A long, hard 2010...2010 was a tough year for everyone. The housing market was upside down, getting a job was virtually impossible, gas prices were off the charts, and finding the time and inspiration to ride was more difficult than ever.
My biggest challenge was losing my best friend and riding partner, Robert Bender, due to cancer.
As bad luck would have it, I was on my way to the 12hrs of Temecula in November, where the Bike For Bender campaign was in full swing, when I stopped by to visit Rob in the hospital at 4:30 AM. Long story short, I came out Sunday afternoon - minus a friend. I know everything happens for a reason, but I can’t believe he passed away on the same weekend as race! We had been racing this series together from the beginning of time. Every day, my prayers go out to him and his family. RIP my friend.
And for those of you who were at the race, I just wanted to thank everyone who entered the Bike For Bender category, donated for a wristband or just showed support in some way. You all made the campaign a huge success! His family is forever grateful.
Now for 2011...
The great thing about each new year is that you get a chance to start all over again. For some, it's a new beginning. For me, it definitely is.
To be honest, racing has been the last thing on my mind: I just moved to Big Bear a few months ago, my folks were just down for Christmas, and the local mountains have been aching me to go snowboarding, shoeing and skiing a lot more than cycling!
And then over the Christmas break, my friend Paul Romero slid a question my way rather nonchalantly:
"You want to team up for the 12hrs of Temecula in January?"
For the first time in my life, I actually had to think about it. I just lost my riding partner, I hadn't been training and I wasn't motivated to race at all. But, reluctantly, I agreed. Paul is a great guy, a strong rider, a great sportsman and good friend. I had no reason to say no.
In the end, I knew it was the right thing to do. Plus, Rob would have kicked my ass for not stepping up! We named our team: Powered By Bender in his honor.
12hrs #1 - In the books
And as luck would have it, Paul and I managed to slug out 15 laps and take home the 2 Person team win. I was dreading it all week, but when I arrived at the race, all of those thoughts went out the window and I found peace and excitement in the air once again. I was surrounded by great people, new competitors, and a long 12hr challenge.
So huge thanks to Paul for inspiring me to get out there and get it done, Jason Ranoa for putting on a great event, and the fans for supporting everyone coming through the finish line. It was great to be out there.
Now I’m looking forward to whole new season of good times, good riding, and good fun, and with of course, good friends.
And remember, every day on a bike is a good day.
AL
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