They have the old saying that 'the best things in life are free'. I am not sure who originally coined that phrase? I don't think it took long for someone else to come up with 'nothing is ever truly free' (or some offshoot similar to that).
In this mass marketing age sometimes all the stops come out in an attempt to lure us in. Many of us have rightly become sceptical of 'free' things. Often we just end up with a cynical disposition and a bad taste in our mouths.
In my own small way I try to change the 'if it is free there must be a catch' attitude. I often offer a free pedicab ride to someone when I feel it is warranted.
It is kind of funny the reactions that I get when I tell someone "How about a free ride?". You get the 'off standish' person that thinks there is some type of catch. Then there is the 'uninterested' person that just has other things on their mind. Once in a while you will get the person that really needs it.
Most of the time the people that get on for a free roll up the road have never been on a pedicab before. So in some ways a free ride is an investment in someone who may ride again sometime if they like it. When you do meet a person that has never taken a ride it is kind of amazing.
A few days ago I took some women that were staying at the Star Of Hope back to the center. They told me they were coming back from a career class. It was quite fun. I have taken some kids with their mothers from the center to the corner store as well and the delight on their young faces is just heart warming. I feel if, even for a moment, that I can help brighten someone's day then maybe it can make a difference somehow in their lives.
I have given rides to people that have lost their wallets, got left by their ride, don't have any cash on them and so fourth. Sometime I get a phone number or I am told to come by a place of work to get a hook-up on food, a phone or whatever kind of business the person may be in. I have never really followed up on any offers though. For me a smile coming from a kind face is more than enough.
That is the great thing about a pedicab ride. No one really ever takes one because they need to. 98 percent of the time the rides are well within walking distance for patrons. We often just shuttle people from bar to bar, their car to an event, from a hotel to dine somewhere...rides that are quicker than walking but not exactly something you would find yourself taking to the airport. I think the longest ride I have ever given has been around 6 miles or so. So in the end it is all about novelty and having fun. For just a brief moment out of the regular day it is a chance to feel special.
May you find special joy in the free things of life. Ty
My name is Ty Wilson.
I am a left leg below the knee amputee.
I post blogs about life as an amputee and amputee quality of life issues.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Tour Of Life
The 97th Tour de France starts Saturday July 3rd, 2010. The Tour consist of 1 prologue and 20 stages and will cover a total distance of over 2,263 miles. This is one of my very favorite sporting events. I am a huge recreational cyclist. I have always considered cycling the one sport that was essential to my recovery when I got my first prosthesis.
Lance Armstrong , whom retired from cycling the year of my accident (2006), has always been a great role model. Lance's book, 'It's Not about The bike' is an inspirational story about his near death recovery from cancer and rise as the best cyclist in the world. Armstrong who came out of retirement finished 3rd in the 2009 Tour. Lance has admitted in recent interviews that his conditioning is not exactly where he 'hoped it would be' for the race this year. At 38 years old, if Armstrong does pull off a win, he would be the oldest person to ever win the race. Most indicators are that Armstrong's chances are fair at best to win. There are encouraging signs from his recent second place finish in the Tour de Suisse. Lance's team Team Radioshack is definitely one of the strongest teams in the tour. Armstrong will need great team support, some surprising days in the mountains and a little luck to be victorious this year. Armstrong just put out a tweet stating that this will be his final Tour De France...hmmm seems like I heard that somewhere before?
Of course, the person predicted to win the 2010 Tour is last years champion, and former Armstrong team mate Alberto Contador . Contador is heavily favored to win the Tour this year. Contador is 11 years younger than Armstrong and about 35 lbs lighter, a critical factor for riding the mountains. Alberto has won the Volta ao Algarve, Paris-Nice and Vuelta and Castilla y León races this year. Contador claims to be in better shape than he was last year. Contador's Team Astana is not great, but probably enough to support him to victory.
Other favorites to win this year are the Schlex brothers Andy and Frank . The two brothers both ride for Team Saxo Bank . The Schlex brother are phenomenal riders, especially in the mountains. Andy, the youngest brother is more suited to the type of race that the Tour is. With brother Frank watching his back and the right conditions, Andy Schlex may be the 2010 tour winner.
