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To My Brother Paul
Kind words of FAITH mean a lot!
To My Brother Paul
What makes a man your brother?
To love and respect just like a brother?
A brother is a friend,
On whom you can depend,
To see you as you are,
With every blemish and scar,
But always has the ability,
To see you as you want to be!
Thank you Paul!
Sincerely, Micky Dee
TREASURE YOUR FRIENDS!
Yuki Kajiura-Fatigue
I was introduced to Yuki Kajiura by Freya Cesare here on hubpages. I thought I'd try another by Yuki because the music can be very nice while reading the page. So- I chose this music almost totally by the title: Fatigue!
I had no choice! I had to publish Paul's poem!
I received an email from the man whose wheels I'll be riding on Monday in the "Assault On Mount Mitchell".
Whatever my "time" will be on this my 30th Assault- it is already "written". It's a hundred plus miles and 11,000 ft. of accumulated climbing. Whatever - it's a long enough day.
Whatever difficulty I have is already recorded.
I will try to block out and shake out pain as it comes.
I will shake my arm from time to time to alleviate that pain.
I'll bob my head up and down for the nerve and pain in my neck.
I'll twist my torso and grab a point around my right hip to alleviate the pain there.
I'll even ride a little side-saddle to alleviate the pain from the saddle-sore I've developed.
To finish is to succeed. Whether I succeed is irrelevant. But- as always -I'll give it my best shot.
There is much reverence that I take into this ride.
I get a little more spiritually heavy at this time of the year.I feel like I'm facing a struggle. I may even feel very mortal as this test approaches. I have no idea why. I've done this actual ride 29 times. I've "done the ride" a week before the ride. I rode the equivalent of this ride twice a week for six weeks "before the ride".
On Monday I ride a hard ride that, really, I've ridden a thousand times or the equal. I'll not sleep Sunday night. I'm rested I guess or I anticipate.
But is it my "New Year"? Is this where I try to let last year's sins go and make new resolutions?
I feel more like saying something to everyone, to atone to everyone, that I have not been as good as I needed to be! I'm sorry if I've hurt someone. I'm sorry "when" I've offended someone. Because at the heart of my hearts, I want to live in peace and I want YOU to have peace and all that is good for you.
I want to live the Golden Rule. So - do not be concerned with my finish or success on this day of sport. There are important fish to fry.
Pray this prayer to the Father no matter what belief or what non-belief:
Our Father, which art in heaven,hallowed be thy name;thy kingdom come;thy will be done,in earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive them that trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation;but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom,the power, and the glory,for ever and ever. Amen.
And - let's hope that "thy kingdom come; thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven".
But here is the email sent to me:
"Hi Michael
What is it? 3 more days and you are on a journey to keep the record of Mitchell completions moving out of anyone’s reach. Good for you! I rode in the Ride of Silence yesterday as we remembered those who have been killed and injured by motorist this past year. Slowly getting reacquainted with my bike and enjoying it. Shooting for Bridge to Bridge this fall so the miles need to start adding up.
I started thinking about you and this tribute started to form in my mind. By no means am I a writer or poet. My humble effort to honor you first and your accomplishment second."
Mickey Dee--Paul's Poem!
A thousand clicks
Shoes engaging with pedals
Sun and horizon split
Many are determined to show their mettle
As the morning light glows
A human mass, disappearing in the light, flows.
In the morning mist
A rider glides along
Touching his saddle like a gentle kiss
Giving words of encouragement to the silent throng
A warm spirit of a man with ambitions of his own
Remembering days past when these roads were his throne.
Up ahead a cyclist on the side of the road
A look of despair on his face as the crowd passes by
The rider is in a fast group taking on his load
Sharing the work when he hears the cyclist cry
About a broken chain and the lost training hours
No one pays attention, helping is beyond their power.
The rider slows knowing what he must do
The fast group leaves him behind as he gives up his ambitions
To help a fellow cyclist he knows no better than me or you
He gives up the thoughts of glory without contrition
Knowing now his task of finishing will become cruel
Yet he is a man that lives by the golden rule
The road goes on as he ponders his fate
He enters the cave of pain on the relentless climb
Mt. Mitchell is ahead still on his plate
Alone on the parkway as the pain shrouds his mind
For stopping to help a rider he must pay the price
The road is a mirage and making it to the end a role of dice.
The rider’s spirit is larger than life and a treasure
Shining through the mountain haze
A determination beyond measure
The rider climbs the last curves of the maze
Finishing the ride with grace an honor
A tribute to the spirit, giving us all something to ponder.
Take Care and best wishes for a successful Assault.
Paul
Micky's reply:
Wow
Sir! Wow Sir!
I'm blown away Sir!
I'm bawling here!
God bless you Paul!
That's one of the prettiest, nicest things that's ever been said about
me.
