I first saw Fred after a mountain bike race a couple of years ago. Someone quipped, "See that guy? He is in his 70's." You wouldn't assume a man with white hair and wrinkles to be in a racing kit and helmet, racing the same technical trails as some half a century younger. But there he was. Ever since that day, I always look for Fred and am inspired every time I see him.
This past spring, I overheard someone at another bike race say that Fred was training for the Leadville 100. (I must not be the only one inspired by the Texas legend since he seems to be the topic of many conversations.) In case you are not familiar, the "Race Across the Sky" is one of the hardest races in the world. It's 100 miles of serious trail riding, up and down the air-starved mountains of Colorado. (In a previous post, I relayed that a guy who has done both full Ironmans and the Leadville 100 said the latter was "harder by far.")
Apparently, there is a 12-hour cut-off time for the brave souls who race the Leadville 100. Fred's goal this year was to make the cut-off and finish the race. Well, the 78-year-old did just that. Less than one month ago, he crossed the finish line in Leadville and was later received by 1,500 spectators with a standing ovation. Thanks, Fred, for reminding us all that age is just a number.
Photos taken from wacobicycleclub.com and the tmbra.org forum
You can check out the full story and video footage:
http://bicyclesoutbackracing.net/2011/12/silver-cyclist-in-texas-parks-and-wildlife-magazine/
No comments:
Post a Comment