2013 Tour Divide LOI (A Riders Manifesto)

To whom it may concern, and or so should matter -

I have spent the better part of all most 46 years now ventured into thine human life, nurturing, forming, and cultivating myself into that of a lifestyle representative of a genuine true free spirit. Most certainly since crossing the threshold of childhood into teenage development, have I chosen my own unique pathway of travel within my very own life. "Always marching to the beat of a different drummer," some would say when asked routinely of where I was going, and or what I was doing next . Collected, the continuing years would go on to produce some of the most amazing, and incredible experiences both physically and spiritually an individual could ever ask for. Athletic challenge and personal discovery on a global scale, solely chronicling the chapters to an endless bounty of short stories being played out. Like colorful vignettes, all pictured and displayed throughout the canvass of a life lived full of adventurous, and sporting passion. Clearly as I now approach what seemingly feels like some sort of half way point in ones very own existence, void are signs indicating that change in personal direction taken will come anytime soon. My course and mission continues to remain steadfast and true.

With that being said on this very first day of the 2012 winter solstice... It is with much delight, enthusiasm, and conveyed affirmation that I am officially announcing(by submitting of this written letter of intent)that I intend to be in Banff, AB CA on the second Friday of this coming June, for the start of the 2013 Continental Tour Divide Race. The grand tour of mountain biking that it be! Personally, I have no interest in winning or losing this race. I do not care to blaze the fastest time, or even set the slowest mark for that matter. Only reverence of which I hold! I will say though however, simply that I have a burning want and desire to fulfill something individually unlike ever before. The deafening internal cry to go all out for once, reverberating and erupting upwards in motivational force. The lure of this most distinguished and grandiose event in the offer of fully letting it all hang out completely lock, stock, and barrel, cannot be ignored nor denied any further! The world's toughest cycling race is calling my name.

 
From hence forth hither, the mountain bike will become my ever constant companion. The most loyal of friend and best of buddy. Expected training over the winter and coming spring months, is now underway. The prolonged period of time of which the two of us will now share together, surely will only pale in comparison to the extensive effort of the actual 2745 miles waiting ahead for me on the official divide route. Besides the riding alone, I will as well include in my training and preparation for said human endurance spectacle, the following - The daily viewing of any such manly films, in which the perseverance of man's indomitable spirit and vested survival is the main focus of story being depicted. Or, any film which profiles in any presentation of comical manner, the lengthy act of stage-racing, cross country racing, or simply flat out madcap, zany, crazy fun. Specific films referenced for example are -
 

Jeremiah Johnson,

Any of the Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns,

Conan The Barbarian,

The Gumball Rally

Cannonball Run,

Grand Theft Auto(original 1977 version starring Ron Howard aka Richie Cunningham),

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,

Slap Shot.

From this point on, my sole thought be that of success being obtained through two-wheeled traverse starting at the Canadian Rockies, and ending at the southern most POE of New Mexico. Let the mountains and countryside, streams, rivers, and trails guide me to the final destination of rewarded accomplishment only having once arrived. Allow my route of travel go unimpeded by grizzly or brown bear, nor that the inside of my bivy see rattlesnake or scorpion as night-time companion throughout. With the toss of a hat, I have entered myself in what promises to be one of the most extraordinary events of my entire life. With due diligence and strong perseverance, I will make my way from Banff, AB CA, straight on down and through unto Antelope Wells, NM U.S.A.!

See you at the starting line,

Richard S. Costello

Warminster, Pennsylvania