The are many other riders that have more than decent chances of winning the Tour. Illness, crash and injury can change the outcome of the race at any given moment. I have included a couple cycling highlight videos in an effort to maybe spurn some interest.
Cycling Motivation
Lance Armstrong Crash/Recovery 2003
I personally love to watch the riders as they start to climb in the mountains. It is a glimpse of human spirit and determination opening up right before your eyes. The question of who the strongest rider is becomes more apparent each day in the mountains. The teamwork, tactics and strategy that each team attempts to employ unfolds each day. The team with the right combination that peaks at the right moment rises up to victory.
To me life is like a bike race in many ways. Some days are good and others are bad. You make friends an rivals along the journey the to the finish line. You are inspired by the performance of others and you often inspire others yourself. Sometimes it is you and the team pulling together, other times you are all alone, climbing a big giant hill, giving it all you got and hanging on for dear life..
May the wind be at your back. Ty
Lance Armstrong , whom retired from cycling the year of my accident (2006), has always been a great role model. Lance's book, 'It's Not about The bike' is an inspirational story about his near death recovery from cancer and rise as the best cyclist in the world. Armstrong who came out of retirement finished 3rd in the 2009 Tour. Lance has admitted in recent interviews that his conditioning is not exactly where he 'hoped it would be' for the race this year. At 38 years old, if Armstrong does pull off a win, he would be the oldest person to ever win the race. Most indicators are that Armstrong's chances are fair at best to win. There are encouraging signs from his recent second place finish in the Tour de Suisse. Lance's team Team Radioshack is definitely one of the strongest teams in the tour. Armstrong will need great team support, some surprising days in the mountains and a little luck to be victorious this year. Armstrong just put out a tweet stating that this will be his final Tour De France...hmmm seems like I heard that somewhere before?
Of course, the person predicted to win the 2010 Tour is last years champion, and former Armstrong team mate Alberto Contador . Contador is heavily favored to win the Tour this year. Contador is 11 years younger than Armstrong and about 35 lbs lighter, a critical factor for riding the mountains. Alberto has won the Volta ao Algarve, Paris-Nice and Vuelta and Castilla y León races this year. Contador claims to be in better shape than he was last year. Contador's Team Astana is not great, but probably enough to support him to victory.
Other favorites to win this year are the Schlex brothers Andy and Frank . The two brothers both ride for Team Saxo Bank . The Schlex brother are phenomenal riders, especially in the mountains. Andy, the youngest brother is more suited to the type of race that the Tour is. With brother Frank watching his back and the right conditions, Andy Schlex may be the 2010 tour winner.
The are many other riders that have more than decent chances of winning the Tour. Illness, crash and injury can change the outcome of the race at any given moment. I have included a couple cycling highlight videos in an effort to maybe spurn some interest.
Cycling Motivation
Lance Armstrong Crash/Recovery 2003
I personally love to watch the riders as they start to climb in the mountains. It is a glimpse of human spirit and determination opening up right before your eyes. The question of who the strongest rider is becomes more apparent each day in the mountains. The teamwork, tactics and strategy that each team attempts to employ unfolds each day. The team with the right combination that peaks at the right moment rises up to victory.
To me life is like a bike race in many ways. Some days are good and others are bad. You make friends an rivals along the journey the to the finish line. You are inspired by the performance of others and you often inspire others yourself. Sometimes it is you and the team pulling together, other times you are all alone, climbing a big giant hill, giving it all you got and hanging on for dear life..
May the wind be at your back. Ty
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Every Day Is Exactly The Same
I am not sure about you but I remember saying things like "I hate my life" and "why me" at certain times before. At other moments I've thought things like 'life is so boring' or 'nothing is new and exciting to me' or 'I've tried it all'.
You know what? Since I became an amputee I have rarely thought those negative thoughts or felt life was unexciting. You would think the exact opposite would be true? Undoubtedly my circumstances have become much more adverse and challenging since losing a limb.
I don't know what it is exactly? Maybe something deep inside has caused me to be more positive to help overcome the situation? Maybe I just gained a deeper appreciation for life after nearly losing it? I really can't say.