Thank you Brother Paul!
God bless you Sir!
_______________________________________________________________
Kinds words go a long way! Share a few today!
I was blown away! I haven't performed to my capabilities at times. I second guess and wonder why?
I'd like to be seen as Paul sees me. People say I've helped them before, during, and after events. I forget. I'd like to be remembered as the guy who stopped while riding in the lead pack over Bill's Hill to help a young man who most probably was doing his first Assault on Mt. Mitchell. I had two repair links for a chain. He had a broken chain. I had a conscience. Thank You Lord for a conscience and thank You for allowing Paul to see "what I want to be".
On one Assault On Mount Mitchell a rider came from the far right side of the road. His front wheel barely grazed my rear wheel. He went down hard at 25 mph. If he and other s watched, they may have seen me not stop, but sprint away from the fallen rider. That's not the end of a sordid tale. I didn't sprint away from the fallen rider. I sprinted to a motor-cycle ride "monitor/official"! He had a radio. He had a motor. We were already going 25 which was "enough". To go faster taxes. But if one saw "one" side of what happened they may draw the wrong conclusion.
On one "Assault" my friend Chris, a much stronger rider, had to stop and pee. I sprinted away from him as he pulled off the road. What would you think? I got to the front of the pack and slowed the pack down so that Chris could catch up easier. That got me in the picture of the first rider to Lake Lure. I was only slowing the pack down on the down hill. This was the "long Mitchell year, 117 miles. I was only slowing people down for Chris.
So- many times I'm not seen as good as I'm trying to be. Thank all of you who see me as I want to be.
Many people wish me well. Many of you on the hubs here. I feel it.
Thanks!
For more cycling stuff click yourself down right here!
Cycling-May 12, 2010 Union Groovin' and Mebane Espressin'
Cycling-May 9, 2010-Hillsborough To Yanceyville-79 Miles
Cycling-May 5, 2010-A Ode to-Union Groovin' To Saxapahaw!
Cycling-May 2, 2010-Raven Rock Ramble-107 miles
April 23, 24, 2010 Carrboro Tarwheels and The Bicycle Wheel Of Adam O'Neil
An Ode To Three Possums In The Middle Of The Road
April 20, 2010 Jose Is Back! Back In The Saddle! Back On The Bike! Back!
April 18, 2010 Hillsbros Playtex Cycling Team-Gets Juice-61 Hard Miles
April 17, 2010 Solo Ride, Tarwheels Ride, Solo, Time Trial, No TT, Solo
April 10, 2010-Two Rides-97 Miles But It Felt Like 98
April 7, 2010 Union Groovin' To Saxapahaw, Carolina Tar-wheels Meet Miami Biking
Gang and Buena Vista Social Club
March 31, April 1, 2, 3, 4, 2010 Bike Rides-Carolina Tarwheels
What Happened To Wednesday's Ride? 01-12-10
March 2010-Almost Spring Bike Rides-Plus On The Road Bike Repair Tips
Marquis de Sade-Bob Scofield's Ride 2010
The Playtex Cycling Team
I'm Dreaming Of A White Bike Ride
12-14-09 Solo-Stereo-Winter-Ride
12/03/09 Cycling Photos and A Lesson On Photo Repair
Mickey's Favorite Bicycle "Descending" Videos
Mountain Biking Unaka
Paul & the Greensboro Velo Club 7-22-05
Paul & the Greensboro Velo Club 7-24-05
August 1,2,3-Paul & the Greensboro Riders-2003
You are a great, gentle, generous spirit. Joan and I recall our first stay at the Inn. We were new to cycling. You made certain we were taken care of and provided us with excellent routes. You have always been kind and supportive to us. Our days at the Inn, riding with you, are memories we will always cherish!
Best wishes for Mitchell. May you have a day when you feel like you have “no chain”.
Take care Brother Michael.
Paul
Paul, may the wind be at your back and you feel "no chain"!
Thank you Brother Paul!
Michael
Comments
Mic. my brother, I have seen and felt you grow for a time now, I will in spirit block your wind and hold up your name!
I Love you Bro! dust
Awesome!! Thank you. You made me smile. Ohhh, a confession, Micky...I love that you publish all of your treks because I can only ride bicycles in the backyards...I am afraid to go on the streets!!
Superb hub Micky! You get a rate up.I apologize I haven't been to visit in a little while. Been writing upa storm myself and juggling three kids lol but I am making up for it now ~hugs~
Hi, Micky, we all wish you luck with your races and you know I love to read about your experiences. I still can't get back on a bike after falling of, so well done for not doing the triple selza, (head over whatnot) on your bike, like I did! lol Nell
What a great tribute from one brother to another, I have only one brother that I too cherish, but he lives far away in sunny California, I see him only occasionally but we are close. He is my younger brother so he looks to me for advice sometimes and I am honored by that ~~~Great brotherly Hub.~~~MFB III
wonderful hub! I can see you really think the world of your brother!
