Walking away.....

As you can read on Jesse's latest diary he is retiring from professional cycling. The decision was on his own terms without any outside pressure pushing him in that direction. He could have signed again with Jittery Joe's for 2006, but chose to take a different path for his life. To that I say, "Congrats!"

These moves are typically best when it's you making the decision rather than others making it for you. It feels good to be able to say, "Thanks, but I'm going in another direction." I can relate to that feeling having been through several similar situations in a professional sports environment. I haven't looked back since, and knowing Jesse as I do he won't live with any regrets either.

Like most people who come to Nashville (and drink the water) they end up staying. Fortunately, Jesse's plans include making Nashville his home with his soon bride to be. Jesse will remain involved in the sport, and with his desire to see cycling's exposure grow it means Nashville stands to gain considerably.

Lastly, I must say thanks to Jesse for playing a big role in the success of NashvilleCyclist.com. His regular diary contributions will be greatly missed by regular readers. It has been my pleasure to work with him throughout, and despite his retirement his influence and ideas for a better online cycling resource will definitely continue.

It's new chapter for everyone, but one that will be interesting to live out.