I made the last turn. People lined the streets. I could see men standing in front of the podium. When they saw me, they erupted. I was happy for them. I was happy I did not let them down, for they had come so far.
I rolled up the podium ramp and they ran to me. Bobby grabbed me and hugged me and declared the result. “You did it!”.
Victory.
They put the finisher medal around my neck. On the strap, it said “Ironman”.
I became the oldest finisher, and one of only 20 riders in history to finish the Baja 1000 Ironman.
I finished 4th out of ten in 33 hours and 45 minutes.
Five riders of the ten starters finished, including Liz Karcz who rolled up 45 minutes after I did.
I finished in second place in the season championship points.
Tanner and I are the only father and son Baja 500 and Baja 1000 Ironman finishers in history.
I qualified for the “Milestone Award” having finished every mile of every race in the SCORE desert racing season, only the third Ironman in history to do so.
Special thanks to –
Tanner Janesky – my son and inspiration
Victor Abitia – Chase driver and friend for the entire season.
Bobby Miles and Kevin Koval – great friends who never gave up on me.
Arturo Davila – Mechanic/gentleman.
Javier Gonzalez – mechanic/driver and good luck charm.
Oscar Hale – 1000 pre-run riding mate/sage of Baja
Jimmy Holley – Hot Rod bike builder.
Chris Haines – Racing legend and mentor
Jesse Dostie and Ted Waldron – Videographers, tech whizzes, enthusiast
All those who cheered for me at home, staying up all hours tracking me, and pulling for me. I knew you were there.
You, Think Daily readers, who compel me to get better. It’s amazing what YOU can do.
Great friends all.
“An extraordinary life of shared experiences.”
714x
THE END (?)
Thank you for sharing your story–What a great adventure!
Great job Larry! Look forward to riding with the Iron Man this year.
Thanks Larry for taking the time to share your incredible story with us It gives me inspiration to go after our dreams
I can only speak for myself for certain, although I believe there are many who feel we were there with you through it all from the beginning by the telling of your story after each race. I feel lucky to know you and be part of the group who visualizes the ups and downs of this journey.
I look forward to the 714x team being the first team to motocross the dealer network across North America and Beyond….
Thank you for asking me to be a part of this amazing journey!
Need a better word than awesome, congratulations Larry!
Early on in your story I was going to google the race to see the results but thought I might enjoy the suspense reading it daily. I made the right decision. It was fun each day to follow your progress. What a great outcome and terrific accomplishment! Congratulations to you, Larry, AND Tanner!
Congratulations Larry. I understand how grueling the ride can be. I raced motorcross for years. What a great accomplishment. Your stort telling is also top shelf. All the best!!
I never doubted that you would overcome every adversity.
Congratulations on reaching this goal and so many others!
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us I was on the edge of my seat daily waiting to hear the next chapter
I have so very much enjoyed reading these daily updates on your journey in this race, both last year and this year. And while I’m a bit sad that it has ended, I congratulate you on you and your team’s victory!! Thank you so much for allowing us to ‘travel’ with you ?
Your story was an inspiration. Thank you for sharing it. Congratulations!
Congratulations Larry! A very interesting and inspirational Journey! (As viewed by a fellow Quinquagenarian! You’ve got me thinking!!! 🙂 )
Thank you for the story and inspiration. Found myself looking forward to you posts each day.
Amazing accomplishment! You’re words, and actions have inspired me.
Very Inspirational and Most Impressive!
Congratulations to You and Your Team.
Thank you for sharing your journey and for all your inspiration
WOW! Congratulations Larry!
Awesome story, Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations
Good job. Thanks for hanging in there and sharing. You are a Champion!
Congratulations! I looked forward to reading the saga each day and felt the pain as you rode – great job! Great writing of the event!
I knew you would make it from the beginning being so determined. It is amazing what can be accomplished. You always picked yourself back up, re-tooled, and with great determination completed the Ironman. Forget your age – it is only a number. Congratulations again!
I look forward to the race posts every day. So happy for you. Congratulations
Congratulations once again!
So…….are you going to do it again?
Oh my! I so enjoyed reading this every day. Could not help thinking how proud your Dad would be to see your accomplishments- maybe he does. I know you will continue to be an inspiration to so many.
Love you, Aunt D.
Well Done Larry! Well earned and deserved! I just started to receive your blogs, and appreciate your inspiration. Here’s to keeping the shiny side up! Cheer’s!
Congratulations! You are living proof that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it! Thanks for sharing the journey.
LARRY TO CONQUER DAKAR. 🙂
Amazing story. Congratulations Larry! I was rooting for you and was on the edge of my seat every day reading these chapters. You are an inspiration for us all!
Great Job Larry!! Congratulations!!!
Atta Boy Larry! Great example of goal setting and team work! What’s next!
Super Cool, congratulations.
Congratulations 714 X! A well told story of a well lived event. I can always draw some business knowledge out of your stories. I think you have found your calling Larry inspiring other people seems to be a natural thing for you. You are loved and admired by many happy Valentine’s Day.
Way to go 714x!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazing! Congratulations.
Larry , all off us over 50 guys are so proud of you !!! The over 50 guys can still get it done. Way to Go !! Congrats. Life time memories are great to have with Family.
Awesome job Larry and congratulations on your incredible accomplishment. I looked forward to reading these every morning no matter how long!
Congratulations!!! Awesome story with an awesome ending. Thanks for the great read.
Thanks for sharing. I have prayed and cheered you on. A great support team is essential.
Great job Larry, Congratulations
Larry again i love the story it was great read every day i look forward to getting the next chapter…. what a blessing and accomplishment you have completed you are always inspiring to me thanks again……..
NOW Movie Movie Movie Movie Movie!!!!!!! cant wait
Congratulations Larry! You’re a true inspiration! As a student in you School of Entrepreneurship, you’ve inspired me every step of the way, transformed my thinking and now my business is really making huge leaps! I love what I’m doing now as the leader of people who are building my business. Thanks again for all you’ve done and all the inspiration. I’m really proud of you for never giving up!
Even though I knew the outcome, I’ve enjoyed reading this entire thread. You are an inspiration Larry. Thanks for your genuine story.
Congratulations, Larry!! Amazing accomplishment.
Fascinating expose !
Haven’t picked them up since Punta Cana. I am really enjoyed this! The preparation, will power and determination you portray is so inspiring. This is why I look up to you so much.
Confidence has been the word of the week for me. I woke up yesterday with a tune in my head: (Face my giants with confidence)
We have nothing to loose! The fuse is burning down every second.
Confidence + Effort = Accomplishment Accomplishment = Happiness and Success!
Good song “Well Done” by The Afters
God will be telling you Well Done!!
Great race Larry, congratulations and thanks for letting us inside the helmet. You went into the dust, and came out of the dust an Iron Man.
Congratulations Larry to you and your team members. Your story is so inspiring and uplifting. I couldnt be more happy for you for this victory!