Making it Real

 Being Nostalgic.....for many reasons

It's not really in my interest to write a wholesale training blog, nor to replicate what so many are doing on their YouTube channels. Often, I write only for myself. Somewhere along the way, I found that recitation (in the form of writing) allows me personally to explore the depths of my inner-being. Writing, unlike anything else, forces one to layout a conscious thought, examine and finally relate it to an audience. I do a fair amount of technical writing in my line of work, in which knowing your audience is critical. When writing in the BLOG, quite often I may be writing as if a specific individual alone will read the message. Way too often, I think I am my own audience and find myself waxing nostalgic, as though I'm need to heal my own soul.

Returning to the scene of the crime

This past week seemed to have delt several cards that did cause time for inner reflection. One evening in particular found myself visiting a place I had before during the summer of '77.  I thought about the bus ride that seemed to go on for days, the campground we stopped at and particularly the bus driver that tolerated the load of vermin that we all were. Everything and I do mean everything has changed - not surprisingly, given the more than four decades that have passed. Still, I had to stop and really think about what and who had actually changed. One of the main characters of that trip has been long since gone, while his wife coincidently passed just this week. As is so often the case, I had to stop and really think about why remembering such things may even be worth the brain power to do so. And then it hits me, like it always seem to do - as many things around us change, what about us changes and why do we let it happen? As usual, it always comes down to the things that have shaped us throughout our life's little journey. At some point we do have to let go of the past, but too often it is at the expense of losing track of who we really are. You know - our true selves. As I stood there and looked over that quiet mountain valley, my heart ached to know only then what I didn't know now. That old familiar theme from '80. Ah, but the growth that came with all that heartache. The miles traveled, along with the scar tissue. Hard lessons make for strong constitutions and more difficult lessons as we go along. So you ask, where is this all going? Great question. I'm not really sure myself - other than to say, it has been a truly remarkable ride so far.

Taking them as they come

A couple really nice days to ride this week, allowing some substantial time on the road with the hardtail. Yesterday was 60°+ yesterday, with some pretty consistent south winds pushing me back home. At 07:00 this morning it was 47°. With the prevailing south winds, it is always an indicator of a major change. Probably about noon, the temps dropped like a rock - and winter was back in North Fork. With more than a foot still on the level up this way, the trails won't be ridable for probably more than two more months. There will be some service roads in the upper valley, as well as the stuff on the other side of the mountain. Until then, two - three hour grinds on the hardtail will give me more than I can handle. The general conditions of the roads are less than ideal for getting out the road bike, but then again, I don't need time on the Six13. The hardtail is getting all the love for the foreseeable future. At that, riding on only "good days" will certainly have it limitations. I'll have to keep riding through the worst of the weather and conditions - without getting too stupid. But not being stupid does take a little courage at times. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy......

A correction and abridgement from 2018

I believe it was Thanksgiving morning, 2018. I had attempted to take a ride just after first light, and had to bail as there was too much ice - everywhere. It was there I felt the overwhelming sense of those late nights listening to "Stereo-X". This is before anybody had ever heard of "indie-labels", rather FM radio was just getting some serious traction in a few local markets. Everything from deep tracks, to full length album cuts were the norm. Hardly any commercials and a pre-taped channel announcement in a deep, almost mono-tone voice; "This is KCPX 99 FM, Stereo-X". There are a lot of people that say they remember it, but I doubt nearly as many really listened. Hardly anyone can remember that when it was first released, Queens "We are the Champions/We Will Rock you" was actually played sequentially in reverse order from how it is always heard today. This was due to the two tracks being released on opposing sides of a single and played either alone, or eventually together. Stereo-X played it with a fade -in/out in that reverse order. But that was the magic of FM in the day. And at night, often times the magic took on a whole new level of mystery and depth. And there it was, one late night when I heard for the first time, the entire version of "All by myself". In 2018, I incorrectly mentioned " a little Chopin", when as a matter of fact, it is Rachmaninoff (2 piano concerto). Pretty much everyone knows this from the top 40 channels, or perhaps AM band radio, but they only heard the edited version. Listen to this thing with good headphones, in the absolute quiet of the evening and in the near dark. I dunno, maybe it was just something in that moment, but I will never forget those nights so long ago, that seem like they were only last week. I can still remember of hearing the entire string arrangement for the first time, interlude and the power of the melody. Sure, its a bit nostalgic. But then again, we were ripe for so many of those moments.

I had heard that when his dog had died not too many years ago, Eric Carmen sat down at his piano in his home, with only he and his wife - played this song. Do this one the right way..........

