Why Little 5 matters

In less than two weeks, the men's and women's Little 500 races will finally take place. During the last few months, the same question has been asked by practically every non-rider on campus: How can those crazies ride bikes in 20 degree weather? After riding last year, I can answer this question.\nEvery single rider has different motivations for training for the Little 500. However, from all of the riders I have talked to, they seem to participate for at least one, if not all, of the following reasons: First, they are very competitive and enjoy the challenge of racing. Second, they ride for self improvement: either to become more athletic and/or to mentally challenge themselves. Third, they want to represent an organization they belong to. Whether it's a dorm, fraternity, sorority, club or independent team, they want to make their fellow members proud on race day.\nWhat Little 5 riders give up to become great racers is incredible. They reduce their social lives. They make large time commitments to training, often on top of working part time. They suffer many injuries unseen by spectators. Broken bones, tendonitis, cuts, nicks, bruises, scrapes and torn ligaments are all par for the course. Plus, most Little 5 teams use their spring breaks to train rather than soak up the rays on the beach. While everyone else was out partying, they were getting to bed early and rising with the sun so they could bike 40 miles.\nOnly those close to the race can appreciate just how fragile it is. Riders will spend months, even a whole year, training for a few hours on a Friday or Saturday afternoon. Mechanical problems? A few wrecks? Rotten luck is all that is needed to push a talented team to the back of the pack or out of the race entirely. Some teams are not even able to participate in the race due to lack of spots, so a few bad exchanges during qualifications and a team's Little 500 dreams can end in an afternoon.\nMany of us who have been at IU for a while know a rider. However, I am sure there are students who have never met anyone on a team. These students may have never been to a Little 500 and might not plan on going this year. I cannot recommend enough how incredible this experience is. Even if you have no one to root for, make sure you let a Little 5 rider know how much you appreciate them. \nBecause even if no team represents a group you belong to on campus, they still represent you and our University to the rest of world. The Little 500 is a global event. When I was in Europe this summer, French cycling fans commented on my T-shirt, and other riders have had similar experiences. Back in the United States, almost any Big Ten graduate knows what the Little 5 is. Here on campus, you'll be surprised how many times job recruiters will ask you a few questions about this year's race. \n What I'm trying to say is that even if you think you have no ties to the Little 500, you're mistaken. The race does nothing but provide a strong, positive image of our school and our traditions. For this we owe all riders a vote of thanks, and it's surprisingly easy to let them know your gratitude.\nOverhear riders talking? Interrupt and wish them good luck. See riders climbing up hills on the outskirts of Bloomington? Give them a wave and some extra room as you drive by. Little things like this are all it takes to make a rider even more glad to be working so hard for you, their team, their organization and our University.