Envy

Sometimes when I read blogs of fellow riders who live in 4-season cycling environments I am envious. I’m envious that they never have to take 45 minutes just to weatherproof themselves before they go out and ride during the December-March months. I’m envious that they never have to worry about numb fingers and toes and the ever-looming ominous threat of frostbite. And I’m envious that they don’t need a bike dedicated simply to the salty icy conditions and probably don’t even own studded tires.


Today I rolled 82 miles of snow-covered winter wonderland landscape. The miles were slow and arduous and mentally therapeutic. I feel bad for those riders who have never got to experience a day like today.

Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood

On this day, I wish I could go back to this moment in time, even if just for a minute or so. I wish I could capture the magic that Christmas morning once was with my family. Memories are all I have now. It’s amazing how a day that was once filled with so much, can now feel so empty.

On this day, I will cherish the memories of my brother and do my best to create new ones with those he has left behind.

That though the radiance which was once so bright be now forever taken from my sight. Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, glory in the flower.
We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.

And O, ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves,
Forebode not any severing of our loves!
Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might;
I only have relinquished one delight
To live beneath your more habitual sway.
I love the Brooks which down their channels fret,
Even more than when I tripped lightly as they;
The innocent brightness of a new-born Day
Is lovely yet;
The Clouds that gather round the setting sun
Do take a sober colouring from an eye
That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality;
Another race hath been, and other palms are won.
Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears

-William Wordsworth

Have a Superfly Holiday!!!

The stockings have been hung from the chimney with care...while visions of bombing trails in 2010 danced in my head.

Some Rides...

Some rides separate the strong willed from the weak.

Some rides require a little more gumption than they’re probably worth.

Some rides are more beneficial to your mental fortitude rather than physical.

Some rides keep you asking the whole time; Why am I out here?…this is just silly, I am miserable, sitting at home on the couch seems like so much better of an option right now.

Tonight was one of those rides.

Finally, when some rides are over, you are left feeling like there was no other place you would have rather been.

Resurrection from Complacency

It’s been about a month since I’ve had anything to say that people would care to read about. Actually, I’ve had a tremendous stream of thoughts going through my head but haven’t quite been able to formulate the words to describe them.

My personality is such that I don’t do well when I don’t have some kind of ambitious and audacious goal I’m chasing after and looking down the road towards. However, thanks to some recent delivery of some fresh fish and a few new ideas, I believe I am officially coming out of the funk.

Despite my new found focus, I’ve still been searching for the right motivation and fuel for the fire. I stumbled across this video today which has really captured some of the feelings I’ve been having in a form that transcends words. My heart dropped the first time I watched it as it conveyed so many emotions I've been having so clearly.

Enjoy. This blog is finally up and running again.

Fly One Time @ Yahoo! Video

I'm going to try flying one more time.

2009 Iceman Cometh Report: The Season Dénouement

grass roots
Function: noun
Date: 1901
1 : the very foundation or source
2 : the basic level of society or of an organization especially as viewed in relation to higher or more centralized positions of power

The Iceman Cometh Challenge has become nothing short of a cultural phenomenon! Celebrating its 20th anniversary this season, the race boasted an all time participation high, seeing 4000+ racers voluntarily brave the 28 mile, rolling hill course and the Frankie Andreu described condition of “lactic acid up to your eyeballs”.


The ceremonial lemon pledging of the steed pre-race


This year’s race brought about much enthusiasm, excitement, and preparation for the race. I myself, hosted the second annual Ice Ice Baby ride designed to equip racers with the gumption necessary to face the arduous task of subjecting your heart rate to its redline for 1.5-2 hours. To win at Iceman, much less to even podium at Iceman, no matter what category you are in, seals your name in the races rich history. I am pleased to report that we had 7 riders this year that participated in the Ice Ice Baby ride and also stood atop the podium. I was very happy and content to report that I was one of these racers, finishing 5th in the singlespeed category. In addition, we had four participants that placed in the top 20 in the Pro field. The big wheeled steeds also proved dominant as the two Gary Fisher/Subaru racers JHK and Sam Shultz respectively claimed 1st and 2nd!

JHK and Sam Scultz atop the Pro Podium Photo: © Amy Dykema


What makes Iceman special is the races dedication to its grassroots foundation. What started as a mass start race of just over 30 or so racers has grown into a 4000 plus rider race while still maintaining that Mid-Western laid back vibe. Steve Brown, race promoter, can still be seen milling around the field talking to each rider and thanking them for their participation and commitment to the sport. It seems only natural that Gary Fisher is the main sponsor of such an event. The race oozes what Fisher Bikes is all about, bikes by the people and for the people.
The Mayhem!


Furthermore, if the event in and of itself is not enough, the after party is well worth the price of admission despite your race result. It’s a celebration of shared passion, oat sodas, big wheels, beards, and genuine laughs that will have you telling stories for weeks and months to come on your local group rides. I’m already dreaming about next year’s race! If you haven’t made the obligatory pilgrimage to the Iceman Cometh, see to it that it falls onto your schedule next year…it is well worth the price of admission.

MyNorth.com Video: Video: The Iceman Cometh Race Gets Perfect Day for 20th Year

Gratitude

Undoubtedly this has been one of the toughest years of my life for myself as well as my family. When I reflect on it, I can say that it has been filled with my lowest of lows but also my highest of highs.

In the midst of my grief I have been able to whole-heartedly depend on several members of my team for strength and stability. My gratitude for this community is immense and it is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Last week was our team banquet at Dick O’ Dows. My eyes welled up as I received this award from the team for my accomplishments this past season. I’m at a loss of words to describe my elation other than that this was one of my highest of highs.

Thank you Wolverine Racing Team!