Click here for "All by myself" Eric Carmen

Pulling for Reed - Ride HARD

Wet and Soggy

 

Staying indoors....for now

Spring has a funny way of making a serious training effort - less than serious. The previous two weeks did allow for some reasonable cross country stuff on the hardtail, but I've grown particular about taking any bike into bad weather if it's not necessary. Over the years, I've learned the effects of running in harsh conditions and how it fowls everything. Thing is, its not immediate, as it usually manifest weeks later when cable-guides get jacked-up, or shifters don't wont work...that sort of thing. That said, there are times it has to be done and you live with it.

This week has been a series of intervals on an indoor spin-bike. Some people say this is as good as outdoor training, but I disagree. You can't develop skills and technique on a spin-bike. Sure, you can develop good mechanics, but you can't do any dynamic development. Rather, I choose to focus on specific strength and endurance matters when doing the indoor sessions. I did a series of spin classes about 20 years ago that were helpful, but it certainly wasn't everything I needed. Credit to the course instructor, as she focused on pedal mechanics and body position. To this day, my pedal stroke is spot on, even when I'm gassed. It speaks to the need of a great coach and mentor.

The Need to Push

There is a fine line between being too soft and pushing too hard. There are some pretty good single-track open over on the other side of the mountain, but I'm not sure I'm willing to take those chances. Some of it gets pretty technical, where as some of it can push the old cardio. I certainly don't feel comfortable on the hardtail down there, but I do need to improve some of my skills - make that a lot of my skills....a lot. Again, a delicate balance between programs. At this point it is about getting the best return for the effort and time. None of this is recreation riding, as there is no time for that yet. Measurables are not well defined at this point either. You see, when you train on your own, it is hard to be objective and see everything from a coaches perspective.

I remember walking into the first day of summer-ball my freshman year in college. I had spent the previous three summers training by myself, for the most part. The only measurable I had was how many times I felt like I would puke when running stairs by myself. Literally hours on end, doing my own thing without a single person telling me what I was doing wrong, or how to improve. Then I walked into that first day of college ball - and was I in over my head! I had timed a legit 4.6 second forty and felt I was going to be okay. I then found out that placed me about in the middle of roughly 125 other guys - who were much bigger and better than I. The first time we did 110 yard wind sprints, I was certain my heart would explode. And then the day we did "cat & mouse". It seems like it was the third morning of alleged "two-a-days". I found myself running with the DBs and wide-outs - the absolute fastest guys on the planet. I felt like an armadillo running with a pack of gazelle, being chased by a cheetah. Lets just say humility was served in industrial size doses that day. The point to all of this is simple - I had nothing to gage myself against prior to running with these guys. That season seemed to go on forever. By the end, I remember pushing the fastest upper classmen in my group all the way to the end-line when we did 110 yard wind sprints. I had developed confidence in myself that I didn't know that I had before. There were a lot of days I felt like I didn't belong there, but other days I knew I was good enough. What I learned from all of that was the value of good coaching and instruction. My particular position coach...well, he sucked. Some of the trainers and even most of the other players, they made me better every day. From that time on, I have always had an appreciation of what a good coach and a mentor actually are. Doing it alone is simply fooling ones own self.

Looking for Opportunities

We are looking at a few dirt races this summer, as that is where the emphasis will have to be. I need to get a qualifier under my belt to improve my corral position at Leadville. There is also one over in Wyoming that I've wanted to do for a number of years - but this is seriously different than anything I have done in the past - to this point anyway. Hopefully this week will yield some better opportunities.

Late Summer '81

I remember the weekend we finished two-a-days and had the O & D game. We had two days off to our selves - or so it seems. That Saturday evening, nursing my fatigue and crushed ego, I put on a favorite vinyl I had picked up from the reliable "Toad Tape". It was familiar and I was otherwise lost. Still in the darkness listening to the low nearly quiet track - it seems to have been a haunting. Talk about the wilderness............

Click here for the essential "Red House"

Pulling for Reed - Ride HARD!

Breaking the Ice

 The First Donation for the Season - An old & dear friend

Well, maybe not too old, but we sure go back a long ways. K.S. was one of the gang for a short period of time - though we have managed to stay in touch ever since. Fun days skiing, hot summer afternoons playing co-ed softball - and most everything in between. Definitely book smart and streetwise, she has always been able to take care of business. Like all of us, she has experienced her fair share of struggles - if not a boat-load more along the way. As much as having her wisdom teeth removed may have slowed her down, she showed her strength and resilience when her father needed help in the last fight of his tremendous life. As only she could, the burden was carried without complaint, but with determination. A tough husk of an appearance, with a solid heart of gold inside - two traits that I'm sure she learned from her mother and grandmother (Lukareski). The genuine article and a friend for life.

