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Riding the Wind with Ibrahim This is my second year riding as an Athlete Escort for challenged athletes. I work with my friend Chris Farquar, a paraplegic athlete who first hooked me up with the organization. Last year I escorted a single amputee who rode a hand-powered cycle on the 56 mile course; it took us most of the day and I was inspired and humbled to be a part of that experience. This year I have had a most transforming experience participating in the 2006 Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) triathlon. This was a fantastic day of personal growth experienced while riding as an escort for my friend Ibrahim from Nairobi, Kenya. Ibrahim is a single amputee who rides his road bike (unlike many riding amputees) without a prosthesis on his partial leg. And my man rides with a vengeance, believe me…
I was keyed up for a few days before the race, knowing how much fun was to be had and the emotional high I was about to experience . I awoke early and began fueling myself with pancakes at a local restaurant here in Santee before heading west to the Cove. I parked and gathered my things, coasting my Cannondale road bike down to the starting line and staging areas. I looked for Chris to no avail, but I knew he had been on a two week cruise to the Mediterranean, so he was probably quite bloated from an excess of good food and good times. I soon found Jason Feinberg, coordinator of volunteers, and let him know I was ready for action. The first of the swimmers were coming out of the water as we spied a diminutive African man, a leg amputee, walking with a crutch toward the road course starting line. Another man was accompanying him closely. Jason mentioned that he was going to offer this guy an escort, but didn’t want to offend him by doing so. After a moment’s hesitation, I spoke up, “well do you want me to ask him?” So we both went over, introductions were made, and no one was offended in the least. Ibrahim’s companion was a photographer named Eric, who had met him while traveling in Kenya and had helped facilitate his entry into the CAF triathlon this year. As we mounted our bikes Eric casually stated, “oh and by the way, Ibrahim wants to finish in two and a half hours…” I soon learned this was very true, as Ibrahim began blasting his way up and out of La Jolla Cove…I was starting out cold and the pain began immediately as I stood up in my pedals to keep up with this quick and remarkably strong man from Kenya. In my mind, old thinking patterns already mocked me, insisting I would never be able to keep up. I wasn’t up to the task, I would have to give up the ride-but I defied the voices and just kept going. I was quite uncomfortable as we climbed up to UCSD then turned north for the descent down Torrey-I felt sweet relief as we quickly flew down to the beach then began working up the other side. Ibrahim’s front tire punctured just then and we frantically repaired it and got back onto the course. My legs were burning and I was breathing hard (but couldn’t help smiling) as we turned east. My smile faded as he led me through stale red lights and terrifyingly close to tractor trailers-perhaps the traffic laws are a bit different in Kenya. It was then that I began to settle in and enjoy the ride into Rancho Santa Fe. I felt so proud and humbled to be riding with this man as his spirit guided me far beyond my comfort zone. It is a powerful experience to watch yourself do things you thought were beyond your capabilities, and to realize that the impossibility was all in your mind. It felt like I was experiencing and helping to create a brand new reality, a new life if you will…it was simply awesome to me. On we cranked, east to the first supply station where I thought surely we would rest. I was indeed mistaken, since my man simply re-upped on water and resumed racing. I couldn’t believe it, but I just gulped down some power gel (blessed invention of mankind) and followed after him. On and on we went, winding northwest then directly west towards Encinitas and Highway 101. We were passing and being passed by all kinds of riders, most of whom were shouting encouragement and support the whole time. CAF is so much more than a race, it’s about people living their lives and doing what brings them healthy pleasure. I did not see one “handicapped” person the entire day! Eventually we hit the highway and turned south, riding until we stopped at B+L Sports for a potty break and refreshments. The good people there had us rehydrated and Ibrahim’s bar tape repaired in record time and on we went. I nervously gulped some more gel (that blessed invention of mankind) as I thought of the climb we still had ahead of us. But paradoxically, after all we had accomplished this day Torrey Pines was just another highlight in our incredible adventure. Ibrahim’s fan club and cheering squad videotaped our struggle up the beast…one guy (bless him) bellowed encouragement to us the whole time, “DIG DEEP, YOU’RE TEARING IT UP, GREAT JOB, YOU’RE DOING GREAT!...” I fed off of this energy as we crested the hill, shamelessly using any source to pull me forward. Up and over, now we began to see runners on the course; I knew we were close. Down we sped to Ardath Road then up the truly last hill and on to the finish line. We had done it in just over three hours, and my smile was a mile wide as we rode in and received our finisher’s medals! What an indescribable feeling it was, just happiness and pride for Ibrahim, pride for myself for digging deep and not giving up, and a wonderful fulfillment for being honored as a part of it all. I won’t forget it as long as I live. David Dillon CAF Athlete Escort 2005, 2006
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