Thank you for visiting my blog. For those who don’t know me, I am a former speedskater and an avid cyclist.
While I never truly reached a consistent pinnacle of performance in either sport, I did spend some time clutching at the edges of greatness competing in world championships in both sports and one Olympic games. More than that, someone once told me “Coyle you attract trouble like Pigpen attracts dirt.” It does appear that I’m involved with a lot of stories…
This is not, per say, a journal “what happened when” though there is some of that. Instead, is a celebration of the thoughts and feelings, highs and lows of athletic competition and the bonds that it brings. It is also a way to say “thank you” to those who helped and supported me along the way – many of whom were never properly thanked (see “People I owe…”)
PS: if you read anything here, consider one of the following:
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For the pure joy of travel and cycling: Cycling 2007 Race Report #2: A brief tour of Italy
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For a deeply personal insiders view into the Olympic games: Torino Journals #7, #8, and #9.
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If you prefer to read about suffering: 2007 Race Report #14: Suffering
Hey John, sorry I missed you in SLC..maybe next time…Mark C.
So you were “the voice”. Often times, we the fans over shouted you, but all-in-all a fairly good service was provided in a place where acoustics are not the best.
Love your insight on the races and will be looking for “Korea” info across the www.
K. Reutter is amazing…could she become the female face for short track? Definitely.
John,
Don’t know if you are aware but Jeanne Omelenchuk passed away yesterday. She was a friend to us in the GMC Corvette Set. Thought you might want to know.
Hi John,
Nice to have met you in GR. I have known of you for quite some time as I used to race in the late 80’s and early 90’s with Chirs Johnson, Jeff Ensing et al. on Kinetic Systems. I was emailed a video of your filming from the crit in GR. Nice Blog, Very well done. I think it it will be helpful to many if they digest the Walden Rules and the rest of your blog. I was reared in the sport by a guy named Paul Mough, who learned from Mike Walden, so alot of what you posted I have heard second hand. Very Nicely Done John. Chris Johnson showed up to watch the masters race in Cadeaux in 2005 and pointed you out after the race and shared a bit about your palmeres. Anyway I look forward to seeing you around next season. Take Care
Houston
Hi John,
Long time no see.
How are things going?
I haven’t seen or heard re: your parents for years; I hope that they are doing well.
I am thinking about riding the velodrome since I have lost my “road-riding
nerves”(too many people on cell phones, etc)
Hopefully, I might catch you at one of the track events.
Hey john,
You will never remember me, but I speedskated for wyandotte back in the eighties and I remember you and your dad. You were just one of the up and comers and I was very impressed to see you win a national championship. I was older and didn’t talk with you much, but I remember talking with your dad, a real gentleman. He was always so supportive of you and it showed. I must agree with you that its amazing that indoor short track isn’t bigger and more popular. Take care and all the best on a writing career.
Jd winn
I love your site!
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Experiencing a slow PC recently? Fix it now!
John-
Stumbled onto your website. Not sure if you remember me, I was a fellow Wolverine in the late ’80’s as a Junior. I fondly remember your field sprint prowess.
In the mid late 90’s, I think we were both getting back into the sport back in Michigan racing the classics like Windsor Star.
After 12 years off the bike I am again racing- 2pts away from cat 2 in my first season back living in Oregon (were unfortunately road races outnumber crits!) Your writings are very insprirational. Keep up the good work!
robin
John:
Like the vids. Let’s connect at some point, my kids are getting into speedskating and I don’t have a clue.
Paul Swinand
Evanston, IL
Hi Grasshopper,
It has been awhile. I came across your blog and had to send my greetings. I was telling our kids about some of the adventures we had during the skating years. I haven’t told them the grasshopper story yet. Anyway, send me an email sometime. I would love to hear how you are. Stop by if ever in the twin cities.
John A.