Thanks kiddo!

Ridding through the cold and crappy roads - The Old Nordic Valley G.C.

A Hardtail??

The last post showed a picture of a Trek Pro-Caliber hardtail, which looks an awful lot like my full-suspension Trek Fuel EX. The short of it is this - LEADVILLE! Yep, back in that race - somehow. The hardtail has been ideal for the crappy road conditions thus far.  On top of that, I need to get more than comfortable on it - it has to be an appendage. Sure, I'll still go out on both the old Six13 and Fuel, but this thing is going to have a ton of miles on it by summer.  More on that as we go along...........

Winter Break

Middle of winter sure makes one stir crazy - longing for spring. The college days were especially long mid-winter. Still have those fond memories and have long put aside those that were anything less than good. I know the dates, places events and situations like it was last week. The Alman Brothers - Midnight Rider will always remind me of such times.

Click Here for Midnight Rider - The Brothers

Pulling for Reed - Ride HARD!

A New Season - Taking a Pull

 Pulling.....

The Hardtail out on an early cross country

There is a term mainly in road riding known as (among other things) "PULLING". You've seen it before. A line of cyclists taking a turn out front, allowing the riders behind to draft in the slip-stream of guys ahead of them. Depending in the conditions (and who you ask), this will yield a significant reduction in work for those behind the lead group. At times, you'll find yourself with only one other rider, where you take turns getting out front, "taking a pull". In doing this, the two of you can travel much faster than either of you alone. There are times when you may be in a fast group, or simply alone, sailing past another rider that is struggling and offer them a "lift". It is not unusual that in doing so, as passing by, someone will say "hop on"- meaning, get on my wheel and I'll pull. Just knowing that someone is there and willing to give you a hand up is often more helpful than the physical break from the arduous task of going it alone. So.....at times, we help each other along by taking a pull.

That appears to be the theme for the "Porpoise" this year.

Brothers and Sisters

I'm not sure when, but perhaps a couple seasons ago, I did a post about brothers and sisters. I'm too lazy to go back and find it (actually don't like to read my own stuff), but I know it had nothing to do with 1973 Alman Brothers release of the same name. Rather, it had to do with a group of guys (and girls), mostly from our graduating class, that still maintain some type of connection. I mean, as time passes, some things seem to find their place in the rubbish-bin of senseless trivia, where as other things become sweeter with age. At this point in our lives we generally don't care much for the trivial comparisons and petty B.S. Rather, there is a genuine following and concern of those that we have somehow managed to stay in touch with.

You'll have to go back and find this post, as I somehow chronicled the transition from our naive innocence to leaping into the world head-first - as if we knew what we were doing. Our little journey started a long time ago, when things seemed to be simple. We've lost a few along the way, in fact....too many. The first real gut-punch" came more than 25 years ago when my kindergarten buddy, Amy, was killed in Ogden canyon, by a one in thirty-billion accident. Since then, we have lost far too many to list here. It's times like that in which I stop and reflect on how all of these Brothers and Sisters have been a part of my life along the way. Maybe "stop" is the wrong word, as it often is during the long and silent periods that I'm riding by myself, that I find myself examining these long ago friendships. We all had dreams and ambitions, but somehow.....life just happens and we end up where we are today.

"I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then"

Our Brother Needing a Pull

Somewhere in that previous post, I had described (or at least how I saw it), all of us coming together in the late summer of 1978. It was an amalgamation of vast backgrounds and insecurities, but come together we did. Reed is one of those kids that came in from the other Junior High-School. I know we had a few classes together and typically ran in a group of some mutual friends. I think the last time I talked to him would have been many years ago, but he still looked the same. A helluva nice guy and certainly a loyal friend. A week or so ago came a text from one of the other brothers, forwarding on a text-thread from Reed's wife. Turns out he has been diagnosed with....one hell of a situation. Another gut punch for sure, but also a truly helpless feeling - a feeling that has been a constant reminder of why the Porpoise continues year after year. If I were keeping score, I would have lost count years ago of the friends, family and associates that have had to battle "the Big-C". You can go back and find far too many posts that mention those people in my own pathetic life, that have been through this anguish.

