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| The view from atop Flagstaff. |
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| The team and support crew, or as I like to call, friends. |
I see cycling and the bicycle itself as part of a lifestyle where there exists a deep appreciation for the opportunities and experiences that life has to offer. The small things that most people generally take for granted, such as the tranquility of an early morning or the joyful sound of a babbling creek; those are all experienced more vividly from a bike.
Cycling has opened life up to me and has exposed me to new and exciting adventures, new opportunities, experiences and most importantly, some of the best friends I could ever ask for. Recently I returned from a trip from Colorado, in which I spent time in preparation for the Leadville 100 MTB Race. The first half of my time in Colorado was spent with my friend and teammate, Jeremy. Him and his family opened up their home to me and provided me the opportunity to experience Boulder, a city renowned for its cycling. I was able to experience the bike paths of Boulder, rode some of the most beautiful and challenging trails that I have ever ridden and Jeremy’s dad even took me for a great road ride into the mountains. The generosity and hospitality I received quickly made me feel like I was at home and there is no way I could thank them enough for all they had given me.
For the second half of my time in Colorado, the rest of the team and a few friends met together in Frisco, where two condos had been rented out for our stay. It was simply awesome to be back together with my fellow friends and teammates, along with coach and his wonderful family. While in Frisco, I was able to enjoy more of the mountains and there were some excellent trails nearby as well as some splendid hiking paths that would take you to the summit of the surrounding mountains. Simply put, everywhere you looked it was amazingly beautiful and I certainly felt privileged to be able to enjoy such a place.
The race was on Saturday morning and started at 6:30 AM. I came through the finish line with a time of approximately 11 hours and 32 minutes, making the 12 hour mark and earning a silver belt buckle and finisher medal. If you want to know how the race went, you can ask me personally. At that point I didn’t care how the race went because I knew that it was beyond any expectation I ever had for myself to simply be there and to have to opportunity to be a part of something so magnificent. The race itself is a footnote in my cumulative experience out west. What really mattered to me was the place and the people I was with and that is what I’ll remember and cherish forever. The race was painful, but fun and I would like to do it again to see if I can do better, but the experience is my main intrigue.
I would have never made it to the start line if it weren’t for friends and I know for certain that I would not have made it back to the finish if it weren’t for friends as well. Friendship got me out to Colorado and provided me the opportunity to experience something wonderful. If it weren’t for the continual support, advice and enjoyment I have received from the people I’ve met through cycling, I would certainly not be where I am today and I would not have the same wonderful experiences that I have been given in life.
The awards and medals that I received at Leadville were the least significant things that I took back with me from Leadville and my trip to Colorado. Instead the friendships and adventures that I had were the true prizes. After all, wearing a big shiny belt buckle everywhere just isn’t my style.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of Leadville, I couldn’t have done it without you all.
The Brouwer Family The Damm Family The Jones Family The Senkerik Family The Greene Family
Jeremy, BJ, Senky, Kyle, Coach, Joy, Caroline, Christine
I cannot thank you all enough.
