Huntsman Heroes - Riding With a Porpoise: 09/08/23

Feeling woefully inadequate for the task

The Jerseys and how it all started

It would have been like my 6th year riding LOTOJA that I decided I needed a purpose to continue doing this whole bike riding thing. At the time my then employer, was essentially underwriting the entire entry fee portion for all the Huntsman riders (Then called Huntsman Hometown Heroes). Having been asked to represent the company at the check ceremony the morning after in the previous year, I thought it seemed like a good idea. What I didn't know would certainly hurt later. I believe it was the previous year one of my older cousins had been diagnosed with a type of brain cancer. I mean, I hadn't seen her in more than 30 years, but it still caught my attention. So.....the evening before the race, my first year riding for Huntsman, I literally at the last minute, wrote her name on my jersey sleeve. The next morning as I was getting ready to roll into the starting corral, I asked my daughter to take a picture of my sleeve and send it to all my sisters. She also took the same picture just after the finish line. I distinctly remember over the course of that day just being hammered, but thinking of that name on my sleeve - fighting the battle of her life. It kept me going - as cheesy at it may otherwise sound. We packed our stuff and made it a weekend, heading for home that next morning. The following day (Monday), I received word that my cousin had lost the war - succumbing to this shitty disease. Talk about a board across the back of the legs. "Stunned" doesn't begin to describe that emotion. Regardless, it was at the point I committed to dong this until...until I don't know when. Since then I have written far too many names and tributes on all my jerseys - except for the jersey shown here. I believe this one arrived following the race that particular year, perhaps five years ago. I forgot I even had this thing, but noticed it hanging with a bunch of other jerseys and kits, only a few weeks ago. You will notice it says "10 Years Riding for HOPE", as this was the 10th year for the HHH program at LOTOJA. Well....this marks my 10th year riding Huntsman. As such, I've shelved this years kit for the throwback (and NO, Autoliv no longer supports this cause and hasn't since 2018). This is a continuation of what WE started ten years ago.

"Sugar Britches"

This year I am privileged to have the kit properly prepped for flight by the many that knew this sweet individual. You may notice in the image, the white area adorned with messages and names that have been so kind as to write their remembrance on the kit. Along with this came a donation to Huntsman from the man left in that shadow of the emptiness. A brother I didn't know I had - but a true kindred being, as it were; Thanks for being a stud Peter (and gang of studs)! I am humbled and will leave it at that.

On the collar

As I have also done regularly, I have also included names of a classmate and my wife's cousin. You now why.....Those are Charlene Brown ('81) and Steven P.

A few more in for the swim

Ahhhh, Frido the Bandito; a darn good kid and always wanting to do the right thing. Eventually that thing will grow in. Until then, be patient and keep plowing forward. Turd, Jose and Fred......the reason I choose to live and push forward - yep, they are also a great support group. And of course, B. Cheddar. This goes back to an off-hand remark "...but cheddar works well with almost everything". Use your imagination as to the the 13 year old me heard that phrase. These are the rest of the crew that makes it happen every year. I am nothing without them, in any capacity. Now go and clean you rooms!

Thanks to you all!

I have tried to cover all of the supporters this year, but am afraid my writing abilities are not capable of expressing my gratitude and humility. Nancy, Kristin, Steve, Beck, Debbie, Gentlemen Jim, Tim, Todd, William, Peter and of course the herd that is my fam. You are making a difference and the world a better place at the same time.

Race day and the follow-ups

I'll be out the door early tomorrow, but I will leave a special post for all of you to pass along. A summary will also follow within the next few days after the race. The Porpoise will also continue to ride until it snows, while posting until the end of the year. Meanwhile, if you really want to known the soul of the Porpoise, go back to 2017 and read about Jill (August 17th) and Hadley My Hero, year end post 2017. You will hurt - beware. As for tomorrow, I have my work cut out for me. Ugh....