20TH ANNIVERSARY REACH THE BEACH RIDER PROFILE: Surfer John Thompson
February 8, 2010
John Thompson says his life motto is "An ounce of 'I must do something' is worth a pound of 'something must be done'" which is why he loves riding Reach the Beach and hopes that someday both his sons can ride the full course with him. "My son Geoff rode the second half of RTB with me when he was about 25. He was MY inspiration." His son, now 33, lives with asthma and John rides to honor his life struggle and in support of the American Lung Association in Oregon.
John says his favorite part of the course is from Grand Ronde to Pacific City: "Rolling, twisty and only one short hill to climb... then arriving at Pacific City!" He also fondly remembers the year Geoff rode with him. The young man was a go-getter, way ahead of everyone else. "He had thighs of steel," John says. But Geoff's energy didn't last longer than necessary: "Partaking of the food at Pacific City, Geoff fell asleep at the table" after enjoying the finish line dinner.
John loves the challenges of Reach the Beach. "I like pushing my own envelope a bit to see how much better I can do on the ride itself," he says. "I also enjoy being able to raise donations, give back to the community and knowing I am making a difference."
John says raising contributions really isn't that hard, and he suggest seeking contributions early. "I tend to keep friends and potential contributors informed about my progress when it comes to training and meeting my fundraising goal. I try to write about humorous episodes while training. Although I have a two or three friends who really helped raise my fundraising goals, it is just as important to have many who can donate a small amount."
John first rode Reach the Beach in 1994 with a team he formed comprised of his coworkers from the City of Portland, Bureau of Environmental Services. Now at age 61, he's still riding, and loves the thrill of actually reaching the beach. "My car always goes on RTB with a surfboard on top and bike on the back." COWABUNGA! We'll see you at the beach, John!
Posted by orbike at February 8, 2010 1:10 PM
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