Pulling for Reed

This year we have added a little tag-line to inspire others to send our brother a little love and hope. Everyone can take a turn out front on this one, by simply texting an image to Reed, showing who you are and simply stating "Pulling for Reed". Moreso, pass this along to every member of our class, everyone that would have known him during those years and beyond - to brighten his day and allow him to draft in the feeling that we are all pulling for him on this ride. My understanding is he'll be moving down to Huntsman to further his treatments. Because I don't post personal contact information here, we'll work with some of the gang to get this kicked-off and moving. Meanwhile, do what you can to pass on the goodwill. Our brother and his family could use the encouragement from as many Fighting Scots and Lasses as possible. Remember - it is who we are after all.

A little tribute to Eric (Carmen)

We lost another great one last week. Not really sure how and/or what, that great talent form so many years ago has gone silent. Again, a post from maybe November 2018, referencing the static-free late nights with Stereo-X (KCPX 99 FM) - "All by myself". Before that was the AM-band classic that McCartney whishes he had written and the opening riff that even made Townsand weep. Thanks for he hits Eric.....

Click here for "Go all the way"

Pulling for Reed - Ride Hard!

Tying up 2023

 Noticing a Change

I've been struggling with this last post for many weeks. There have been a lot of changes in my life over the past few years - more than I think I've actually noticed. This morning whilst looking over previous posts, I noticed a major change in annual number of posts beginning in 2021.  Even with all the crap that I dealt with in 2020, I was still able to produce over 30 posts. Something had changed at that juncture- call it a point of inflection. For whatever reason, I found myself on the ropes - as they say in the boxing world. Sure, there were some significant life changing events, but most of it happened well past mid summer. I do know that I was getting bombarded on multiple fronts, with things that alone wouldn't have been much, but together - more than I realized at the time. So here we are, staring down the barrel of another new year - and I'm trying to put this all into one final post for the season.

The Torch

Reading the most recent post, I was lamenting having to disposition the final elements of my parents estate - particularly the homestead. Unexpectedly, the farm sold very quickly and that was nearly my last visit up there. A lot has heppened since that particular morning, which is largely why I haven't been riding, or writing. Still, just before we signed the papers, I took a cold morning walk around the entire permiter for one last look. As I did that, a flood of memories came rushing back - and not just of things at the farm. It was there I realized two important things; first, that it is only dirt. Second, There is literally nobody else that I can turn too when I need that guidance of an experienced hand. To that end, I am now IT. As I close out a very sensitive part of my life, I now realize it is my role to carry a torch, that for more than six decades had been shouldered by others. Not that there is any pressure, but you have to be a steady hand in the hardest of storms. As we go through this life, so much changes without any immediate notice. And then one day - it is all behind you. Those are some mighty big shoes to fill and there is a storm a brewing.

About the Race

This whole "Porpoise" thing was never about me, but I know a few people still like to know about the race. Well...this year was a near disaster. No major problems, but as usual, I spent way to much time on my own. As a result, the last 47 miles were like a time trial - just head down pounding out the miles. There are places in that race that get into my head, and yet others, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else regardless of the pain and discomfort. This year did open my eyes a little, as it can do. The question is, where will I go from here. The event has come to define me as a person to a large degree, but it still isn't me. The struggle is that which we all endure - in our own ways. Growing up in the '70s, we became a custom to every television episode ending with some sort of defined purpose, when in fact everyday is a new episode in our own lives. Crossing that finishing line is just another tick mark in a large book of accomplished life tasks. We still have to live life the next morning, and the next day after that. It never ends - until it does. Funny, if I'm not thinking about certain parts of the race itself, I'm longing to be suffering up on Monte Cristo. The race however, it was another in a long string of days. The absolute best part was seeing all the page views for "Mr. Blue Sky". I hope it put a few smiles on faces well, away from the race itself.

The Greatest of Them All

When it comes to cycling, I've been pretty clear that there are only a few people I follow, and very few that I consider worth mentioning. Of course, Greg LeMond will also be the stud of my day, but I also have plugged Lachlan Morton - an absolute stud! EF finally released Lachie's Tour Divide ride. Say what you will about the glamour of the TDF, this is truly about the human spirit and ones will to persevere.  I would normally post a link to to this, but you can search it on your own. These are the things that truly define a persons character. I thought his effort at GB Duro was impressive, but this surpassed that by a long way. It's nice to have heroes, as sometimes we all need someone to look toward as an inspiration. I would love to see him challenge Kegan for Leadville, but that is another story. For what its worth; you are the greatest of this past year Lachlan Morton.

