It is a quiet time in some ways - reflective.(Very dynamic in other ways). Two years ago next week, I first rode with Jack Evans - a person who has become a great friend of mine. Jack, Harvey S. and I rode to Laurel Dam and back on a glorious October, Sunday afternoon. I had been riding my bike again consistently for a little more than a month, and I was very pleased with myself. I had not been on a bike in 19 years - retired from racing as I did, in 1989 when I graduated form college. I don't recall looking back very often - but when I did, I did so with a since of things left undone.
Those 19 years were good. I lived in Indy for ten years - was married and was successful in geological and environmental consulting fields. I had my Son, Jon Boy who has kept me occupied and busy for the past 17 and a half years. I built a cabin in the woods and lived there for three years - a dream come true for me and that was a lovely time. (Google - Richards Bend for my Journals from the cabin)
But for some reason, in the fall of 2006, I decided to take up the bike again. Maybe it was because my son was in high school, and I felt there wouldn't be too much taken away from him... Maybe it was because my time in the woods - three years, had ended and I could then tend to other, former dreams. Maybe it was a combination of things... but I am so thankful for my return to cycling - two years now.
I have made many many great friends! Men and women in our community have become very dear to me. Also, people on opposing teams also become good friends. I have learned a lot in the past two years - Thanks to Marc Travis, my Dad and others, I have learned how to ride on modern equipment - adopted modern training strategies and I have been pleased with how far I have come in these 24 months. My Bike, my shop/Cumberland Cycles, our team, Harvey, Jack, Roger, Rick, Jeff, Mark, Marc and Adam who nursed me in so many ways back to fitness - and all of my cycling friends, my competitors, my Father, my town - I never imaged I would race again - but here I am, having completed a second year. I have begun almost 50 sanctioned races in this time, and it is thanks to all of you. And so much, I am looking forward to next year, 2009 - racing again for this organization - Cumberland Cycling Club, Cumberland cycles, whom ever our sponsors may be, and you - our Crew. I look forward to racing for myself and I look forward to racing for you - reading this message now.
I have not posted any really outstanding results so far, but I took 19 years off. I've ridden 15,000 miles in the past two years - a lot in some ways, but not all that much, really. The people who have rallied behind us in our endeavors to develop a team in our area have posted some very outstanding results and some generous support as well. And every month, somebody else comes along to join in. Looking forward to 2009, I see an awesome cycling club and team forming here.... Brad Herrman and Charles Senters, Marc Travis and Jack Evans have done a great job as officers and nuclear supporters of our efforts. Jack Evans/Evans.Harville.Atwell&Co, Jeff Parmelee/Total Rehab, Mark Henry/S.KY Eye Surgery, Southern Belle Dairy, DR Swanner/The UPS Store and many others have made contributions that have gone a long, long way for our club and team. MAKE NO MISTAKE - We have been noticed in our region this year!
I suppose - I might be a bit overwhelmed - the response - the enthusiasm - the support of our community for our cycling club and team... The support of our Bike Shop and all the other sponsors. It really is something very special.
2009 Racing Schedule (what to expect)
races will not be published until about the first week of January
Godzulla (son of) 2009 will begin in November, 08 - 60 mile mass-start road race in Cincinnati.
Cumberland Cycles Fall Mass Start Training Race/ Mt. Vic. November (Stay tuned for dates
Godzulla/Mentor - January
Barnsburg TT - Feburary
KYIN Spring Road Series, March 1
(after March 1, we are off and running every weekend until September)