The only way every day is the same is if you let it become that way. There are many things you can do to add variety to your life and keep it fresh. There is my old favorite exercise, which is a great way to keep you physically and mentally in shape. Studies prove that exercise can improve your life on all kinds of levels. The natural chemicals that your body releases while involved in exercising helps your body in various ways. Your joints, muscles and brain all get a dosage of healing and mentally stimulating chemicals from your body naturally. There is also the traditional benefits of weight loss, cardiovascular improvement an so fourth.
Routine is yet another method to help add spice to life. I know it sounds contradictory, because we often think of routine as boring. I prefer some routine in my life, because the structure helps keep me grounded. By changing things up you can also keep them exciting. When going to the gym and working a certain muscle group(s) you can switch up the exercises you do. Little things like changing reps or going from machines to free weight is actually very beneficial because it stops your muscles from getting used to the same movement. If you go into the gym and do the same exact thing all the time your body will adapt and you will get bored. This routine switching method can be done with different types of exercise as well. When riding my bike I purposely take another route and try to get lost, it helps freshen up the experience. Maybe I will see something I never have before? Maybe I will know to never go that way again?...lol. Often when I go for a run I will go to different places. One day I may stop by the beach if I am close. Another time I may go to the park and 'people watch' while I enjoy my trot.
Another way to keep things interesting is to check out different viewpoints. Maybe watch MSNBC instead of FOX News one night or vice versa? Maybe listen to AM talk radio instead of NPR all the time? Listening to someone you always agree is pleasant, but what are you really learning? Maybe if you listen to both sides you might get the full story. I have sat through many 'documentaries' that I totally disagreed with and thought were so biased before. There were actually a few points brought up that I probably never would have considered had I not bothered to check it out. If something makes you uncomfortable, it just might be causing you to think? At the very least you can try to understand why a person may feel a certain way. I think you need to add mental and physical variety to your life to keep growing.
The very best way to appreciate life is to be thankful. Everyday at some point during the day (usually toward the beginning) I purposely make a point to count my blessings. All I have to really do is just think about the time in my life I was unable to walk to realize how lucky I am. I also know I have been blessed with the best gift in the world...the ability to cause others to be thankful as well. At some point during the day a person is going to see me peddle a bike up a hill, run by them in the park or walk past them on the street and they are going to say "what is my excuse to be bummed out" or think 'if that was me could I do it?'. Total strangers tell me all the time I inspire them. I imagine I have been the topic of conversation along the lines of "honey you will never guess what I saw today?" a time or two. Yells out the window from cars, the thumbs up or comments like 'go bionic man' are usual scenes of my daily experience.
Despite all of this I do have bad days. I actually run across individuals in my life that have gone out of their way to try and ruin my positive energy. Even some I felt that have tried to destroy my life and livelihood. I try my best to be thankful when this happens as well. There is a lesson in everything. Maybe I need to change something about myself? Maybe this person needs help and this is their way of asking for it? Of course if you make nothing but friends everywhere you go you are probably spineless and have no opinion about anything.
What I do know is that there is a lot adversity in all of our lives. If it was easy it wouldn't be life. Can you imagine the torment our ancestors used to go through just to do something as basic as eat at one time? All I know is that I no longer 'hate my life' in fact I am grateful for each day that I get a chance to get up, get out and live. There is no more 'why me?' Instead I say 'it could be worse' or 'it has been worse before'. Challenges, while still being uncomfortable are more about learning than feeling sorry for myself.
What I am trying to convey is that life can seem boring, harsh or even meaningless at times and that there are certain things you can do to combat these feelings.
You control your destiny. Life is what you make of it.
Until next post. Ty
You know what? Since I became an amputee I have rarely thought those negative thoughts or felt life was unexciting. You would think the exact opposite would be true? Undoubtedly my circumstances have become much more adverse and challenging since losing a limb.
I don't know what it is exactly? Maybe something deep inside has caused me to be more positive to help overcome the situation? Maybe I just gained a deeper appreciation for life after nearly losing it? I really can't say.
