There are many challenges in life. Some we have to face, and some we choose.
As most of you know, last year my son Tanner and I entered the longest non-stop off-road race in the world – the Baja 1000. We raced our dirt bike 822 miles as a two man team, taking six turns each. It was a giant challenge that required much to even finish – planning, learning from experts, teamwork, physical and mental preparation, and perseverance. In 25 hours and 37 minutes, we finished – and won by 60 seconds!
Last year, we were racing against teams that had 4 to 6 riders on their teams. We were a team of two, so we were at a disadvantage. This year, we both decided to take on the only Baja 1000 challenge more difficult than that – the Ironman class. This means you do all the riding yourself – no teammates!
This will be exponentially harder than having one teammate. Last year, while Tanner was riding for his 1-3 hour turns, I was sitting in the chase truck resting, hydrating, eating and making adjustments to my gear, etc. This year, there is no rest. If you stop to rest, your bike is not moving, and there is a 36 hour time limit to complete the race. Only two Ironman riders finished in the time limit last year. This year’s race begins at Pacific coast dawn on Friday, Nov 18.
I don’t know if this is perfectly accurate, but someone said that 25 times more people have summitted Mt. Everest than have finished the Ironman class in the Baja 1000. We have been training for this all year. We are ready.
Doing things that stretch you, take you outside of your comfort zone, and that even scare you, makes you better prepared to live the other dimensions of your life without fear and stress – at least that is what is has done for me.
The Baja 1000 is an unforgiving race in an unforgiving land. But I believe in the outcome – we will both finish.
You guys have got this!
I believe you will too, good luck guys!!
Best of Luck Larry and Tanner! No doubts — you will finish strong!
Larry & Tanner,
May the wind always be at your back and above all else have a great time.
David.
You will finish–great to hear about how Father and Son go for it!!! Best, Charlie
Best of luck to both of you!
You two don’t need luck,you need drive. Ha! I know you two have that 🙂
Go and get it together !
Look to the horizon and trust yourself, you two have it in the bag!
Good Luck Larry & Tanner!!
I do believe you will do it, good luck to you both. The film from last years race was awesome…I started watching it for the second time and will probably go back for more, very well done.
Will someone being do the play by play on social media?
Larry, this is exactly how I feel today at work on the 2016 chili cook off. I’m in it to win it.
I can’t think of a better father/son team to rise to this challenge! Looking forward to hearing all about this adventure.
Positive thoughts heading your way. That is exciting and to do this with your son makes it even better. Cheers!
God Speed to you both, come back safe !
I will be thinking of you and wish you well. Stay safe. Your Dad and Grandfather would be so proud of you, as we all are.
Best of Luck in Baja!! Be Safe!
What an amazing feat you two are undertaking! May the wind be at your back and no dust clogs the filters! Best of luck!!
I admire your effort and fully support you in this race…wishing you all the best, Bob Cambron
Forget to say something…I wanna be like you guys…
Attitude + Persistence + Dedication + Drive + Determination +
Confidence + Conviction = VICTORY…..AGAIN!
Hey Larry,
Well I watched your movie from last year as soon as I got it and can’t believe you took it on as a two man team.
Now I find out you are both doing the Ironman class.
I just did 72 miles Saturday and 60 on Sunday and I can barely keep awake at work now.
Crazy and I believe you will both finish also, I will be praying for your safety.
Take csre,
Tim Slamans
Ride safe. I pray for your safety out there.
We had our employee appreciation breakfast today. Layne wore the jacket you sent him and explained your upcoming race and last years race, the challenges you faced and overcame. He related it to our business and we all prayed for you and Tanner…for you to have safety, protection and favor. We’ve got your back…from our knees.
Judy
I believe there is no one more mentally and physically prepared than you and Tanner. You will be in our prayers until you return home safely. Love to you both, Kerri and Ron
You both definitely have the determination to make this happen. I wish you the best of luck (=preparation + opportunity).
We all know you and Tanner will be strong. Think strong. And ride strong. Make us proud again. cheers. Trevor J. Son of Thunder
Best to both of you ! Ride strong!
Good luck to you and Tanner I believe in you guys and will keep you in my prayers. With all the things you have both accomplish in life so far i know you guys will finish strong. this poem has always help me through tough challenges and i’m sure you have read it before but it’s a good one to have tape inside the top of your helmets just as a reminder……
“Don’t Quit.”
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow–
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out–
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit–
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.
– Author Unknown.
Good luck Larry and Tanner on your world class adventure !
Wow! That is insane! Be safe and best of luck. You guys will do great. Go Janesky’s!
Tie on some extra strapping around your head lights!
WoW! Talk about putting yourself out there! I have learned never to be surprised by what you accomplish. Only you and Tanner could have entered the Baja 1000 for the first time and win!
The lesson from you is always, preparation, and I have not doubt you two are ready!
We all will be pulling for you guys and I will pray you both remain strong physically and mentally, and for no equipment problems.
Go all the way! Rod
Good luck. Please put some zip ties in your back packs! 🙂
Best of luck!