What a beautiful story,
Micky, i see the good in you everytime you post a new hub.
You have a kind heart and that,s worth all the gold in california.I wish i had a living brother, i had three, Jess,Vertis, and Fred,the wonderful thing is , i know i will see them again. OH HAPPY DAY.
God Speed and stay safe
As I write this you are on your bike doing one of the most difficult rides in the United States. An amazing accomplishment! Sometimes it is difficult for us to see our true/authentic self. There are so many experiences and lies which become the lense from which we see ourselves. I wrote the poem to honor the truth about you Micky Dee. I wrote the truth about your authentic self. God Bless you my friend and brother. Thanks for publishing my poem! Paul
Great thing that you do with biking - I love it and wish I was better at it- unfortunately most often I end up doing that too in my comedy-enhanced style. Be safe!
What a beautiful poem and wonderful hub!! Well done my friend!
great pics,this was your sense of humor which brought me to your pages,now find me one of your admirer.i liked every thig I saw,and i liked whatever I read.
Beautiful poem and tribute to your brother good article :)
the love of brothers :) a tribute to true living! I await the end of your ride and your special report to us all. :)
~Aloha~
- Author
The ride was very hard. It's one of the toughest rides in the country. Most of the 30 miles are climbing up. I don't know how long I should keep doing it. It was extremely painful yesterday. It was painful for everybody. I took about 150 pictures. There are some of these to be culled but there are a lot of shots that are good and I'll work on a hub later today, Tuesday and Wednesday.
50 Caliber, my brother- you know I love you and feel the same. You are my brother!
Msorensson, thank you very much for loving my "riding" hubs. Thank you Dear!
Blackreign, you don't worry. It's a full time job you have being a parent and I've seen your work and love it. Thanks for being who you are!
Nell, you always "ring my bell". You be careful and wear your helmet. Thank you Dear!
MFB, my brother, we all look to you for advice. You know how I feel about you and your work.
GojiJuiceGoodness, I have to admit something here- I love Goji Juice Goodness. Thank you Ma'am!
Always Exploring, you are always exploring and always a delight! Thank you Dear.
PaulE, my brother, thank you for being my friend. I have always admired you. Your wife is a darling, wonderful woman! I can't say enough about the goodness and peace that permeates from you. God bless you BROTHER!
Akirchner, please stay with it- safely. It is a dangerous sport. Thank you for your kind wishes!
Theherbivorehippi, I so appreciate you. Thank you Dear!
Suny, thank you Sir! God bless you!
Coolmon, you are so "straight up"! I love you Dear!
Sa`ge, my little island flower, thank you Dear and I'll post pictures and report soon. Thank you Dear!
This is a well written hub. You've shared a good story about your experience, a beautiful poem and a great thought about "brothers". You've also posted great photos. So what more can I say? This is a great hub!
Enjoy but always be careful in all your cycling activities.
A perfect brother is a good son of one's father but then,Micky Bro you said this and it is simply the true virtue of a brother...
But always has the ability,
To see you as you want to be
Thanks for sharing this.
- Author
Hey TINA. That is so kind of you to say. I'll try to be careful but at 60 years of age I've got parts falling off of me now. Thank you Dear!
- Author
Thank you Brother Rossimobis for also seeing me as I want to be seen. God bless you Brother!
I can't even imagine that ride or the mindset you would need to have to pedal on through the pain. I'm glad you have your brother too. I'm challenged by your quest to be your best, and seeing yourself as you want to be seen. Nice hub. Just enjoyable and refreshing. Thanks Micky Dee.
You and your brother Paul obviously love one another very much. The fact that you both can express it so beautifully in words is extra nice. Thanks for sharing it here with us on hubpages. The bike riding takes a back seat to this kind of relationship. Great hub! Rest up from your recent most challenging ride.
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Hey Kim! That mindset is lacking brain-cells I think. Thank you very much Kim. You know how it is. We keep trying and keep truckin'! Thank you!
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Thank you Peggy. I wish you could have taken those photos -they would be better. Thank you Dear!
you're a good man Micky Brown, biking poet of fame
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Yo Ralwus! I'm a has-been-that-never-was Brother! You be careful out there and keep turn a new phrase as only you can Sir. Thanks Ralwus!
Micky - though far away from where I am writing this right now you are a brother, to me and to so many others. Thank you, bro! Keep riding (and writing).
