An hommage to Big Red Gravel Run and great stories!
Pre-start… you can see the concentration and things becoming real.
Introduction: Celebrating Human Triumphs at Big Red Gravel Run
The Big Red Gravel Run (or “Big Red” as affectionately called by participants) is a bike gravel race held annually with a mix of varying levels of ability among participants. It is held each year in the Harrington, QC region which is picturesque and filled to the brim with high-quality gravel roads that run along the Red River. It is also, a race that caters to all of the strengths that one would find in a North American gravel race. From the best climber to the fastest sprinter, and dare I say a skilled mountain biker, you will find a section of the course that soothes your style and ability. The leaders are a great testament to the all-rounder abilities that the course requires to finish in the top rankings.
I like to view myself as a “gold digger” in the treasure that is humanity. And I have a knack for challenging people to bring out their best selves. Over the dirt, scrapes, and bruised egos, my eye can quickly spot the grit, discipline, and passion associated with taking your bike and wanting to get to the finish line as quickly as you can.
Big Red Gravel Run has become one of Canada's great staple gravel events. The combination of challenge and fun brings out a vastly eclectic array of athletes. Spanning from yearly personal achievements to full-time professionals, everyone there earned their spots, and, “Big Red” becomes a great annual canvas for stories written sharing highs, lows, but mostly great stories of human perseverance.
As a husband, father, psychotherapist/creator, and still an athlete in my spare time. A chapter in my story is to be part of a community that likes to pedal bikes fast and far on terrain that most see like dirt and rocky roads in farm and cottage country.
I am motivated to use my bicycle to spark joy and passion so that I can dance at my daughters’ weddings and grow as old as possible with my wife. The main plot of my story is one of carrying the knowledge that I could not be present because of genetic heart disease and that I can’t retire the athlete part of myself if I want the husband and the father I am to be there for the ones I love most.
You see, life is full of wonder and opportunities, no matter where you are or what you have done. You have a story worth telling and people willing to listen and be inspired by you.
This year’s edition did not disappoint! Those riding had a great display of talent, grit and perseverance. Doing my best to keep up with the race pace through the initial carnage, the first thing that became obvious was the fact the leading group was losing quite a few riders to multiple punctured tires for the most performing of us. I couldn’t help but notice that most of them still had a tinge of disappointment for not performing as well as they had hoped mixed in with a smile for being at this great event. I saw many “Oh well that’s racing!” written on most faces of those who were vying for top spots!
“For many of us, the race was against the storm that was being forecast all day. Luckily, I was in the clear but many of the “party in the back” might have been so lucky. That is part of racing”
(Looking for help to better keep calm in relationships? Listen to a live role-play on how to not feel defensive and ask better questions here)
With that taken into consideration, here are a few blurbs that I saw or heard about during the many unfolding of stories being shared based in the common arena that was the 2023 edition of Big Red Gravel Run.
A Father's Pride and Passion
I saw a dad who is an amazing athlete riding with his son. He had a huge smile from both the pride of having his son compete and also knowing he was still able to ride and be able to push his body. Being driven is often synonymous with personal goals and accomplishment and as a “type” they can be led to believe that their value lies in “getting stuff done” rather than being motivated by relationships and emotional balance. Seeing, such a great athlete sharing this with his son brought joy to my experience and I am sure others too, be aware or not. I like to say that having balance isn’t being “lazy” or “passive. It’s about being able to find what feeds our soul and keep a dynamic approach to balance out output and input. Having great relationships with close ones counts at the top of the list but is often treated like a secondary with regard to the amount of time we invest. 60-70 hours workweeks won’t bring balance if we don’t spend valuable time with loved ones. Having quality experiences like the one seen between this dad and son is a great picture of what balance tastes like.
Capturing Moments: The Artist on Wheels
I had the privilege to share a short segment with Jamie Blades a community builder (Common Empire) taking pictures and pedalling faster than most while he shoots those pictures. He sparked joy by capturing people on their bikes and navigated skillfully his inner athlete wanting to do well. That shows how we can embrace and contribute according to our own specific set of skills. Capturing stillness takes many forms and being able to use a concrete tool such as photography to jolt and encourage others during the event is pure genius.
