The first time I met Colin was after the 2007 Taupo Enduro. I was in the finishing area and was buzzing. I had just completed two laps of the Great Lake - A feat I thought impossible at the start line at 1:30am that very morning. Colin asked my time for the ride and his reply was unexpected. I was surrounded by people patting me on the back saying 'well done', and Colin looked me right in the eyes and said, "Yeah, I used to be slow at the Enduro too". Until that moment I had thought the ride that day was everything, but Colin's sentiment left me thinking. Driving home I recalled the great journey I had been through, and thought to myself, "There is more than this".
Over the months that followed I mapped out how I could do more. To be specific - Twice the distance on the same course. Colin was emailed literally hundred of times and he always replied. Sometimes full page emails would outline a strategic approach for areas I only briefly touched on within my correspondence. In short, I was taught a lot about a sport I initially knew very little about. It was humbling to get so much help from someone I barely knew at that point in time. A year later I was at the start line of the Taupo Maxi Enduro and had gained a lifetime's knowledge thanks to Colin.
I had always seen Colin as a mentor. However, his help throughout 2011 was above expectations, and it would be fair to say that Colin is now seen as a life long friend. Long after memories of our rides, records, and medals have passed, people will recall who we really were...to others. That is certainly worth aspiring to - to be a leader to others, both on and off the bike.
Colin taking a very quick break during his 'Length of New Zealand' record.
0 comments:
Post a Comment