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Bruce Tinsley
from Indianapolis | Signed on: Thu 29 Nov 2007 10:16:53 AM MST
Mr. Raisin,
This is Bruce Tinsley. I do the Mallard Fillmore comic strip, which is mostly political, but occasionally tip the hat to my love of cycling, most recently with a shout out to Slipstream for its doping policy.
My good friend, and former pro racer, Grant Mann, kept racing after a brain injury, and finally ended up with more injuries and seizures that have taken his short-term memory forever. I've never been good enough to be even an amateur racer, so can't imagine how hard this is to give up, but you've made the right call; it's got to be better than not remembering your family or soon-to -be wife from one minute to the next.
Have a great future, and just wait 'til those kids come along. Mine are the greatest thing God's ever given me....
Bruce |
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Bret Gross
from SoCal | Signed on: Thu 29 Nov 2007 09:03:52 AM MST
When we got the phone call in the middle of the night telling us that our 28 year old son was at the hospital, in surgery, our new journey began.
The past three years since his crash have taken us places that few can understand -- but you can!
We wish you well as you move forward in a new chapter of your life. The road ahead will not be as familiar as the one you traveled before, but it can be a great adventure! |
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ironjim
from Murrieta, Ca. | Signed on: Thu 29 Nov 2007 08:22:29 AM MST
Saul, you are an inspriation! From what I have learned about you, I believe there are many more great stories about Saul Raison still to come! Live well, Jim |
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John A. Quigley
from Oklahoma City, OK | Signed on: Thu 29 Nov 2007 08:11:32 AM MST
Best Wishes on your life ahead! I hope you stay involved in cycling. I can see "Raisin bicycles" ???? I would buy one. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.
Thank You
JQ |
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Kolman
from Mount Laurel, NJ | Signed on: Thu 29 Nov 2007 07:56:41 AM MST
Saul
I know you feel total disappointment with the news you can not continue as a pro. You were one of the new shining stars and who knows what could have been. But we are so happy you are still here with us, what with the extent of your injuries. Now you can ride the bike for the love of riding and it will not change that we still love and respect you. Just go for a ride and just live every day. Kolman |
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Andrea
from Milan, Italy | Signed on: Wed 28 Nov 2007 03:24:45 PM MST
Me and my friend took a pic with you in your first Milano-Sanremo and after he managed to get you in his Fantasy Cycling team.
He has kept you in the roster ever since. And you know what ? We will keep you in our Fantasy Cycling team forever because in your heart you will always be a Cyclist ( like us armchair cyclist) . Now a whole new life open up for you and all the training will come to use because forged your temper well before than your body !!
Ciao |
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Scott Morrison
from Fairfield,California | Signed on: Wed 28 Nov 2007 01:20:52 PM MST
Saul, When you were injured I followed your story closely. You have made an amazing recovery. When my wife suffred a stroke, and was bedridden and partially paralyzed, I would read updates on you to her to inspire her. She read the article on you in Bicycling magazine and saw hope. You gave her hope. She is walking again, and she is talking about cycling with me. Saul, you are a hero in my eyes, and the eyes of many you have inspired. I don't know where you are going from here career-wise, but the cream always floats to the top. You will do well. |
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Lorie
from Long Beach, CA | Signed on: Wed 28 Nov 2007 01:09:38 PM MST
Maybe you can replace the bonehead, Al Trautwig! Would love to see you comment about the Tour de France with Bobke! |
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ashley knights jr
from so cal | Signed on: Wed 28 Nov 2007 10:52:41 AM MST
saul, velo news put it best in my opinion, "cyclist of the year" and "man of the year". your great no matter what and a huge insperation to me. |
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Dustin
from Home | Signed on: Wed 28 Nov 2007 09:36:01 AM MST
Never been more proud of you.
Love you brother |
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Will
from somewhere NY | Signed on: Wed 28 Nov 2007 09:16:29 AM MST
Hmmmm, let's see ..... triathlon, XC skiing, running, speed skating .... and imgine, you live in one of the best places in the world to all these almost out your back door --- see you at IronMan Hawaii in 2009? Olympics 2012?
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Domen
from Kamnik, Slovenia | Signed on: Wed 28 Nov 2007 05:52:20 AM MST
Saul, I truely believe great things are still to come in your life. Have fun doing other things too! |
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Kitty
from Arizona | Signed on: Wed 28 Nov 2007 12:21:29 AM MST
When one door closes another door opens. Although it may not be instantly visible, trust that that will happen for you!
To realize that your ultimate dream will not materialize for length of time you had hoped is hard--allow yourself the time to grieve yet don't dwell on it either!
From my limited knowledge you are still employed by credit agricole for another year which will give you plenty of time to explore other options!
Cycling has so many aspects.......and if your love for the sport outweighs your disappointment - perhaps there will be other directions within the sport. If not, there are so many interesting things to do......with cycling always available as an avocation.
I don't know the extent of your doctor's recommendations but there are opportunities as a professional triathlete, a mountain biker (not downhill!), and track cyclist, etc etc where one has a tad more control and the likelihood of mass pileups on asphalt over which you have no control are a lot less lilkely and ultimately a bit safer.