Me soloing right before I came across Jamie and the Common Empire crew before the last rest stop.
Are you a High-Performing Man looking to better manage work-life balance? Click here to join our Overcome Cafe Conversations Men’s Group.
From Heart Surgery to the Finish Line: A Miraculous Journey
I know of an athlete, Cody McKay, who is an advocate for heart disease AND finishes the race in a more than respectable time and who, just last year, had open heart surgery. If this isn’t a miracle, I don’t know what is! When we are hit with an obstacle we often stop or view this as a sign to quit altogether. That might seem sensible at first, but sometimes, the sensible thing is to adapt, transform our approach, and live with a sense of deepened purpose. This phenomenon of Cognitive Reappraisal and Existential Purpose gives a broader scope to our potential and source of content and joy. Having had the chance to have a conversation with Cody, it’s clear he saw the obstacle, studied what needed to be done and showed tremendous amounts of courage in facing it head-on.
Trailblazing Women: Passion, Community, and Legacy
I saw women passionate about bikes and building community while blazing the trail for others who will never know them but will still benefit from their efforts and overcoming obstacles. The relational aspect of legacy and social justice doesn’t always give immediate rewards and dividends. Knowing that you’re part of change is often selfless and requires courage. I make it a purpose to show gratitude and link it to personal experience in a simple “Thank you for your passion and effort, I know my girls will benefit from your gift to them!”
A Dream for the Future: A Young Dad's Aspiration
Even going there with family/friends/teams is part of the ritual, and if you choose the right mindset that part is more than an annexe to the big event. My ride up to Harrington was with Joël Blanchard. Our discussions mainly gravitated around physical and emotional health but the one that stood out was his desire and dreams of a day when he could do this as a family one day and the hope to be a good influence on his children. We often fail to see our impact in doing physical or wellness-linked activities. We tend to view it as “selfish” when they go for 1-2 days to race and push past our imagined personal limits. Maybe, but I would make an argument that modelling behaviour has a greater influence when compared to verbally teaching someone about it. Taking care of yourself as a set of little eyes watching your every move: taking care of yourself while walking the walk speaks loudly and gives others we care about the permission to do the same.
Friendships and Rivalries: The Bonds of the Gravel
Amongst the camaraderie and shared passion for cycling, Big Red Gravel Run served as a unique backdrop where friendships blossomed and rivalries ignited, creating chapters in the ever-evolving story of life.
Among the participants were young business leaders who sought not only to test their mettle on the gravel roads but also to enjoy a memorable weekend with their closest friends. Their shared experiences, both triumphs and challenges, strengthened bonds and added new layers to the tapestry of their friendships. It's in moments of shared passion that the ties of friendship are woven even tighter, creating lasting memories and reinforcing the value of human connection.
Yet, amidst the camaraderie, there was also the intriguing paradox of new rivalries forming. These rivalries, far from being detrimental, are akin to what Simon Sinek aptly describes as 'worthy rivals.' These are individuals who challenge us to reach greater heights, surpass our own limits, and continuously grow with an infinite mindset.
In the world of gravel racing, these rivalries aren't about outdoing one another for the sake of winning alone. Instead, they're a mutual pursuit of excellence, a shared commitment to pushing each other beyond perceived boundaries. These rivalries write chapters of mutual growth, where each participant becomes a catalyst for the other's development.
As these young business leaders competed against their friends and newfound rivals, they embodied the spirit of shared growth and mutual support. It's a reminder that competition need not breed animosity but can instead foster an environment of encouragement, where success is measured not just by personal achievement but by the collective growth of all involved.
So, amidst the laughter and the grit of the gravel roads, friendships deepened, and rivalries ignited, reminding us that in the pursuit of excellence, we are often at our best when we strive together, pushing each other toward greatness. These connections, born from the shared love of the sport, exemplify the beauty of human relationships and the power of competition with a shared purpose.