Love and peace
Tony
What a wonderful testament to a man who strives to live the way we all should. The ability to forget about the personal success in order to help another achieve their own, I think is perhaps one of the most unselfish acts that can be offered. The poem is so awesome, and I do hope you encourage brother Paul to continue with his pen. You have obviously blessed so many people here and beyond with your wonderful words of encouragment. You are letting the divinity within you shine so brightly, and what better way to appreciate the impact you have on others than by seeing a person compelled to put pen to paper and honor you. Congratulations and warmest blessings! Natasha
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Yo Tony!!! Never, ever think that you are not my brother!!! You are SO my brother!!! Thank you Brother!
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I am so lucky Natasha! Maybe I've lasted this long to feel so lucky! Life is a carnival on wheels over rough roads with hills and valleys but with Brothers like Paul and Sisters like you- life is pretty pretty!!!
Cyclist- Cycling is the best sport, no arena needed!
Vietnam Veteran-Marine Corps-I Corps-333!
I have read a lot of Vietnam War films!
Thank!!
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Yo Defed! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
brotherly love at its best, thanks Micky, that was beautiful.
- Author
Paul is a true Brother by the best definition! Thank you Liswilliams!!!
This is astounding. Both of you show a knack, Paul's poem shows a raw ability just like yours.
I'm not much of a biker, but I've gone rather far on one at times. Not a hundred miles--maybe 10 in a total trip, but I can only imagine how it may feel to become so physically taxed and worked up you enter a zone of contentment.
^whoops, that was me. You know, I really need to remember to re-login after closing Opera. ;)
- Author
Yo lxxy! Paul is a very good poet and should write so much more. He is a natural talent. Whatever I do -I work hard at mediocrity. Thank you lxxy!
Nice and modest. ;)
wow what great poems and they really reflect the love that you share with your brother. I have two brothers and right now one of them has not spoken to me for awhile and when we did we had the worst fight that pretty much will end our relationship I fear. I think you are a great man Micky Dee and we all here on hubpages think the world of you and you always make me smile with your hubs. Cheers and peace.
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Ladyjane- your words are very comforting. Thank you Ma'am! Allow me to also "be your brother". My goodness you've lit my candle today! Thank you Dear!
That is a sweet poem honoring you and your courage to face the odds in biking, nice to have a friend like Paul. Freinds know you and support you as well. They say treasure your friend because they are worth more than gold more than brother or sister,
Hmm miss reading Micky Dees hubs, thay are all endearing, Maita
- Author
A friend will stick through thick and thin!
Right to the very end! Thank you Maita Dear!
Micky - you can't pick you relatives but sure as can pick your friends. Trusted friends and family are want makes your life what is - value your friends and you are valuing your life. You will be disappointed at times but true friendships are special and when you find true friends it is the toughest of times when you are valued and you value them back. :)
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How right you are Billy! Let's love our brother! After all, he's our brother!
Fabulous, Micky. Now I need to go back and read it through again. You are 'the best'. love, Dim x
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Thank you Dim my Dear! You are always in my corner Love!
Micky,
It's very seldom that I come across professions of great love for a sibling. You and Paul are models of familial love. You both seem to uplift each other- you to Paul's being a writer and he to you as being a rider. I relate very well to your story because I have also a brother I care much about. He is now in God's care, but I still feel his presence, giving back love. I also have a blog tribute to him.
I only recently discovered you, but see many of my writer friends here already. I regret to admit that I never learned to ride a bicycle, especially after reading of your passion for riding. It sounds like a truly wonderful, strength building and bonding experience. Everybody needs a passion. Keep moving with yours. (: v
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Hi Lita! I guess we don't have a choice as to whether to love or not - some of us anyway. We have to love our brother and sister as ourselves. It's THE LAW. God bless your brother- and you Lita!
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Hi Valerie! I've been riding for 40 years. It's started out a lonely business but moving "to" more cycling is really the treat. If it isn't too hilly where you are you might get a simple bike to "free" yourself occasionally! Thank you Dear!
Micky, Brother, Sister, Soul Mate, I feel you brother, it matters not the blood in the viens, it's the blood in the heart that matters. Peace :)
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Yo Katie! I went ahead and read this again. I'm such a softy. Paul is a wonderful brother. I hope I can live up to what Paul is.
Thank you Sister Katie!!! It matters not the blood in our veins! We are CLOSE ENOUGH! God bless you Girl! I love you Katie!
Came back to reread this hub about true brotherly love and The Golden Rule of which you are the great professor.
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Oh dear Peggy! I love that rule. I know it is not just wishful thinking. I know some day, man has to evolve. Man has to become gentle. Man has to love his brother. All is lost otherwise.
Yo Everybody! I'll be assaulting a mountain until some time Monday. I'll bring back some pictures I hope- but it's supposed to rain! No pics in the rain!
I'll leave you with this "tip of the day"! - Always make sure that you grab the "triple biotic ointment" and never assume that you have it unless you can read! AND never use an "analgesic balm" on a pressure sore! Yikes! It doesn't take long to find out you have gone wrong!
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