Chileno Valley

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Chaz-Tomales Painting

Smooth before fast. The smoother we ride, corner, climb, the faster we ride. This is especially true on the dirt and I think it can apply to the ins and outs of our daily lives. The trick is to keep focus on the road ahead. Not immediately in front of our wheel or we won’t see what’s coming. Not too far ahead for fear of losing sight of what’s most important. It’s the space between too far and too close. When looking at the painting by Charles Beck this is what I feel. The subtle bend in the creek teases the view downstream toward the great Pacific as my eyes find the subtle glare beyond the bridge. Then, back to the foreground and the melting crimson of some unknown vegetation. As we look forward to the bliss that is suffering of the Chileno Valley Hopper let us remember the gift it is simply to roll up to the start. Our health, our mobility, the wheels beneath, the family and friends that support us, the clean air we’ll be breathing and the beautiful roads we’ll be riding. Let us not diminish the importance of the physical challenge and the sense of accomplishment in reaching and surpassing our goals. This adventure by bike is the glue that keeps it together for most of us. Let’s roll on in appreciation for everything and everyone who as made it possible.  My hope is that at the end of the weekend of bike bliss, your cup will overflow. And your more than half-full cup with help fill anothers’. That your passion will fuel others’ passion; whatever it may be.

Northern Marin is where I first ventured on a road bike. Back in the days when I was able to ride my mtb enough that I actually needed a break, I’d saddle up in Occidental and do the Marshall loop. Newborn calfs, fields of green so intense it could it could soothe the foul temper of the Grinch. And the views of Tomales Bay. The mighty San Andreas unzipping the Pt Reyes peninsula; ribbon roads lightly traveled and crazy tidal fluctuations weaving slippery serpent estuaries and rivulets. Northern Marin is also where Ross Dillon began riding road bikes with his dad Rusty. It’s them I always think of as we approach this iconic Hopper. Riding with my own son these days I appreciate roads quiet enough, yet inspiring, for young riders. Unfortunately Ross was hit from behind doing what he loved, riding his road bike, on Occidental Rd. years ago. His family has stood by him unwaveringly for years but he is destined for a life of physical therapy and home hospice. Our brother, with his dreams and life ahead of him had it taken away. Taken by the momentary thoughtlessness of a driver. It’s my hope that everyone can step up and support Ross Dillon and his family. The Hoppers make a donation but we need your support and contributions. To read about Ross; his story and updates go to: http://www.rossdillon.com

You can make a tax-deductible contribution to the Go Home Foundation by sending a check made payable to WaterStone (please write Go Home Foundation-10760 on the memo line) to:

WaterStone Support Foundation, Inc.
10807 New Allegiance Dr., Ste. 240
Colorado Springs, CO  80921

If you wish to make a credit card donation or an electronic check transfer, you may do so at WaterStone’s secure website, www.WaterStone.org. Remember you are making a gift to the Go Home Foundation.

Also if folks just want to write a check without tax fussing, they can fill it out to:

The Dillon Hope Fund

POB 1509  Glen Ellen  CA  95442

Cheers,

Mig

 

 

 

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