Day 192: A Friend's Home Burns

I was saddened today as I learned that the home of a person that I’ve known for eleven years had burned last night. The fire started in his garage, which is arguably the heartbeat of this man’s home and family. As a professional bicycle rider his entire “office” went up in smoke last night. His bicycles, tools, and two decades of mountain bike memorabilia were lost when a fire started in his garage. It’s a very tragic loss.

The good news is that he, his wife, and child made it out of the house safely. I’m always amazed by how many good people go through such tragic moments in their lives. I wonder why that is? “M.W.,” my thoughts are with you and your family. You have a huge number of friends that will be there at a moment’s notice if you need help.

http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_14079193

As I thought about “M.W.’s” situation I remembered that he was on the very first bike ride that I did with WTB in August of 1998. I was riding with Melvis, “C.L.,” “M.B.,” and of course “M.W.” Today I decided to retrace the very same route that we did on that day. I wonder if he even remembers that ride given the thousands of rides that he’s done since then? I remember it really well because I was in awe of his cycling skills. He was however riding a Karpiel with more suspension travel than that of any of my current bikes, and that’s eleven years later.

I remember that day clearly, and for as much as I’d ridden bicycles during my lifetime, I was humbled by the riders that I was riding with on that day, even Melvis. Good Lord, did I just admit that? OK, maybe not Melvis…. ;-) I had a great time that day while riding my circa 1994 GT Zaskar that had a whopping 1.5 inches of suspension up front. Yahoo!

Today’s news was a reminder to me that others are going through more difficult times than I. It also reminded me about how important it is for one’s community to gather around to get their friends through trying times. No one should feel alone, and having felt very alone for the first time in my life during this past year, I know personally just how awful that can be.

Distance: 21.46 miles
Calories burned: 1,635
Time: 2:03:33 hours
Elevation gain: 2,602 ft
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/21194525