I’m passionate about a few causes. I hope you are, too. Today, I formally added a very personal one to my list: remembering Brionna Pettit. I’m sporting hot pink — her favorite color — thanks to Brionna’s dad, Ryan. We met up early this morning, had a cup of joe and caught up on cycling objectives for the coming year. Because he’s a Cat 1/2 and I’m a Soul Cyclist, it’s neat to get an entirely different perspective. I’m confident he’s going to have a great 2010 season, propelled by the mission to honor his daughter’s memory. Ryan and I first met this time last year in San Diego when he and family were here from New Jersey visiting friends. We shared two rides, including a day up both the front and back of Palomar Mountain. Ryan’s got an engine. He also has a very disciplined training program. He won the 2008 N.J. State Road Race Championship. This summer, he beat Test Team Cervélo Euro pro Dominique Rollin at a local criterium. Amazing accomplishments for a guy with a professional career and family.
This afternoon after bidding Ryan goodbye, I rode alone up Palomar Mountain. I nodded my head in the direction of the two dozen riders descending the switchbacks on South Grade Road. When that road pitched up near the summit and the 5,000 feet elevation sign and I began to suffer more than I had expected, I simply looked at my right wrist and the pink band bearing Brionna’s name. It gave me I feeling I can’t really describe. I stood out of the saddle and powered to the top — and then on to the Palomar Observatory to tack on more miles and more elevation gain. Of course, I wish on the ride I could have watched Ryan’s wheel quickly disappear in front of me on the hors categorie climb. There’s nothing like witnessing great athletes — and people — at work. It’s humbling. It’s inspiring. I think it’s the best way to live. Happy New Year. Make it a great one. Pedal with a purpose. And for fun, try to find my bike in the shot below. Hint: bottom left, leaning against the Palomar Observatory. For 2010, I’m uploading my riding data to Garmin Connect. Cheers.
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