A Final Word of Thanks for the Year

Not sure what to expect for next year, but for now - thanks to you all for being the tremendous example and inspiration that your are. There is still more to do. I wish I could see what is coming, but maybe it's better if we take it as it comes. I recently read a comment on a site, something to the effect of "the tragedy of life is not death, but what dies within us while we are living". I think I'm letting too many things die without the notice of what is truly important. You are the "Porpoise" and I hope that we can continue to make things happen with a little more vigor going forward.

Mile Post 44: What I wouldn't give to be at this point again..........

Give it at few weeks -the Porpoise will continue through 2024! Hoping for the best for all of us.

The Porpoise - 2023

Click here for Jackson Brown - These Days

Counting the weeks

 

Early morning out at the farm. Seems like a lifetime ago....

Only 50 weeks to go....

Monday morning I had a very early job that gave me an opportunity to swing by the old farm in between appointments. Looking eastward across the quiet, I could see the general location of the starting line from only a week before. I spent a lot of my youth up here and in the stillness of that morning, I could feel it as though I were still 17 years old. Hunting behind a loyal lab, that between us, we would bag more than our fair share of birds. Hearing my dad tell me stories of when he was a kid up on this same alkali hillside, it seemed like someone else's dream. And now....I'm older than he was when we had those magic moments chasing upland game. I clearly remember being as young as five, helping my dad up here - falling asleep on the floorboard on the way home. It seemed like another world - a place that was so far from our reality. I can't accurately tell you of the peace I felt during those years, but it was as real as the dirt in my shoes at the end of the day. As I looked across the valley, I could clearly see the entire first hour of the race - at least just past Preston. As things would have it, this farm will be up for sale very soon, as it is the last part of my parents estate. It will be gone, as those days that have long since past. Enough time to put some thought into what is next - a mere 50 weeks away. It all happens in the blink of an eye.

Traction and a little more information from last post

I saw an email from the radio guys this past week. N7RXE posted some statistics as to some actual hours and numbers of people in their operation. According to his email, prep hours were 591.25 hours, 1172.5 hours on race day and return, 72 principle race day volunteers accounting for 1763.75 hours,  many more more associated with those primary individuals. They had 45 medical supports, 107 mechanical supports and 119 crew interactions. These are the tangible figures. The intangible is where that magic happens. Also consider that these numbers are the action of many and I mean many years of experience. It can't be overstated, the importance and significance all these people make. If you are a current rider, or one from the past, your experience was a success in large part due to the people that we only see as a blur during the course of the race. But you see, that is how it works - for all of us. Sharpen your skills and abilities, that you may contribute to something greater than the some of its parts. In the end, the world can be a better place. Thanks for the traction KR and crew!

Nose in the direction you want to go

It has been proven that if you point yourself in a direction long enough, eventually you will tend to that place over time. McCartney has said several times that if you do anything for 10,000 hours, you are an expert in that....thing, whatever it is. Where is your nose pointing? Where are you tending toward? Who do you follow?

There are a lot of people on the internet that have vlogs and blogs about cycling. There are a few that I will occasionally check in on; Syd & Macky, Katie, maybe NorCal. Most of them I find simply annoying, as that is all they do and doesn't represent my interest - at all. The one guy I am a huge fan of is Locklan Morton - the Aussie. A former pro rider, he has doe some remarkable endurance rides, from GB Duro to most recently the Continental Divide Trail - all in record times. Originally a "roadie" he started mountain biking a few years ago when he and Howes (Alex) did the Dirty Kanza and Leadville together. The thing I find compelling is his resilience. It doesn't matter that he isn't as flashy as Keegan, or as bombastic as (not to be named), he is what we all strive to be; fighters in it for the long haul. Locky is guy you can feel good about watching. He is an inspiration to we that are...old and slow.

Maybe next week I'll touch a little on the race from a couple weeks ago. For now, lets try something a little different.

Click here for "Walk a thin line"

Ride HARD!

Unfinished Business: What makes it work?

 

Atop the "Mule". The overlook at Mules Ear, North Fork Park.

The People that make it all happen

LOTOJA itself is a pretty big event. It passes through numerous communities, three states and over 200+ miles - all in one day. On any given year, it is said, there may be 1,600 participants, with another 4,000 support and other associated individuals. This doesn't take into account the countless many that willingly do their part to make it all happen - year after year. Pretty much for everyone involved, it is the highpoint of the year.

