Mike Dion Leaving the Race but will continue with the Film
Good morning, this is Mike Dion. It’s Tuesday the 24th a little after 10 o’clock. I’m calling from outside Flagg Ranch. This is a call that nobody wants to make but I’m gonna go ahead and call it on the ride, on the race I guess I should say. The ride is absolutely amazing and as a ride I’d love to keep going, just not at a race pace. So I’m going to call it on the race, but its just absolutely amazing out here. The body has actually kind of pushed through. I think most of my issue is, the mornings have been going great, 25-35 miles, I’m cruisin’ strong, but then as the day goes on my legs start getting heavy and it feels like I’m biking through molasses with 5 pounds of pressure in the tires and then just to kind of keep going later in the afternoon just getting slower and slower and slower so to actually put any miles on the bike is getting more and more difficult as the days go on. I don’t want to be out here for 35-40 days but I sure could. But I just want to say – Tina, your support throughout this whole thing has been incredible and I appreciate that so much, you wouldn’t know. Being out here is just the most incredible experience anyone could ask for. The beauty and the scenery is just intense, its amazing. So its definitely a once in a lifetime experience. So anyway, I’m going to hook up with the film crew and continue with the project and the other racers and the route. So that feels good that I’m going to still kind of get to be out in it. But again support to everybody that has been with me – Tina, Dylan, Mikaila, you guys have been awesome and incredible and I can’t wait to see you again. All the friends and family that have been throwing support my way, thank you so very much. I’ve been feeling it, it’s been awesome. As far as the other riders go, you guys keep pluggin’ away and kickin’ butt. Mary, you’ve got to keep going. Being able to kind of find a teammate earlier on definitely helped this thing, helped this ride, and the race get through. So, no matter what I’m going to film you at the end of this thing hitting the Mexican Border. So stick with it and kick asX. Again I just can’t express how thankful I am to my family and everybody who was just there with me and helping me experience this journey. Alright, thanks everybody. Bye
(recorder time: 2008-06-24 11:20:53 EST. and 2008-06-24 11:23:23 EST. 2 calls)
Comments
Hey, at least you gave it a
Hey, at least you gave it a shot and got as far as you did. I get tired just riding my bike downtown! Probably should've bulked up on a few more philly cheesesteaks, though. Shoot the crap out of that race. Document everything, even your agony and reasoning why you called it quits. That's what people will want to see. Good luck with the rest of the trip.
Extremely Proud
Mike,
I'm extremely proud of you for following your dream with such a positive attitude. I know you will make an awesome movie with the experience you gained from the Tour Divide. 1000 miles is awesome...........you are quite an inspiration!
Enjoy and have fun with your filming.
Love you, Mom
Journey is the destination
Mike,
It makes me sad to hear this, but that's maybe a little selfish- seems there's a lot that can be done with nutrition & rest but you know your own experience and the decisions you have to make better than anyone out here on the web.
While we're out here, hungry for more reports from the edge, you have undoubtedly been learning things about yourself that could even change your life- and I understand that can come at any time on the trail, not necessarily in Antelope Wells. We have to remind ourselves that the journey IS the destination...
I know Mary liked riding with you, hopefully you'll have a chance to read through the blogs & see she's somewhere behind you working her way back up to full strength. I think that companionship early in the race will pay dividends later.
Now you can work on the film- you can tell the story that is the Tour Divide (or the Tour d' vida as I have come to know it). I can't begin to guess what all you guys are capturing on film, but I do know it should be told. You guys have all been making a real, positive difference out there- by way of this race blog & the SPOT tracking you guys have touched far outside what would have otherwise been a small circle of bike nuts. I know this because I've seen the emails & I get the phone calls- this is huge. Your film- no matter the focus on the riding or the towns or the lifestyles in either- will carry the torch ever further into the world. And that is a noble cause indeed.
-Brendan
I like wow game ,so I need to
I like wow game ,so I need to get more and more wow gold ,and Tried every way to get the wow po.