The only way every day is the same is if you let it become that way. There are many things you can do to add variety to your life and keep it fresh. There is my old favorite exercise, which is a great way to keep you physically and mentally in shape. Studies prove that exercise can improve your life on all kinds of levels. The natural chemicals that your body releases while involved in exercising helps your body in various ways. Your joints, muscles and brain all get a dosage of healing and mentally stimulating chemicals from your body naturally. There is also the traditional benefits of weight loss, cardiovascular improvement an so fourth.
Routine is yet another method to help add spice to life. I know it sounds contradictory, because we often think of routine as boring. I prefer some routine in my life, because the structure helps keep me grounded. By changing things up you can also keep them exciting. When going to the gym and working a certain muscle group(s) you can switch up the exercises you do. Little things like changing reps or going from machines to free weight is actually very beneficial because it stops your muscles from getting used to the same movement. If you go into the gym and do the same exact thing all the time your body will adapt and you will get bored. This routine switching method can be done with different types of exercise as well. When riding my bike I purposely take another route and try to get lost, it helps freshen up the experience. Maybe I will see something I never have before? Maybe I will know to never go that way again?...lol. Often when I go for a run I will go to different places. One day I may stop by the beach if I am close. Another time I may go to the park and 'people watch' while I enjoy my trot.
Another way to keep things interesting is to check out different viewpoints. Maybe watch MSNBC instead of FOX News one night or vice versa? Maybe listen to AM talk radio instead of NPR all the time? Listening to someone you always agree is pleasant, but what are you really learning? Maybe if you listen to both sides you might get the full story. I have sat through many 'documentaries' that I totally disagreed with and thought were so biased before. There were actually a few points brought up that I probably never would have considered had I not bothered to check it out. If something makes you uncomfortable, it just might be causing you to think? At the very least you can try to understand why a person may feel a certain way. I think you need to add mental and physical variety to your life to keep growing.
The very best way to appreciate life is to be thankful. Everyday at some point during the day (usually toward the beginning) I purposely make a point to count my blessings. All I have to really do is just think about the time in my life I was unable to walk to realize how lucky I am. I also know I have been blessed with the best gift in the world...the ability to cause others to be thankful as well. At some point during the day a person is going to see me peddle a bike up a hill, run by them in the park or walk past them on the street and they are going to say "what is my excuse to be bummed out" or think 'if that was me could I do it?'. Total strangers tell me all the time I inspire them. I imagine I have been the topic of conversation along the lines of "honey you will never guess what I saw today?" a time or two. Yells out the window from cars, the thumbs up or comments like 'go bionic man' are usual scenes of my daily experience.
Despite all of this I do have bad days. I actually run across individuals in my life that have gone out of their way to try and ruin my positive energy. Even some I felt that have tried to destroy my life and livelihood. I try my best to be thankful when this happens as well. There is a lesson in everything. Maybe I need to change something about myself? Maybe this person needs help and this is their way of asking for it? Of course if you make nothing but friends everywhere you go you are probably spineless and have no opinion about anything.
What I do know is that there is a lot adversity in all of our lives. If it was easy it wouldn't be life. Can you imagine the torment our ancestors used to go through just to do something as basic as eat at one time? All I know is that I no longer 'hate my life' in fact I am grateful for each day that I get a chance to get up, get out and live. There is no more 'why me?' Instead I say 'it could be worse' or 'it has been worse before'. Challenges, while still being uncomfortable are more about learning than feeling sorry for myself.
What I am trying to convey is that life can seem boring, harsh or even meaningless at times and that there are certain things you can do to combat these feelings.
You control your destiny. Life is what you make of it.
Until next post. Ty
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
On The Road In Arlington
I'm driving a pedicab here at the Texas Rangers games in Arlington, TX. I will be here through SUN 5/23 as they are in the midst of playing 7 in a row at home.
It's been a while since I posted anything and figured I should at least let people know I am still alive. I've gotten some emails and text from folks who are 'worried' about me. All is well. I am having a blast soaking up some sun and getting in great shape riding the hills out here.