Rising Above Disappointment: The Drive to Succeed
I saw a young woman who was strong on her bike in sheer disappointment because of a mechanical in the last few kilometres of the finish line. She still carried a passion and drive in her eyes as if saying “I’ll get you next year Big Red!!” As a practice, I make it a purpose to use the word “fail” at its intended definition as Oxford puts it: “be unsuccessful in achieving one's goal.” Most people leap calling themselves a “failure” which underpins negative emotions and fuels the dreaded “post-race depression”. The goal is to tolerate a sad or frustrated feeling without explaining it through the lens of identity. This would look like “I have failed rather than I am a failure”. The first focuses on behaviour the second statement focuses on identity which can trigger a shame response.
Inspiration from the Podium: The Great Athletes of Big Red
As the dust settled and the cheers reverberated through the Harrington region, our eyes were naturally drawn to the podium, where the remarkable athletes of the Big Red Gravel Run claimed their well-deserved glory. Their remarkable journeys to this moment are testaments to the human spirit's capacity for grit, determination, and unyielding passion.
These podium finishers aren't just athletes; they are living embodiments of what can be achieved with unwavering dedication. Their stories serve as beacons of inspiration, illuminating the path for others to follow. It's through their feats that we find ourselves not only intrigued but also profoundly moved and inspired, instilling in us the desire to strive for personal excellence.
While the official winners of this year's event are 1st Nick Kleban, 2nd Adam Roberge, and 3rd Emile Hamm, we recognize that greatness exists in every participant who challenges themselves on those amazing gravel roads. These podium finishers represent the culmination of months, if not years, of training, preparation, and sheer determination. They've conquered the formidable terrain and demonstrated the beauty of pushing one's limits.
Congratulations to Nick, Adam, and Emile for their outstanding performances. You've not only excelled in the physical realm but also served as role models for all of us. We eagerly anticipate the ripple effect of your achievements, as they inspire countless others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and excellence.
The impact of these great athletes extends far beyond the podium, transcending the confines of this event. It's a reminder that within each of us lies the potential for greatness, waiting to be unleashed through dedication and a relentless pursuit of our goals. So, as we celebrate these podium finishers, let's also celebrate the spirit of determination that unites us all, no matter where we stand in the race of life.
You guys did an awesome job on the gravel roads and we can’t wait to see how many are influenced by this great display of athleticism.
Saluting Big Red Gravel Run: Where Stories Unfold
Humans are treasures, and the Big Red Gravel Run serves as a magnificent canvas where these treasures shine. Amidst the dust and gravel, countless tales of challenges and triumphs unfold, often unnoticed by those fixated on reaching points A to B. Yet, for those who listen keenly, ask questions, and show genuine curiosity, the honour of hearing a truly unique story awaits.
Building a community is no easy feat, but with unwavering consistency, boundless creativity, and an ample dose of fun, the visionaries behind Big Red have provided a space where each individual's personal journey takes center stage.
Within every athlete and driven person lie inspirational values and traits that act as guiding compasses, leading others beyond their own limiting beliefs. They unearth newfound inner treasures meant to be shared with the world.
To the Big Red Gravel Run, we offer our heartfelt salute. Your event not only showcases incredible athletic feats but also illuminates the human spirit's remarkable capacity for resilience and inspiration
Keep pushing forward,
LP
PS. Share your Big Red experience in the comments below. Are you inspired and want to share your story? We want your experience in the comments as well! LP
PPS. Are you a high-performing man who would love to better manage your emotions (we have a great starter blog for that: click here)and be able to better manage your professional and personal balance? Check out the upcoming online group: Overcome Cafe Conversations: Online Emotional Coaching and Support Group for High-Performing Men by clicking here. Join our 'Overcome Cafe Conversations' online group, specially designed for high-performing men like you, where we delve deeper into managing emotions, achieving professional and personal balance, and drawing inspiration from real-life stories like those shared in this blog.