Stage 4 - Marblemont to Alberta - May 28th

The majority of Tuesday was spent in the van driving to Jasper, Canada.

A THANK YOU NOTE ...

While it is understandable to see my cycling achievements as something I did, the reality is I am the beneficiary of the work of others. I want to use this blog to thank them.

I was unprepared physically when I signed on to The Norseman’s Passage. My cycling experiences the spring and summer of 2018 were rewarding but, at times, painful. I accomplished things biking I had long dreamed of doing. I made mistakes that showed I had much to learn.

The Norseman’s Passage challenged me “two to three steps beyond what is reasonable”. Saying ‘yes’ typified my approach to driving change: make the commitment in concrete terms before you are ready (e.g. agree in October to ride across America without knowing you can). Use that deadline as catalyst for whatever is required to meet it. Believe in yourself that you will succeed. Act.

Michelle - an incredible massage therapist at Alpharetta’s Lifetime Fitness. No matter what I pulled, twisted, or strained, Michelle fixed it. I’m no longer a spring chicken. Michelle kept me going time and again beginning last August. She also introduced me to ...

Eddison - personal trainer extraordinaire at Alpharetta’s Lifetime Fitness. We started working out 3-5 times a week last October. Eddison was my boss in the gym. He pushed and challenged me far beyond what I could have done on my own.

Noah - cycling coach with Carmichael Training Systems (CTS). Working with Eddison got my total body ready. Working with Noah beginning in February was an education in High Intensity Training (HIT), power meters, heart rate, cadence, and so much more. Under Noah’s tutelage, I became a dramatically stronger cyclist. I also got much smarter about hydration and nutrition.

Michelle, Eddison, and Noah: thank you for your guidance and support. The work we did the last seven months put me in position to enjoy The Norseman’s Passage.



There are others to thank as well:

Kim - my workout buddy. Whenever I wanted to take a day off, I remembered you expected to see me. I enjoyed all our conversations and workout experiences.

Roswell Bikes (the whole crew) - anytime I needed anything, the team helped. Guidance, advice, the right fit, the right product ... they gave willingly of their time and expertise.

Nick, David & Ted - three friends who inspired me with their love of cycling and welcomed me as a cycling buddy. They are each maestros of biking in their own unique way.

Shawn / Fresh Bike - I walked into your store seven years ago knowing nothing. You helped me select the right bike. Your positive encouragement and guidance made sure I kept the fun in cycling. Principles you taught me over the years guide me still.

Joe - my cycling sensei. Living next door I got to observe and learn the right approach to cycling in general and maintaining my bike in particular. I got to hang with someone who loves cycling as much as I do. Thanks for answering my million questions with such patience.

My mom - she passed away in 2005. I stopped exercising. I gained 35 pounds. I needed something to turn the corner and restart taking care of myself. Which led me to draw on my love of professional cycling thanks to ...

Lance - like millions of others, I was introduced to professional cycling by the success of Lance Armstrong. My love of the sport traces back to him. I know he is a controversial figure. Nevertheless, the seeds of my participation in The Norseman’s Passage were planted watching him ride.

Terri - I am nothing without her love and support. She is my everything.

There are so many others who helped me along the way. The risk of thanking anyone by name potentially upsets someone inadvertently missed. I apologize in advance. The truth of my life is I have been the beneficiary of the help and love of many people and have truly accomplished little just by myself.