The last video (linked on the previous blog) compilation was a smash! I am really happy it got so many hits, despite copyright issues. Thanks to all who checked the clip out. Every year that marks my anniversary since becoming an amputee is always a little bit strange for me. Sorry for being a bit self indulgent. I was really surprised to see the video getting so many hits (several hundred daily for a while) especially since it isn't available on a lot of mobile devices and in certain areas outside the USA. What matters most is that I hope it may have helped inspire someone in some way.
One of these days I will finish the cycling series video. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record...lol. I also have a new ideal on making a video that addresses residual limb atrophy. BTW - I want to say Happy (belated) B-Day to my camera person, video consultant, work out partner and friend Lori B. Lori has been a great friend and has really helped me with organizing ideals and turning them into videos.
Not much else to report. I've been uploading some pics to FB of sights around the areas I have been working.
Summer is almost here!!
As I always say stay optimistic and motivated. We only get so many spins around the sun in our lifetime...so why not make the most of them? It can be easy to forget about what is really important in life and get caught up in superficial things.
Ty
It's been a while since I posted anything and figured I should at least let people know I am still alive. I've gotten some emails and text from folks who are 'worried' about me. All is well. I am having a blast soaking up some sun and getting in great shape riding the hills out here.
The last video (linked on the previous blog) compilation was a smash! I am really happy it got so many hits, despite copyright issues. Thanks to all who checked the clip out. Every year that marks my anniversary since becoming an amputee is always a little bit strange for me. Sorry for being a bit self indulgent. I was really surprised to see the video getting so many hits (several hundred daily for a while) especially since it isn't available on a lot of mobile devices and in certain areas outside the USA. What matters most is that I hope it may have helped inspire someone in some way.
One of these days I will finish the cycling series video. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record...lol. I also have a new ideal on making a video that addresses residual limb atrophy. BTW - I want to say Happy (belated) B-Day to my camera person, video consultant, work out partner and friend Lori B. Lori has been a great friend and has really helped me with organizing ideals and turning them into videos.
Not much else to report. I've been uploading some pics to FB of sights around the areas I have been working.
Summer is almost here!!
As I always say stay optimistic and motivated. We only get so many spins around the sun in our lifetime...so why not make the most of them? It can be easy to forget about what is really important in life and get caught up in superficial things.
Ty
Friday, April 16, 2010
Four Years
I wanted to write a long and meaningful blog about my four year anniversary as an amputee. April 25th will mark the 'apuversary' of my accident and initial amputation.
I have been busy as can be lately and have not had the time to try and meaningfully express what this time of year has come to mean for me. There are many emotions that overtake me as I think about the date that everything in my life changed.
What I will say is that you should take challenges head on and do your best. Do not allow anything to stand in the way of your true aspirations. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something.
Instead of a long drawn out badly written/spelled/grammaritized blog I thought maybe I could express my sentiments best with a little video.
Ty - 4 Years As An Amputee
Becoming an amputee is definitely a life changing event...but it certainly does not have to be a life limiting one.
Wishing you the best!
Ty
I have been busy as can be lately and have not had the time to try and meaningfully express what this time of year has come to mean for me. There are many emotions that overtake me as I think about the date that everything in my life changed.
What I will say is that you should take challenges head on and do your best. Do not allow anything to stand in the way of your true aspirations. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something.
Instead of a long drawn out badly written/spelled/grammaritized blog I thought maybe I could express my sentiments best with a little video.
Ty - 4 Years As An Amputee
Becoming an amputee is definitely a life changing event...but it certainly does not have to be a life limiting one.
Wishing you the best!
Ty
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Art Of Actvity - Cycling Video 2
One night, not long ago, I decided to go for a run out on Galveston Island. It was a really strange night, the wind had picked up and it began to rain. After arriving at the sea wall I changed my mind and decided to leave. It was dark out already and I just didn't feel like getting wet and cold.
I went back and fourth a few times about staying or leaving. Finally I decided since I had gone through the trouble of driving all the way to the island, about 50 miles from my place, to "go for it!". I donned a light jacket that I put on over my running gear and set out. As I started I headed north/north-east. The wind gust were just incredible. I was barely moving, it was foggy and there was a harsh misty spray continuously hitting me in the face. My guess is the wind was a constant 20mph, with gust into the 30s? I was moving almost as slow as I usually walk, but putting in a running effort. I could not see more than a few hundred feet ahead. Not even the traffic lights were visible through the fog and rain until I was under a quarter of a mile from them.
