Hello Bulldog nation!
Well, it's that time of year again. Back to school means time to start thinking about MTB racing. Here in South ATX, the team management is already planning out the season. From fundraising to new kit designs to training plans. We are full steam ahead. I wanted to take some time and share some rider stories with our family and friends. So, I sent out some questionnaires to a few riders. Here is what I got back from Logan Poore, one of our outstanding JV riders.I sent Logan a few questions to get his thoughts on last years tight JV championship battle, his perspective the team and his new season goals. Check out and enjoy his insights below.
What's it like being the 2018 Texas State HS MTB Champion?
To put it simply, I’m the best there is, plain and simple. I wake up in the morning and piss excellence. But I'll tell you this, If you ain’t first, you’re last. I mean, I’m basically a god gifted hairy American racing machine. There’s nothing else to it. - Ricky Bobby
Just kidding...
It feels great knowing that I have the skills and experience to hold my own on the trail. At the beginning of the year I had no idea I would be contending for the champion’s jersey but at the end I was proud to represent the team and coaches that pushed me past my limits, past my goals and to a level I never thought possible.
Do you feel any pressure going into the 2019 season as the defending champion?
As I am moving from Junior Varsity to Varsity I feel no pressure to keep my title, but rather an incentive to achieve my goal of placing in the top five next year. I’m eager to be racing with a highly skilled group of people, who are all prepared to give it their best effort.
What was your favorite race of last year?
My favorite race of last year was Rocky Hill Ranch. Featuring some of the gnarliest features and longest downhills. I took a liking to the trail's feel and flow. As well, it was my first and proudest win of the season. I believe it was where the hard work started to pay off and the results matched the effort. But overall its hard to choose a favorite venue as each and every one had their own features that made them enjoyable.
Why should someone on the fence about joining the Bulldog MTB team just do it?
The reason I chose mountain biking over traditional sports is the black and white nature of it. You get out exactly what you put in and I like that. A separate and possibly even greater motive would be the huge advantage Austin, and specifically Bowie has. With trails starting from Bowie and leading for almost one hundred miles across the city it is easier than ever to get on a bike and learn a life-lasting skill.
What was one thing you learned about yourself fighting for the state championship?
Over the past year I have found myself growing more competitive. Mountain biking gives me motive to push through every day and look forward to the weekend races. I find every aspect enjoyable, from the toughest climbs to the smoothest decent. Its given me a desire to go farther than I ever thought I could.
What are your goals for the 2019 season?
For the upcoming season I aspire to be in the top five of Varsity. Having had that same goal last year, I hope that through effort and hard work my results will reach, if not exceed my expectations.
Stay tuned for a few more Q & A posts from some other Bulldog riders.