Hello I am Paul Wood. USDCA has just selected me as the new Deaf national head coach for both road and mountain cycling. I am really thrilled at being selected as I have over 22 years of competitive cycling experience. I had competed in six Deaflympics and two World Deaf Cycling Championships. I won the National Championship (Masters 30 - 34 against the hearing).
Throughout my cycling career, I have learned so much from racing including errors and such. Now at the end of my career, do I just toss away all what I have gotten? No way. I am going to make use of that experience and share to other cyclists whether they be veterans, novices or taking interest in cycling. That is my goal. Also, as the new coach with goals, responsibilities, and visions...it is my emphasis to keep the communication between USDCA, USADSF, the cyclists all over, and myself be all on the same page. Also, the level of awareness among the cyclists (about the USDCA ,etc) is very low. I want to raise it higher. I do not want any of Deaf cyclist to be in the dark about the future Deaf competition opportunities including Deaflympics and World Championships. I WANT all of them to be aware of those opportunities...regardless of whether they may be interested in going for or not.
In order to do this, more information will need to be shared through use of videos on the internet. Another responsibility in my role as the head coach, of course, is to focus on assisting potential Deaf competitors by giving them advice and tips on how to train and race effectively. I want to develop strong communication between them and me. That will also include determining which events each cyclist would do well in. The number one goal of the whole thing is to earn medals...not just going there (Deaflympics and World Championships) for entertainment.
Another thing that is important to me is to give motivation - to instill passion and "put fire under" each competing cyclists. This can be accomplished by making sure they know everything about the events of the competitions. And "knowing how to win" is the key that I need to implement. Once a cyclist tastes the sweetness of winning, then that is it- s/he will be really hooked into wanting more of that. It is all about bolstering confidence. In order to do this, it is my vision to include more vlogs of me giving various of tips and details on how to race smart.
For anything you need to know about, please feel free to get in touch with with me( I can be contacted via email or videophone) and I will do my best to offer answers. In my years as a Deaf competitive cyclist, I have experienced a lot of challenges and frustrations (due to communication barriers). I had to work hard to overcome those obstacles by joining bicycling clubs and being assertive in asking questions on the tips and techiques of cycling (correct measurement of bicycles, seat height and etc).
Now with all of what I have learned the hard way, I am hoping to make it easier by giving you all what I know. I look forward to working, motivating and encouraging you all.
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Ashley Fiolek Kicking Up Dirtby GerryPallor8,286 views
Good to see you! Look fwd to more of your videos. I know you will make a wonderful coach. Say hi to your parents.
Happy 2011!
Candace
mcculloughphd 1 year ago