As I reached the half way point I turned around. Now with that wind at my back, it was all I could do to stop from falling over onto my face. I was trucking along almost being pushed over by the wind. Needless to say the last half of the run was about twice as fast as the first.
Even though it was a rainy, windy and cold night out it ended up being pretty neat. Seeing the distant lights from the few boats over the choppy water, the sound of the wind, the spray of the salt air, the deep feeling of being in that moment and just letting my mind roam was really cool. I even stayed pretty comfortable once I got out into it and began moving. The human body can be such an amazing machine. The feeling of accomplishment I had afterwards was great as well. I was on cloud nine all the way back home.
Another time (a wind story again...lol) I was riding my bike close to Port Aransas. I departed headed in a northern direction toward the top of the island. Once I got to the middle of town where the restaurants and ferry are I turned around. The wind was once again blowing hard south, this time probably in the 15 - 20 mph range. Getting up to the top of the island had taken a 'harder than usual' effort.
Once I headed south the magic began. About 10 minutes into it I realized I was in a wind vacuum. It was very surreal. I was clicking along around 20 mph without hardly any effort. I was in my biggest gears just casually pedalling. Sweat drops would fall from my brow straight onto my handlebars and hands. I had no headwind or breeze at all. No air was hitting my face, which was very unusual. Every noise was so much clearer than normal. Without the extra air pressure there was nothing abating the noise flow to my ears like under normal conditions. The gear cogs running over the chain and the creaking of the leather in my cycling shoes were strangely clearly audible. It was wild!
The probability of me ever experiencing a similar moment again is pretty low. Timing and other factors would have to be so perfect for the same scenario to happen again. Due to this rare experience I will never forget the wind vacuum ride. I know there will be other 'magic moments' during future activities. Fantastic moments are one of many reasons I love to participate in athletic endeavors.
I have been blessed so many times with great memories while outside doing things. I have encountered so many neat country roads, cool old bridges, beautiful evening skylines, old stores and other fond memories. Even in what some would consider unfortunate experiences, like flat tires, I have ended up meeting some really interesting and helpful people. The thing is that any situation has potential to be good or bad depending on your outlook on life.
Some experiences have been hard and in some instances dangerous. Running and cycling can involve risk. Then again, you hear of the people that get injured from falling off a porch or tripping over a curb? I am definitely not telling you to participate in crazy or dangerous activities. What I am telling you to do is experience life.
Even a simple activity like sitting with your coffee in the morning as the sun comes up can be a memorable experience. Watching the sun set is a great activity as well. Being on a evening or morning fishing trip, taking the time to teach somebody something, gazing at distant stars, working out, exploring old buildings down town or trying something 'new' are just some of the ways to get the most out of life. It doesn't always take a lot of money or fancy equipment to have an invaluable experience. I have had some great times on a beat up loaner bicycle. There is so much to see right outside our own door we often forget about. Sometimes we just get too caught up in our daily routines.
In the end there is no replacement for the feeling you can have getting out and living. We all need to stop from time to time and realize how valuable life is and how amazing it is to be in the world. It is my honest opinion that humbling ourselves in the glory around us makes us better people. We are all connected and we all know it...sometimes we just choose to ignore it.
I have finally finished Part 2 of the 3 Part Amputee Cycling Series I am doing. I have had so many good times riding a bike since becoming an amputee. Cycling was so important in my physical and mental recovery. I still really enjoy it. It is my hope that someone may gain helpful information or inspiration from watching the video.
Amputee Cycling (part 2)
This particular video was edited using Linux software and is far from fancy, but I think it gets the information across.
[ 3/25/10 - There has been a snag in the video with YouTube. During one part of the video I included music by the band Guns N' Roses. The video has been tagged as possibly violating copyright rules. I am currently trying to clear this up with YouTube and the record label. For the time being the video is barred from mobile devices and in certain regions. My apoligies if you are not able to view it. I'm currently away from home, once back in my production area I will probably re-release the video sans the music.]
