I figure I better get typing before I get too far down the trail. I hope to post the progress I make towards my goal of gaining 100,000 feet elevation on my mountain bike this year. I'll be posting to the blog some additional information about how I arrived at this goal and what inspired me to do it.So far in 2011 I'm up to 8,759 ft. With the somewhat inclement weather we've been experiencing across much of Idaho this year I'm off to a slow start. In fact, to date I've only logged 10 rides averaging roughly 900 feet elevation gain per ride. I know, I should be ashamed! Having said that, I'm about a month ahead of my start last year.
It was May 14th, 2010 when I took my first test ride around the winding streets of my old subdivision. The bike was an old Gary Fisher Montare mountain bike that had been sitting in the basement of my work for some time. When I inquired about it I learned that it belonged to Mike Ferry, a co-worker of mine. Mike was kind enough to allow me to throw some air in the tires and take it for a spin to see if it was something I'd be interested in buying. A few days later I took it for a second spin before finally making the decision to buy it despite the literal wear and tear. I remember thinking, "Well, I guess I won't have to worry about getting a scratch on it."
On June 23rd I hit the dirt trails for the first time, my good friend Lahcen leading the way. After a mile or so I remember him pulling to the side and motioning for me to take the lead. I nervously obliged and got my first glimpse of the wide-open trail. After 3 miles we took a brief pause near a small wooden bridge to catch our breath and take a much needed drink. Thinking back on it now it seems like only yesterday.
In the weeks and months that followed I spent hours in the saddle. Most of the time I was accompanied by Lahcen, though others would occasionally join us. It was through casual conversations on the trail and at work that I came to know the history of the bike I rode. I was told it had once belonged to a man by the name of Jeff Good who had passed away in April of 2009 after a battle with ALS. As I learned more about Jeff an interesting thing happened. I found myself becoming less and less critical of the lowly basement-dweller of a bike I'd purchased. In fact, you might say I became quite proud to be the owner of it due to the connection I began to feel with a man I'd never met.
I finished 2010 with 65,500 ft. elevation gain and a severe case of mountain bike fever! That fever burns still as I begin the 2011 bike season. I've decided to dedicate this year's rides in large part to the memory of Jeff Good. May each of us in our own passing be as highly revered. I'll soon be posting additional information off of the home page about Jeff and his love of mountain biking and life.
I would be remiss if I didn't include in my dedication a few others who have been an inspiration to me in my first year or riding:
Lahcen Airir
First, my dear friend Lahcen Airir for introducing me to the joy of mountain biking and showing me how to catch some sweet air! Yes, there's an inside joke in there. Lahcen, I won't soon forget our morning ride up Sidewinder where we stopped to share a mango and talk about life. Best of luck in Denver my friend. You were missed the moment you left.
Mike Ferry
For selling me the $100 basement-dweller of a bike I've come to love. Mike, your work ethic and humility is unmatched. I get tired just watching you! Oh, and you weren't lying when you said, "The tear in the saddle makes it more aerodynamic!"
Rick Gerrard
For his love of the climb that inspire my elevation-based goal. Rick, I hope to someday have the same passion, dedication, and drive you have. I hope you keep on climbing, but please, try not to make it look so effortless!
Keith Latimer
For being the ultimate fountain of bike knowledge. Keith keeps me in the loop on all the latest goings on in the bike world and helps with any questions I have regarding my own bike. Keith, thanks for being willing to sacrifice your own time, talent, and effort to help a newbie like me get moving in the right direction.
It was May 14th, 2010 when I took my first test ride around the winding streets of my old subdivision. The bike was an old Gary Fisher Montare mountain bike that had been sitting in the basement of my work for some time. When I inquired about it I learned that it belonged to Mike Ferry, a co-worker of mine. Mike was kind enough to allow me to throw some air in the tires and take it for a spin to see if it was something I'd be interested in buying. A few days later I took it for a second spin before finally making the decision to buy it despite the literal wear and tear. I remember thinking, "Well, I guess I won't have to worry about getting a scratch on it."
In the weeks and months that followed I spent hours in the saddle. Most of the time I was accompanied by Lahcen, though others would occasionally join us. It was through casual conversations on the trail and at work that I came to know the history of the bike I rode. I was told it had once belonged to a man by the name of Jeff Good who had passed away in April of 2009 after a battle with ALS. As I learned more about Jeff an interesting thing happened. I found myself becoming less and less critical of the lowly basement-dweller of a bike I'd purchased. In fact, you might say I became quite proud to be the owner of it due to the connection I began to feel with a man I'd never met.
I finished 2010 with 65,500 ft. elevation gain and a severe case of mountain bike fever! That fever burns still as I begin the 2011 bike season. I've decided to dedicate this year's rides in large part to the memory of Jeff Good. May each of us in our own passing be as highly revered. I'll soon be posting additional information off of the home page about Jeff and his love of mountain biking and life.
I would be remiss if I didn't include in my dedication a few others who have been an inspiration to me in my first year or riding:
Lahcen Airir
First, my dear friend Lahcen Airir for introducing me to the joy of mountain biking and showing me how to catch some sweet air! Yes, there's an inside joke in there. Lahcen, I won't soon forget our morning ride up Sidewinder where we stopped to share a mango and talk about life. Best of luck in Denver my friend. You were missed the moment you left.
Mike Ferry
For selling me the $100 basement-dweller of a bike I've come to love. Mike, your work ethic and humility is unmatched. I get tired just watching you! Oh, and you weren't lying when you said, "The tear in the saddle makes it more aerodynamic!"
Rick Gerrard
For his love of the climb that inspire my elevation-based goal. Rick, I hope to someday have the same passion, dedication, and drive you have. I hope you keep on climbing, but please, try not to make it look so effortless!
Keith Latimer
For being the ultimate fountain of bike knowledge. Keith keeps me in the loop on all the latest goings on in the bike world and helps with any questions I have regarding my own bike. Keith, thanks for being willing to sacrifice your own time, talent, and effort to help a newbie like me get moving in the right direction.
Hey JP, this is your sis Lou Lou. I saw your name on Nathan's inbox and wondered what you were up to. I just finished reading everything on your blog and loved every bit of it. You're a great writer/photographer and a go-getter. I only found 2 lizzards and the snakes were so cool. I think it's great what you are doing. I'll continue to read. Love to the fam!
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