet.” He wasn’t serious, of course.
For Martin, FRM is a family affair. Although he is from the Czech Republic, he only started cycling seriously 4 years ago (I assume that most Europeans exit the womb on a bike…) and is in his second season with FRM. His son Jiri, 19, is a category 2 rider who is is starting his 3rd season with the team. Last season Jiri wanted to race the Elkhorn Classic Stage Race and he needed a ride. Martin drove Jiri to the race, decided to enter it himself and has been racing since. Racing and training together is a great way for Martin to get in quality time with his son. To complete the circle, Jiri’s mom Jitka is a member of the newly formed FRM women’s squad.
I had been in touch with Martha Walsh off and on since I moved to Seattle. First, as I looked for potential teams and clubs to ride with, then again when I became the P-I cycling blogger. Martha has played a big role in women’s competitive cycling in Seattle, and helped FRM to launch a women’s team for 2008.
Representing the new women’s team at coffee was Robin Secrist, winner of the 2007 Seafair Triathlon. Mick and Martha consider Robin to be a talented athlete who should excel at bicycle racing. For her, team chemistry was critical in her decision to join FRM. In email correspondence, Robin commented: “Martha has put together a great group of girls and after just a few rides I feel connected to everyone. I am very fortunate to be a part of this group and have access to the wealth of knowledge that is available on FRM.“
Best wishes to both the FRM men’s and women’s teams. We’ll periodically check in with them as the road season gets underway in a few months.
I promise to bring extra camera batteries the next time we meet!