Take Care!
Ty :)
I went back and fourth a few times about staying or leaving. Finally I decided since I had gone through the trouble of driving all the way to the island, about 50 miles from my place, to "go for it!". I donned a light jacket that I put on over my running gear and set out. As I started I headed north/north-east. The wind gust were just incredible. I was barely moving, it was foggy and there was a harsh misty spray continuously hitting me in the face. My guess is the wind was a constant 20mph, with gust into the 30s? I was moving almost as slow as I usually walk, but putting in a running effort. I could not see more than a few hundred feet ahead. Not even the traffic lights were visible through the fog and rain until I was under a quarter of a mile from them.
As I reached the half way point I turned around. Now with that wind at my back, it was all I could do to stop from falling over onto my face. I was trucking along almost being pushed over by the wind. Needless to say the last half of the run was about twice as fast as the first.
Even though it was a rainy, windy and cold night out it ended up being pretty neat. Seeing the distant lights from the few boats over the choppy water, the sound of the wind, the spray of the salt air, the deep feeling of being in that moment and just letting my mind roam was really cool. I even stayed pretty comfortable once I got out into it and began moving. The human body can be such an amazing machine. The feeling of accomplishment I had afterwards was great as well. I was on cloud nine all the way back home.
Another time (a wind story again...lol) I was riding my bike close to Port Aransas. I departed headed in a northern direction toward the top of the island. Once I got to the middle of town where the restaurants and ferry are I turned around. The wind was once again blowing hard south, this time probably in the 15 - 20 mph range. Getting up to the top of the island had taken a 'harder than usual' effort.
Once I headed south the magic began. About 10 minutes into it I realized I was in a wind vacuum. It was very surreal. I was clicking along around 20 mph without hardly any effort. I was in my biggest gears just casually pedalling. Sweat drops would fall from my brow straight onto my handlebars and hands. I had no headwind or breeze at all. No air was hitting my face, which was very unusual. Every noise was so much clearer than normal. Without the extra air pressure there was nothing abating the noise flow to my ears like under normal conditions. The gear cogs running over the chain and the creaking of the leather in my cycling shoes were strangely clearly audible. It was wild!
The probability of me ever experiencing a similar moment again is pretty low. Timing and other factors would have to be so perfect for the same scenario to happen again. Due to this rare experience I will never forget the wind vacuum ride. I know there will be other 'magic moments' during future activities. Fantastic moments are one of many reasons I love to participate in athletic endeavors.
I have been blessed so many times with great memories while outside doing things. I have encountered so many neat country roads, cool old bridges, beautiful evening skylines, old stores and other fond memories. Even in what some would consider unfortunate experiences, like flat tires, I have ended up meeting some really interesting and helpful people. The thing is that any situation has potential to be good or bad depending on your outlook on life.
Some experiences have been hard and in some instances dangerous. Running and cycling can involve risk. Then again, you hear of the people that get injured from falling off a porch or tripping over a curb? I am definitely not telling you to participate in crazy or dangerous activities. What I am telling you to do is experience life.
Even a simple activity like sitting with your coffee in the morning as the sun comes up can be a memorable experience. Watching the sun set is a great activity as well. Being on a evening or morning fishing trip, taking the time to teach somebody something, gazing at distant stars, working out, exploring old buildings down town or trying something 'new' are just some of the ways to get the most out of life. It doesn't always take a lot of money or fancy equipment to have an invaluable experience. I have had some great times on a beat up loaner bicycle. There is so much to see right outside our own door we often forget about. Sometimes we just get too caught up in our daily routines.
In the end there is no replacement for the feeling you can have getting out and living. We all need to stop from time to time and realize how valuable life is and how amazing it is to be in the world. It is my honest opinion that humbling ourselves in the glory around us makes us better people. We are all connected and we all know it...sometimes we just choose to ignore it.
I have finally finished Part 2 of the 3 Part Amputee Cycling Series I am doing. I have had so many good times riding a bike since becoming an amputee. Cycling was so important in my physical and mental recovery. I still really enjoy it. It is my hope that someone may gain helpful information or inspiration from watching the video.
