I am writing
while sitting at a bench in my apartment in Adelaide, Australia. I am here to
enjoy and embrace all that is the Tour Down Under Cycling Race.
This morning,
along with approximately 1000 others, I participated in a 107 kilometre ride
through the Adelaide Hills and surrounds. A ride that entailed nearly 1800
metres of climbing and that inclusive of stops for red lights, traffic, water
and food, I completed in 4 hours and 27 minutes.
I am here in
Adelaide and cycling each day due in no small part to a Gentleman who passed
away yesterday aged 81.
In 6 weeks
time, I will embrace 10 years since I had open heart surgery to repair 4
blockages in arteries. The date was 3 March 2008 and I was not yet 50 years old.
In 2004 I
started cycling and a year later was introduced to Hamilton Wheelers Cycling
Club where I started some local club criterion and road racing.
I was graded
C Grade and was a perennial finisher in the main pack. I never troubled the
podium.
The
Handicapper was a “no nonsense” hard nosed veteran cyclist and was an expert at
dealing with the many competitors trying to convince him they should be dropped
a grade.
He was
equally welcoming and supportive of new cyclists and always ready with a tip.
He also remembered everyone’s name.
A few weeks
after my surgery, I went and watched some races and he enquired as to why I wasn’t
racing. When I explained why, he revealed he had had the same surgery some 8
years before.
He
encouraged me to keep cycling and to race again suggesting I have a quiet word
to him when I am ready.
My Cardiologist
was a former racer and in giving me the go ahead to race, added the proviso
that it is to be no higher than D Grade.
I was graded
in D Grade however after a few months I managed to win a few races. Our
handicapper approached me saying he needs to look at putting me back in C Grade
however on checking with my Cardiologist, the answer was no.
He called me
and said I could stay in D Grade however I would have to “soft pedal” and not
win too often. We discussed how this may work and for the next year I did a lot
of work at the front of D Grade races and chased down any breakaway.
Being able
to keep participating in Club Races was important to me re-gaining my physical
confidence.
I have often
reflected on his kindness and understanding in negotiating a way for me to keep
cycling.
In no small
way, he has a great deal to do with me being in Adelaide today.
If it wasn’t
for him, I may never have made several European Cycling trips nor run the New
York or Berlin Marathons.
I have not
seen him for quite a few years however I sit here today both pleased and relieved that I took the time to tell him
how much I appreciated what he did for me.
It is a reminder
to me how important it is to acknowledge those who make a positive difference
to our life.
Thank you to
a fine gentleman and someone who was proud to his last day to call himself a
cyclist.
If there is
cycling in heaven, it is about to be better organised. If there is not, there
soon will be.
Rest in
Peace Terry Bourne.
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