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.
Give it at few weeks -the Porpoise will continue through 2024! Hoping for the best for all of us.
The Porpoise - 2023
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