Good BYE 2010, HELLO 2011

You have to love a mother with a sense of humor.
This little stocking stuffer came with a very apropos label on the wrapping -

"To make sure you get rid of all the shit from 2010..."

"Christmas, Bikes, Courage"

Yesterday I was reminded I've made friendships and bonds that will outlast some of the BS I've gone through lately, regardless of the distance or time in-between visits. Here is a dose of true holiday spirit in proper Canadian fashion from Jim, a friend who lives in Banff.

Jason,

I donated a bike in your name through 88 Bikes , an excellent charity started by filmmaker Dan Austin (True Fans). I'll send him the enclosed photo, and they'll take it with them when they deliver the bikes. Then you get a photo of a happy kid somewhere in the world, with your photo and their new bike. I've been doing this since the first year they started with a goal of 88 bikes (just saw online that we did bike #16) and they are now up to over 800 bikes for their new project.

And if you could use a smile (and who couldn't), check out this blog posting from the first project in Cambodia. Moment of Happy indeed!

As I said before, I have tremendous respect and admiration for how you have been able face (your recent) challenges with integrity and courage. I hope that this holiday season brings you some peace and happiness.

Jim

Jim took this photo after we scored a rare ride together when he was in DC a few years back. Thanks Jim, I won't soon forget this.

Into the Blu

Brian, "When we first heard they were going to make a movie, Rolf assured me we would look like Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp but we look more like Stan and Ollie"


I'm just now finishing the fixes and edits for the BluRay and 2nd pressing of the DVDs for Chasing Legends. Part of that is editing the 40 minute Q&A from the O2 in London after our UK premiere. I hadn't watched it until just now. Gotta say, it's a powerful thing for me. I don't often give myself much credit for having accomplished much and I am my own harshest critic. But this video made me pause and realize I was part of a really amazing adventure brought to film that will be a part of cycling for many years to come. Here are some screen shots of this really special event. Hope you get a feeling for the vibe we had there, it was a once in a lifetime chance. I'm so glad I took it.

Order the BluRay if you want to see this funny & moving interview. www.chasinglegends.com
Rolf, Brian, Phil, Cav and myself at the largest screen in all of Europe, the O2. Standing room only in most of the 55 theaters watching the live broadcast.

Brian talks about things not always going to plan. "Sometimes we have to freestyle"

Mark and Phil banter back and forth about his sincerity and income

Mark says, "I don't like to sit in and just wait for the sprint. I want to do my share of the work"
And Phil says something about working as a waiter with such a shirt.

Rolf and Brian can be deadly serious but that just makes their joking banter even more fun

Talking about the vision I had and first meeting Cav

The sign from Jeremy our interpreter - "Is not possible"

Cav still defending his shirt

Seeing the vision

Things were often exceptionally challenging. From dreaming up the film right up to the night of the O2 event. I gave a big thanks to all involved, especially my friends and family for their support. That got me a bit choked up to start with, then ...

Phil asked they give me a round of applause and the place went nuts, my eyes instantly welled up and all I could do was smile - an unforgettable moment in my life.

My Brother - 100% Proof

I got a call from my brother the other day, another surprise of support and encouragement. It might not seem like much but to get a call from him has been a rare thing. He and I had a tumultuous life together and didn't always (in fact rarely did we) see eye to eye.

But one phone call, this one sign of checking in on me to make sure I am ok - it speaks to proof of change. Proof of better times to come. Proof of love. At a time in my life when so much has gone right as well as wrong to have my brother there to share it with - after we were dead to each other for far too long - it's like being rekindled. He has helped turn a bad time for me into good.

I am looking forward to this Christmas, to seeing my friends and all my family. I am very much looking forward to seeing my brother. I am looking forward to having him be part of my life once again. Thanks Jeff. For being there.

SOLID-

Feeling the love & support today and yesterday from both friends and family and an absolutely unexpected connection who's timing could not have been better. Thanks for reaching out Lucas. Wow. Solidarity.