Ham Radio operators and rolling support

For the past ten years or so, I have been on the email list for the LOTOJA HAMS. These are devoted amateur (by name only) Ham radio operators. My understanding is it is primarily from one club, but supported by a lot of people of the same interest and passion. These guys know their business. I start seeing the email chains many months before the race. As time gets closer, they are themselves getting busier by the day. Countless hours go into to setting up repeaters and programs, with incredible coordination and interplay - all before race day itself. On race day, these people are on the road, as well as at various points along the course, ensuring we riders are covered. It is a dynamic operation, that has to adapt to conditions on the fly, while rolling-up everything at the backend of the race. Pretty much every person in the event will see these guys and not have any idea the effort and sacrifice made. I would compare them to a fine crafted, precision time-piece. From the outside looking in, you only see the result. When you open the case, be prepared to be overwhelmed by what otherwise appears to be a mystery.

Thanks to all you folks that do it year after year, and get us riders all home safely. You are all heroes in my book.

Volunteers

Also well before race day, many other people are involved as volunteers, helping with many facets of the large operation. This goes through race day, until everything is packed up and sent home. From those that help fill packets, administrate registration, setup and take down venues, organize the starting line, operate all the neutral feed zones along the way, aid in traffic control and directions - the list goes on. I can tell you as a veteran rider, seeing these friendly and encouraging individuals along the way is nothing short of amazing. Pulling into a neutral for a little water and getting a boost of confidence is always tremendous. All of us see you along the way, but I'm sure you may not always hear the thanks and gratitude as we pass by. I think I can safely speak for pretty much every racer/rider to express the thanks and sincere gratitude we all have for your effort and support. Never doubt your effect on this event and those people you support. Thank you so very much!

EMS and Law Enforcement

Putting a bunch of crazed people on bikes, over the course of a very long day is often a combination for some sort of complication. From law enforcement doing the lead-out at the beginning, to those managing traffic, this has to be no easy task. Along the way, we may see law enforcement teamed-up with EMS helping distressed riders, or the occasional mishap - and believe me, there are occasional mishaps. All that said, the professionals that fill this role have proven to be stellar. They are the ones that provide a measure of delineation between the event and community - in the best of ways. They are truly supportive and professional in every aspect and deserve the respect of us all. Thanks for being that authority we can depend on when needed. We are in good hands....

Ahhh...The Race Director and his staff

This guy is amazing. I have been privileged to get to know him over the years - and yes, he still answers my calls. He is just a dang good guy. He remembers details of everyone and everything, but is very personable. He is the driving force behind the entire operation. Give him a week in the UN General Council, world hunger and peace will have been solved. Of course that would mean a lot of diplomats out of jobs, but maybe we should let him give it a try. After all, what he does every year, with the countless communities, municipalities, State agencies, private operations and commercial enterprises, is likely more than all the combine work at the UN for the same billing period - and I'm serious. He and his limited cadre are laser focused, year after year, delivering a premier event that is unrivaled. Consider what happened in 2020 (COVID) and 2021, where they had to setup a last minute, alternate finish-line with limited resources and virtually no notice - they are committed to making it happen. Where others did fail, many to never return, he and his group drove through the tempest with determination and resolve.

Thanks B.C! Don't take that job if the U.N. does call.  We need you here at LOTOJA. You are the heartbeat of the event.

Huntsman Heroes

I still have still have all my files in directories as "HHH" (Huntsman Hometown Heroes). For me, I just refer to them generally as "Huntsman". They do some amazing things and for all the right reasons. It would be wrong for me to take any credit here, as they provide the machine and means to do what we all have been able to do. Of course the machine won't work without the support of all of you - so it is a symbiotic relationship. They have other events throughout the year, such as their Sports-Fest and other partners  (Ogden and SLC Marathons & Little Red), all helping fight the "Big-C".  The pride one feels when supporting such a worthy cause is totally enhanced when working with the great people at Huntsman. I wear there colors every year with a sense of pride.

Back on the for an early autumn ride.

Autumn and what to expect

I try not to make this blog about myself, but rather those experiences and influences about all of us. Autumn is truly my favorite time of the year - for all kinds of reasons. Riding in North Fork Park this time of year is remarkable. Whether riding, walking, or simply driving through; everyone should experience it one way, or another. To that end, tune-in occasionally.  I'll pass as much along as possible. The Porpoise rides until it snows....and then some. Occasionally we throw in a little extra from somewhere else. Regardless, it is all for you, the ones that really make it all happen.

Click here for a short vintage Carly & James - "Devoted to you"

Still riding....

Ride HARD!