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!

Tributes and Gratitude - Another one in the books...

 

The usual next day stop in Beautiful Randolph, Utah.

Another participation medal

Not to go into the details yet, but I did finish - again. If last year wasn't pretty, than this year was down right ugly. For the most part, it was almost exactly as expected. Perhaps I should improve my expectations?

More later this week.

The Legend.....

A donation came in Friday afternoon, from an old friend and dang good guy. He has supported the Porpoise in the past and is certainly a welcomed addition to the team this year. I'm pretty sure he is older than I, but looks like 20 years younger. I mean...he's like Dick Clark - ageless, but approximately 136 times cooler. Always the steady ship in the roughest of waters, he is truly an inspiration. I have been blessed to have his positive influence in my family for the past several years. Thanks Dano! You are truly a legend.

Gratitude

There are many to thank this year, but none more than my support crew and chief. This ride/race doesn't happen by ones-self, it take a team - a crew if you will. And driving that crew is always the crew-chief. From getting ready the week before, through dropping me off at the starting line, through the supported feed zones and finally to the finish - that doesn't begin to cover it all.

Race Crew

This would be the yea-whose again. My first LOTOJA was shortly after my daughters first birthday. She has been to every one of these things along the way. Sure... a bit of a turd at times, but still my favorite turd nonetheless. Of course the brothers that keep her in check make for an eventful activity - regardless of what that might be. Again this year, they were all wearing custom "Porpoise Athletics" shirts. Pretty sweet if you ask me. I'm sure they think it is a spectacle, watching the "old-man" (emphasis on OLD), grind my guts out year after year. They are there; from the 04:00 wake-up, to the finish line, wondering if this is the year I can't get in on time. No question - we are a LOTOJA family.

The Chief

Of course every crew must have it's crew-chief. Again this year, that was my better half. If you only knew the sacrifices she makes to tolerate my bad behavior. It seems about every six, or seven years, the race falls on our wedding anniversary.  As matter of fact, it is 37 years today. Hmmmm.... If there ever was a model of inspiration, it is certainly her. It is no exaggeration that I often consider what I think to be pain, against what she has endured with having 10 (yep, that's right) kids - naturally. That's when I realize the difference between pain and simple discomfort. She keeps things in order and has the kit-bags ready at the feed zones. At a fighting weight of barely 105 pounds soaking wet, she is formidable. She also makes all the arrangements, orders the Porpoise swag and keeps me generally in line. I typically don't like this to get too personal, so I'll leave it with the link below.

This is arguably the most beautiful Beatles song of ALL time. The live tribute to George, by Paul, Eric, Ringo, Albert, Billy, Jeff and a bunch of others - it is the closest thing to appropriate here.

Click Here for "Something" Concert for George

Better lucky than good............

A gift for everyone - Please pass this along

Please share the link with everyone  - Mr. Blue Sky!

 

Click Here! "Mr. Blue Sky"

"Please Turn Me Over"