When someone says they’ve just had a life changing experience you tend to think they are over selling. I am not. I have been altered mind, body and soul from an experience that can only be described as otherworldly.
The 20th Anniversary of 24 Hours of Adrenalin was an experience I’ll never forget and can’t wait to repeat.
From the day I arrived in Canmore, Alberta, Canada through the wee hours of the morning drawing, to the day the sun came out as I flew home – I had goose bumps. I chased my dream of capturing cycling moments at a live event as the riders of this amazing effort chased their dreams of fame and glory on muddy switchbacks.
Solo riders completed hundreds of miles in ankle deep mud for 24 hours straight. Teams tagged each other as they rode off into the darkness with lights marking the way. All of them carried the power of a dream and bear spray on their bikes as they plowed through the night.
This artist was moved on many occasions by the show of camaraderie, bravery and yes even heroics. Powerful stuff this bonding thing is. When thousands of people that don’t know each other are glued together by one thing – a passion for cycling in the wilderness.
Hats off to the mastermind of this event Stuart Dorland and his wife Maria. Bravo my new friends. I can’t wait for the repeat performance. And I must say the crew and support volunteers were outstanding as they worked endlessly day and night in pouring rain.
When I put pen to paper my goal is always to try and capture what a camera cannot. A feeling, an emotion, find an idea, make you laugh; make you feel something universal to all of us. On occasion I find it. In the rain in the middle of the night standing in mud drawing bike riders – I found it a lot. And loved every minute as I worked nonstop for three days.
That was my 24 Hours of Cycling Art. See dreams do come true.
Video Credits
“Morning Sun” by WiL | ibreakstrings.com
Cordova Bay Music Publishing | cordovabay.com
24HOA | 24hoursofadrenalin.com
Valenti Cycling Art | michaelvalenti.com
