THE 5 HORSES SONG
It’s been a fast and very eventful summer as the HFP Race season unfolds. Who knew we were already half way through July? Wow – time really does fly when you’re doing what you love.
We’ve seen 3 of our HFP teammates compete for the Collegiate Triathlon National Championships, we’ve seen (and are still seeing) people like Ross Hartley tear the center out of every course he starts, and we see more and more first timers join us at every race and become “one of us” as they survive their first triathlons. We saw Brett Hensinger make his triumphant and somewhat tearful return to racing after a very serious accident, and we see Shane Tobin get stronger and stronger every day as he fights his way back from that same accident. We have also been there to witness the exorcism of some pretty serious tri demons as individuals fight their own battles in and on the course (you know who you are, and we know how scary those demons are – Rock on!). The “5 Horses Song” is something I sing on a regular basis – and I know you’ve all heard me, even though you may not realize it. The “5 Horses Song” goes like this: “Nag, Nag, Nag, Nag, Nag”, and now you KNOW you’ve heard me sing it – as I sing it every race day talking about bike riding, and the importance of wearing your helmets per USAT rules. You know that helmets are mandatory, and required, and that I will mock you until you comply, or in more drastic situations, take more drastic actions as necessary. Yes, I have annoyed and angered a few racers with this, and for that I say – you’re welcome. You can be as mad as you like, and complain as loudly as you like while you wear that helmet. Just wear the helmet. I sing that song so well now because I have sung it for so long. My kids will both attest that they knew from the days of 2-wheelers and training wheels that “if your butt hits that bike, your bucket better be on” or the bike gets to hang from the rafters for 3 days while they remember the helmet rule. I will continue to sing my “5 Horses Song”, as we’ve had 3 major incidents in the past month where HFP Family members have tested their helmets structural integrity. At Maumee Bay we had a racer (name withheld since I didn’t get his permission to use it!) go over the bars after a collision and do some pretty serious damage to his person – but not to his head – as he was wearing his helmet properly per USAT rules. HFP racer and Team LaRiche stalwart Rob Tong was one of the first on scene that day, and stayed with the fallen rider until medical arrived. It shook him enough that he abandoned his race and came back to transition with a new appreciation for helmets. Thank Goodness he pays attention. I don’t believe in coincidences, so it’s my belief that Rob needed to be there to get an appreciation for helmets, as just a few days later he was struck while on a training ride and throw head first into the pavement. 8o stitches in the face later, he needs a new helmet and a few days off, but had no serious head trauma. This week we get word from HFP Superstar Family Scott and Andrea Myers that Andrea has also performed her own “impromptu helmet evaluation”. From Scott: "Unfortunately, Andrea got into a pretty horrific bike accident yesterday. She hit a big pothole and went over the handlebars, landing on her face. Our local hospital couldn't handle her injuries, so they sent her by ambulance to Grant in Columbus. Luckily, X-rays & CT scans were clean, which was a relief because we thought for sure she had a broken jaw. She did need reconstructive surgery on her face. We are home now, but she is in pain. She has a tough time drinking or talking. We are counting our blessings that she is not worse, but praying for her recovery." We all join with our fellow competitors in wishing them a speedy and pain free recovery, and we are all grateful that they EVERY ONE had their “bucket buttoned” and worn properly. So don’t be too upset with me next week when you hear me “singing my song” about helmets. As my kids won’t’ admit but are all too aware – I DO know what I am talking about! I yell because I love them and don’t want to see them hurt, and as I consider you to be part of my family too, you can expect the same. We are all looking forward to a great 2nd half of the race season, and we will be watching and wishing for our fallen to join us again soon on the start line. Congratulations all, and keep fighting. It is the fight that defines us, not necessarily the result. See you on race day! Rich _- you can pass your well wishes and greetings to these athletes by sending an email with the Subject of “Recovery” to
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. They’ll appreciate hearing from you!