Way to go
Take pride in the achievement that you made, not many of us get the opportunity to do this and you did it. Now you can put your heart, soul and the agony and ectasy of TD into the making a great film!
Kim & Pat
Character
Mike,
it has been awesome following you on this journey. It will be great to see the vision of the race through your eyes and hear your version of the story. I can't imagine a more beautiful place to change your focus than next to the Tetons.
I think that somehow, we learn who we really are and then live with that decision.
Eleanor Roosevelt
US diplomat & reformer (1884 - 1962)
The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.
John Dewey
US educator, Pragmatist philosopher, & psychologist (1859 - 1952)
We're proud of you!!
Mike,
I can't imagine what you have just accomplished - 1000 miles. Wow!! Maybe the film will help me understand some of that. I'm reminded of a quote by Vince Lombardi who said "Winning isn't everything - but wanting to win is." You had the want to win and by following your dream, you have learned so much about yourself and earned the respect of your family and friends.
Phyllis Yeager and Family
WOW !!
Where does one begin...
First off let me start by saying ...I sure am proud to be your sister. You have way more strength and determination than I do. Mike, while I know you trained some for this race...how does one really train for the mental aspects of something like this? Even the best bikes and bodies have to be driven my a strong mind and continuous positive attitude.
Your race has consumed my daily routines, as it has the rest of your family. But let me tell you, I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. I am so proud of what you've accomplished, but now I don't have to worry nearly as much about your health and safety. While I am saddened that you had to make a difficult decision to pull out of the "race" I know that you knew what was best. Ride the race, or make the film. What an awesome opportunity you have. You got to ride and see the most beautiful part of the country (ahem, coming from a Montana native). Yet now; you get to portray that in a film that will show people what all of you riders are really about.
We've been fortunate to see some of the photos that Kevin has posted, it really gives me a greater sense of what you riders are dealling with out there. I can only imagine what this film is going to portray. Besides the beautiful scenery and tough trails, I am really looking forward at the stories it's going to tell. The stories of life, perservence, determination and growth.
Way to go bro'! Keep up the good work and see ya soon.
Love,
Kelli, Eric and the girls
Keep in touch
Mike-
For just a 40yr old guy with two kids a mortgage and a mini van - you're pretty damn impressive! You have your story - now go and make a great film and come back to Banff with it - I want to see it in the Banff Mountain Film Festival next year.
All the best to you and your family, it was a pleasure meeting you (even though I made you sleep on my living room floor.)
Robin
Dion's departure
Hey Mike,
Wow! You can be proud of what you have done. I don't know of too many people who would have attempted such a challenge. Way to go. I lookforward to your film.
Scott (GF neighbor)
Inspiring
Mike,
Your participation in this race and the big risks you took in your life to get to this point are an inspiration. You were initially inspired by the Fat Cyclist to take up endurance cycling. If you pass the torch to just one person to get off their arse and get passionate about pushing their mind and body to the limit, you have done a great service.
See ya on the trails.
Tom C
Adios Compadre!
Mike,
I wish I could have caught you and pushed you to go on. I'll miss your companyj, but look forward to seeing you at the border. I've got a helluva day ahead of me, so i've gotta hit the road. Thanks for the great company and encouragement.
Rubber side down!
Mary
Mike's Top Ten List
Mike, if you want to give us your top 10 highlights or low points of the race or any other thoughts as to your journey upon reflection. Call it in. I'll post it on the blog. I've loved hearing your call ins. I know your film is going to be awesome. Take care of yourself, Sherry
Congratulations - You Have Already Won!
Mike:
Let me add to the many comments praising you and your family for having the vision, guts and dedication to tackle this and to come so far down the divide, both physically and spiritually. What an adventure!
You are a winner Mike. You have already accomplished what only a handful of people in the world ever do - you realized a dream!
Now you must train your keen eye on the journey and tell the story.
Congratulations!
Best,
-Joe
Congratulations!!!
Good Job Mike!
Some tough riding, 1000 miles is a worthy accomplishment.
It's been fun following you on the site. It will be great to see the film when finished.
Congrats
Jon Hogenson
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