Amputee Cycling (part 2)
This particular video was edited using Linux software and is far from fancy, but I think it gets the information across.
[ 3/25/10 - There has been a snag in the video with YouTube. During one part of the video I included music by the band Guns N' Roses. The video has been tagged as possibly violating copyright rules. I am currently trying to clear this up with YouTube and the record label. For the time being the video is barred from mobile devices and in certain regions. My apoligies if you are not able to view it. I'm currently away from home, once back in my production area I will probably re-release the video sans the music.]
Take Care!
Ty :)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Journey Continues - Looking For Sponsorship
Well it has been a really stressful last couple of weeks, but finally I feel some relief.
It is official, I no longer work for Freedom Prosthetics. Anyone trying to get a hold of me via cell, my number has changed. For now the best way to communicate with me would be via email.
As you could tell from my last blog I was having some difficulty making some tough decisions, my career choice being the main topic. I have decided that while I feel I definitely have a niche that can be used in the prosthetic field...that sales isn't exactly my thing. Freedom is a great company, I will always be appreciative of what I have learned there. I wish them the best of luck in the future. We have had a very amicable parting. I know they wish the best for me as well.
I do think marketing, advocacy and promotion are definitely some avenues that I could pursue in the future, but sales is just so...well I just don't think I have the personality for it.
So what I'm gonna do for now is have some fun. The Houston Rodeo is coming up and starting this Thursday I will be back driving a pedicab. What I am mainly going to do is try to relax and enjoy life for a while.
I also have some athletic events coming up. I will be posting a calendar with the things I am going to be competing in. I have some 5k's, bike rides and a triathlon all taking place in the next few months.
I'm always looking for sponsorship on many different levels. If you would like to help promote amputee awareness and get your company name out there please contact me. I can arrange a couple of different types of promotion. Things ranging from putting a company link/logo on this blog site to wearing your business name on an athletic jersey or piece of gear. Even though I am not usually the first guy...people seem to usually notice me during an event. It's almost like I am different that the other participants or something???...lol
The other thing that will be occupying a lot of my time is releasing more videos. I have the rest of the amputee cycling series I have been chomping at the bit to complete. I also have a video I want to do about running. I got some other friends I want to interview as well. I've just been waiting for some nice weather so I can get back out and shoot some more.
Final note...Really special thanks for those that I have had to opportunity to meet out in the field this last year while here in Houston. Gonna miss you.
It is official, I no longer work for Freedom Prosthetics. Anyone trying to get a hold of me via cell, my number has changed. For now the best way to communicate with me would be via email.
As you could tell from my last blog I was having some difficulty making some tough decisions, my career choice being the main topic. I have decided that while I feel I definitely have a niche that can be used in the prosthetic field...that sales isn't exactly my thing. Freedom is a great company, I will always be appreciative of what I have learned there. I wish them the best of luck in the future. We have had a very amicable parting. I know they wish the best for me as well.
I do think marketing, advocacy and promotion are definitely some avenues that I could pursue in the future, but sales is just so...well I just don't think I have the personality for it.
So what I'm gonna do for now is have some fun. The Houston Rodeo is coming up and starting this Thursday I will be back driving a pedicab. What I am mainly going to do is try to relax and enjoy life for a while.
I also have some athletic events coming up. I will be posting a calendar with the things I am going to be competing in. I have some 5k's, bike rides and a triathlon all taking place in the next few months.
I'm always looking for sponsorship on many different levels. If you would like to help promote amputee awareness and get your company name out there please contact me. I can arrange a couple of different types of promotion. Things ranging from putting a company link/logo on this blog site to wearing your business name on an athletic jersey or piece of gear. Even though I am not usually the first guy...people seem to usually notice me during an event. It's almost like I am different that the other participants or something???...lol
The other thing that will be occupying a lot of my time is releasing more videos. I have the rest of the amputee cycling series I have been chomping at the bit to complete. I also have a video I want to do about running. I got some other friends I want to interview as well. I've just been waiting for some nice weather so I can get back out and shoot some more.
Final note...Really special thanks for those that I have had to opportunity to meet out in the field this last year while here in Houston. Gonna miss you.
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