Yesterday, a group of seven souls departed my house at 7:47am. The route was familiar. Larry Allen, BTL’s best Builder, had ridden this route right before he departed for his Heavenly home. Per usual, he had called to tell me all about it. We were going to ride it the next week. Next week never came…
So, every Memorial Day since, we ride LA’s favorite route in his honor. Yesterday was # 17. He left us way too early on May 21, 2009. He is greatly missed. As we rode, we shared our favorite LA stories, many laughs, and (at least me) choked back tears of some combination of joy and sorrow. LA meant the world to me. He built me up like none other. Called me genius. Called me brother. Called me out too. He was the epitome of tough and tender (way more tender than most would ever know). He was brilliant. He was strong. He had an indomitable will. He did not suffer fools well, but would always suffer for ONE.
I miss this mountain of a man. Always will…
I’m much older now and slower too. The tiny twigs are tired. But put me on LA’s last route and something changes within this old dog. I feel his spirit and it’s as if the winds at my back even when it’s in my face. My training this year has been an all time low. Hadn’t ridden outside since Doc Cuttfirstaskquestionslater took off most of my right forehead back on April fools day.
Rode a warm up on Saturday with the boys. Rested Sunday. When I clipped in on Monday, I said a short prayer and locked in on the task at hand. Fifty miles. No big deal back in the day. Felt like a lot for my untrained sorriness. Was not a problem. Felt LA pushing me. Was HUGE. He was 6′ 6″ and 240 lbs of pure muscle. Had his hand on the small of my back all morning, or so it felt.
Oh another funny LA identity for me? He said my tiny twigs were like those of a race horse. He meant it too! Damn, I miss his words of encouragement. Damn, I miss my friend.
So, friend, take nothing and no good friend, especially, for granted. Time together transforming is a precious gift. You’ll be lucky to have one in your lifetime. Treasure them and your time. Thank God for them. Tell them too. As for me and LA? Know this. I never had the chance to say goodbye. LA and I both know it wouldn’t have mattered. We both would have never said goodbye – only see you later.
Yeah, baby. See you later, LA. See you soon. Thanks for the push yesterday and for the gift of your belief. Means the world to this battered, bruised, but still kicking mule. So, until we meet again, you can count on me to…
Live hard. Love harder. Much harder…
BUILT TO LEAD 