Today is my “Amp Anniversary” six years ago I woke form surgery a little lighter and facing on huge obstacle. Since January 13th has become the beginning of a new year of sorts. I thought I would take today to reflect a bit on the high points of last year.
After a challenging 2009 I was looking forward to what 2010 would bring. Comfortable, settled into our new roles as parents, Sara and I were happy to find our grove again. As the miles ticked away with each pedal stroke and we ran from one adventure to the next we new 2010 would be year to remember. Here are a few of our most cherished.
In late April/early May I had the opportunity to race in two European stage races. Based on last years performances I was eager to test my legs but nervous none the less. That nervousness and doubt would be replaced with renewed confidence by the end of the trip as stepped from the top step of the podium having won 3 stages, finished second overall in Spain, and winning the overall in France. These early season accomplishments would set the pace for the remainder of the year.
In June Sara and I took a big leap and purchased a Sprinter Van that had been converted in to a rolling apartment. I had never imagined myself to be an RV owner but hard to imagine road tripping with out one now. Only days from picking the Sprinter up in Austin, TX we were rolled out of Bozeman on a 3 week trip that would take us along the Pacific Coast, through rainforest, to an impromptu sand castle competition in Oregon, and ultimately to the 2010 USA Cycling Road National Championships. Probably the great memory of the trip though was rolling back into Bozeman happy and eagerly anticipating our next trip in the Sprinter….my guess is had we tried to pull this off in the Subaru we may not recall this as being much of highlight.
In total I entered 6 different National Championship events in 2010 and am still surprised to say that I medal in all six, three of those medals being gold and netting me the title of National Road, Crit, and Team Sprint Champion. I had finally found the form I had had in 2008 setting PR’s in all my track events for the year. The Ultimate being the Road race victory on Amelia’s 1st birthday.
August’s Road World Championships in Quebec did not end in any podium time but I walked away knowing I could ride at the front of the race with the best. As an American racing against European pros it meant a lot to know I earned thee right to be there.
Exhausted from a long race season and whirlwind speaking trips as I tried carve out a living for the family, I committed the better part of November and December to being with my two girls and our countless friends at home that took care of Sara and Amelia in my absence. This proved to a wonderful way to close out a great year; the days were filled with laughter and pure joy as I watched my daughter explore her new world while Sara and I reflected on how blessed we are to have each other and the amazing support of so many loving people.
These past six years have been marked by some big challenges but I can honestly say what an amazing ride it has been. For many an “Amp Anniversary” may be a day in which they find themselves in a state of reflection pondering how things could have been different or imagine what they lost/gave up. I on the other hand celebrate this day as a day of rebirth and life. Six years ago I had my leg amputated so that I could move forward and really experience life without limitations. Thanks for being on this journey with me.
Sam