You have come such a long way--may new equally exciting doors open for you! |
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Greg Milledge
from Brea, Ca USA | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 09:14:26 PM MST
Saul, I am terribly disappointed for you that you were not cleared to ride. I know the pain you are feeling now that your career is seemingly over. Every athlete feels that sting when they've ridden their last ride, run their last race or played their last game. You my friend have been given the gift of fame that will open all sorts of doors that may seem closed to you right now. I'm sure your Brother-in-Laws team has some sort of position for you to fill. I'm also certain knowing you gift of the gab that you can do motivational speaking. Don't let this second chance God has given you go to waste even though it doesn't involve being a professional cyclist. I'm sure your Mom and Dad are also disappointed but relieved with this new development. Someone with your personality and drive will be successful in anything you do. Good luck in the future and God Bless.
Greg |
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Mike Quick
from Woodstock Ga | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 05:11:14 PM MST
Saul,
That big heart of yours will get you places you never dreamed of.
Good luck and hope to see you on the road sometime. |
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Aunt Vera
from Ringgold GA | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 03:34:06 PM MST
Your a winner to all of us. No matter what you do in the future you where given a second chance. God makes special people for all of us and I believe you are that person for someone you might not have seen or even heard of. I wish you all the
happiness with my soon to be niece.
And to Yvonne my sister and Jim my
favorite brother -in- law, I hope Saul and Aleeza bless you with lots and lots of grandchildren so I can send all the playdoo, paint, loud toys, and anything else I can think of to your house. Love you all |
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Tim Holmes
from Guernsey | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 02:54:05 PM MST
Good luck, take your time and enjoy plotting your path.
all the best
Tim Claire Inigo Asher and Ezra |
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rick forshee
from cleveland,Tn | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 02:18:32 PM MST
Most opportunities come disguised as setbacks.Although I'm sure this is a major disappointment to you now,it will without doubt open doors to an unbelievable future for you and your new family.Best of luck in whatever it is that you do.Give it your all and you'll be fine. |
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Darren & Jacky
from Edinburgh, Scotland | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 02:09:08 PM MST
Dear Saul
It was very sad to read on cyclingnews.com today that you will no longer ride as a professional cyclist. You are a very courageous and inspirational man. We wish you an enjoyable and successful life - no matter what your profession. |
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Phil Vilardi
from Fountain Hills Arizona | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 01:59:45 PM MST
Saul,
Those of us that have followed your amazing journey back to fitness will always view you as a champion no matter what road you race on. You have been an inspiration to all of us. don't worry about what you will do next, whatever it is, it will find you and you will have no choice but to do your very best at it. I know this becuase that is what you have shown us in the past so how can you be different in the future? best of luck, if you are ever in AZ look me up or drop me an email, Erik Suanders Knows how to reach me...
Phil |
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Mary
from Reading, PA | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 12:47:50 PM MST
Road racing isn't the only thing you can do. Had you given any thought to the hour record? |
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KWH
from Salt Lake City | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 11:46:12 AM MST
This is another obstacle that you will overcome. Whatever you decide to do, make the sacrifice and pursue it with the same vigor that you pursued cycling, and you will be a success. Good luck. |
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John Lee
from Vancouver | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 11:18:58 AM MST
I too am disappointed that you won't be back. But there is always another but... You can still enjoy riding in the sun and the rain, uphill and down and round and round. Keep on going. All the best. |
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Fred B
from News Channel 9 | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 08:50:27 AM MST
Saul,
You have been a great inspiration to many people who are overcoming difficult circumstances in life. Seeing you stay positive with the latest news is inspiring. I hope you are still planing a Raisin Hope ride for this spring. I plan on attending.
You're still my favorite cyclist.
Fred |
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Dave Demery
from Brandon Florida | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 08:45:06 AM MST
Saul
You have inspired me and hope the best for the future. |
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George Hamel
from Jupiter, Florida | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 08:29:05 AM MST
Just finished your book, you sound like a wonderful person with great parents . Great! book by the way, really great. Never accept no for an answer, things may be postponed for a while but NOT finished. You have done more than most people even dream about and for that be greatful. All the while I was reading your book I thought how cool it would be to ride a nice road bike with the name "Raisin" on it. Yours Truly. |
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Molly Skiles
from Ringgold | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 08:16:40 AM MST
Hey Saul! You are awesome! You are just about the most inspiring person I know, and I think you will continue to lead an inspiring life. Thank you for setting such a great example of true strength for the hard times in life. BTW, everyone loved the school newspaper article I wrote about you, so I must also thank you for helping my grade. |
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Javier
from España | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 07:22:25 AM MST
Hola campeon no has ganado un tour pero has vencido a la muerte que eso es lo mas importante a sido un golpe duro durisimo muchos años de sacrificio para nada¿no para nada no!!!! quedate con los amigos con todas esas situaciones que te han hecho crecer como persona y como deportista animo campeon un abrazo desde ESPAÑA SUERTE EN LA VIDA |
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Brian
from Florida | Signed on: Tue 27 Nov 2007 06:14:47 AM MST
Saul: Nothing I can add to all everyone has said. Sorry this happened to you. Have you ever thought of getting into physical therapy to help those who are in need? |
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Wellwisher
from Somewhere in this world | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 06:02:55 PM MST
hey...what you did was amazing and afterwards you were still able to pedal, faster than most of us. Yet you are still so positive, that is enough to inspire me and a few others in this world. The best of luck.
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