Happy B-Day!

Lindsay – an Olympian no less – is one of the reasons I still race mountain bikes today. I can remember the first time I actually beat him in a race like was yesterday. It was a super hot dusty and dry Wednesday Night Race on the brand new Bur Oak trail. I was a little depressed because I had broken my shin earlier that week. I was riding a 29er (before they were called 29ers) with drop bars, and Lindsay was on his trusty Cannondale. I had won the 'hole shot' and we had swapped positions back and forward. For the whole race I had a simle from ear-to-ear. I just couldn’t believe I was bumping elbows with an Olympia! After the race Lindsay congratulated me on a fine race. I was beaming for the rest of the night. About 5-years later during a B2B race we were pacing together, and chit chatting about nothing in particular. Lindsay who has raced the biggest and most prestigious races in the world (Trans Rockies, Trans Alps etc.) reminded me of the first time I had beaten him at that little insignificant Wednesday Night race. I couldn’t believe he remembered, and I was beaming for the rest of the race! A number of years later, I was winning races more often then not. Unfortunately, I was also starting to suffer from a swollen head. Lindsay – 20 years my senior – was kind enough to let out some of that hot air out, and gifted me some much need ‘perspective’. I had been ripping up the B2B course, and was off the front pushing hard through the sand dunes with 15k to go. I bogged down at one point, and jump off the bike to run, and began to cramp savagely in both hamstrings. Dropped to my knees by the pain and thinking I was alone, I started to scream “Aaaaaa”. Just at the moment Lindsay came rolling by looking as fresh as morning dew. There I was, the race leader, looking quiet foolish on my knees, covered in sand and screaming my bloody head off! I was instantly shamed for my childish behavior, while being flabbergasted at his unending endurance. Talk about inspired! I might have packed it in if it wasn’t for Lindsay’s strength and determination. Perhaps that is what it means to be an Olympian. It is not about how you place, but your strength of character when you race!

Bottom Line:
There is only one Lindsay… thank God I couldn’t stand the competition.

Happy 60th B-Day and thanks for all the encouragement, great competition and good memories!


Brief Bio:
Olympic cyclist (1972 Munich, 200K road race)

Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame member (A brief summary of Lindsay's competitive achievements are listed on this page.)

Olympia Cycle & Ski founder

Race Director (Beach To Beach / Reach The Beach and many others).

Trail Builder (Bur Oak, Grand Beach, and others).

Adventure Racer (and writer): La Ruta de los Conquistadores (epic mountain bike race), 2003 and 2004 Raid Ukatek, 2005 Arctic Circle race, 2007 Club Cingles De Mont Ventoux, and many others.

Cycling Advocate (SPIN)

Winnipeg's oldest bike courier (He's currently on leave as he recovers from the 3rd surgery on his left shoulder.)