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mike skiles
from suck creek | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 05:47:58 PM MST
Saul,
You are a great inspiration, never gave up, and set a good example for all in a disapointing time.
Aleeza,
The Dude will abide. |
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David
from Spain | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 05:34:42 PM MST
Hello Saul, i wish the best in your new life, don´t give up and be strong as you have been in your accident. Best wishes from Spain. |
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| David R.Charlesworth | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 05:23:59 PM MST
Saul I am so sorry to hear that your pro cycling career is over,every-thing is for a reason thats what my mom says,there is a great picture of you in Pro-Cycling magazine out of the saddle in a united states jersey that will always be in my memory all the best for the future Dave Charlesworth. |
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Jeffrey Thomas
from Seattle, WA | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 04:24:07 PM MST
Saul,
I was cheering for you from your accident through your recovery. I am thrilled and congratulate you for a great recovery. Very sorry that you can't race any more, but perhaps you can still ride? If not, can you run? I began biking when a bad ankle forced me to stop running. That was a bad day, but I love biking, so, hey: there's always something new in your future to give your mania to and to find great rewards in. |
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MARY HELEN &PAUL
from ROCKY FACE, GA | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 12:49:53 PM MST
HEY SAUL, WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR YOUR LATEST NEWS BUT AS HARD AS IT IS, YOU GAVE IT YOUR ALL, AND NO ONE CAN ASK MORE THAN THAT. I KNOW THERE IS SOMETHING OUT THERE FOR YOU. (GOD DOESN'T MAKE MISTAKES) PLEASE KNOW WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AS YOU MAKE THE DECISION ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT. YOU HAVE COME A LONG WAY & WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!! MH & PAUL |
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Will Esters
from Dalton, Georgia | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 11:57:41 AM MST
Saul,
I'm not sure what to say about your recent news. I am sure that whatever I might write would fall far short of my intentions to make things somehow better. I do want you to know, however, that I wear your "Raisin' Hope" bracelet every day. I've worn it for quite a while. I also want you to know that knowing you and wearing your bracelet helps me daily in my job as an elementary school principal. Each time I glance at it, I am reminded that nearly anything is possible if we can hope for it and dream it. Hope is one of the few things others can't take from us - even though we might have to channel it in a different direction from time to time.
Thank you for helping me be a better principal. You really do mean a lot to me, and you've impacted hundreds of lives through me. Even though I know there are things in my life I will not be able to do, there are no limits to how I might inspire others. This is something you taught me - whether or not you realized you were even teaching the lesson.
The students of Brookwood and I look forward to making the next Raisin Hope event a success.
Ride on,
Will Esters
Principal
Brookwood School |
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Amy W.
from Shepherd Center | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 07:43:31 AM MST
Saul,
I am so sorry to hear your news! Still, I have great faith in you! You came through a great deal, did more than anyone would have guessed possible, and still have awesome talent. When 1 door closes, another opens. And, knowing you, you will find that door and run through it easily. Stay strong, keep fighting, and you will find your way! My best to you and your fiancee'. Our patients here are always glad to see you and you are an inspiration to them just because you walk and talk and live a life. That is something everyone fears won't be true again. And, you did it!! As you said, you have so much to be thankful for and you have your whole life ahead of you. The sky is truly the limit!! (Knowing you, maybe not even that is the limit!)
Amy |
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John Hopper
from Hull, England | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 07:04:06 AM MST
Hi Saul, thanks for publishing your book - it's a great read, very inspirational. I am very sorry that you are unable to return to the peloton. You have a lot to offer the world outside of cycling. Perhaps you could look into entering the world of rehab/therapy. You know a great deal and already have made a significant difference to those you've spoken to and who your story has reached.
I hope you can still cycle recreationally & even compete. Time trials and solo events must be open to you to sate that appetite! Good luck John. |
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Scott
from ColoradoSprings | Signed on: Mon 26 Nov 2007 12:00:12 AM MST
Saul you don't now me but alot of people probably tell you that in the on the start. I am the Paralympic cyclist that you gave and signed a Credit Agricole cap for and gave to Jim. I respect and and cherish the help he has given me in my cycling career i feel as much as you, In August 2006 I wore that cap on a rainy day in Aigle Switzerland. I asked Jim that day if he thought you would like to race in the rain with me, he told me he thought you would enjoy the ride. Saul I only ride a bike with 1 leg since an accident I was in, when you crashed I was in Chula with the team and we worried as you made it through the tough early days. Our friend in common kept us informed before public info came out I want you to know that even though we need more Para riders we wanted you back in the break at Worlds again. What I didn't tell was that day in Switzerland when you raced without knowing. I had been injured in the months before the worlds in Aigle and battled poor fitness and pain, but that day in the rain was different it felt right it felt good, it ended up with a 1 man breakaway with 3k to go. I was the man that day with a kilo to go 2 went by and a bronze was my first time on the podium ever. Saul you have overcome a tramatic life experience and have learned valuable lessons from it. WELCOME TO THE CLUB!!
You will be accomplished at all the things you take on in life. I lost a leg it was best thing for me in life, take this experience and keep running with it. You are a true Champion my friend. I will take you racing every time from now on, China is our next big show Saul.
Be Well |
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Mordecai Zibkoff
from Brooklyn NY | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 11:52:56 PM MST
Hey Saul,
Just finished reading your blog. I'm so sorry to hear that you will not be racing professionally any longer. I was rooting for you from the very beginning, and meeting you that one time was inspiring. While the threat of injury may have sidelined you from pro cycling, I'm sure that your talent and skills on the bike could easily translate into other sports like duathlon or triathlon, where the risk of crashing is much lower than in it is in mass start bike racing. You might also consider doing RAAM or breaking the Guiness book of world records on the stationary bike. I'll be praying for you and with G-d's help I'm sure you'll find your way in this world.
Good luck,
Mordy |
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Ken Yonemura,MD
from Salt Lake City, UT | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 10:25:39 PM MST
Being both a neurosurgeon and a competitive cyclist, I have mixed feelings about the decision from your team. It seems ironic that I was trying to get you out riding on the 23rd before you had received the news from your parents.
Life is full of unpredictable events and ultimately, I would support the desires of any of my patients, even your desire to return to professional competition, as long as you felt the risks are acceptable. There are no barriers for you to excel in time trials and who knows what you could do in the individual pursuit. Your return back to pro racing could be delayed but knowing you, not quite dead by any means!
Looking forward to you punishing me on the bike for years to come. |
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William Gould
from Chester County, PA | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 09:29:48 PM MST
Dear Dave (& Saul):
I am so sorry to hear that Saul's incredibly gallant effort and shining example will not result in the realization his dream to return to professional racing. He touched my soul, as did you, Dave in your remarkable book and I was extremely pleased to have the opportunity to talk with Saul directly about his experiences, his inspiration and his dreams. I am also extremely pleased with the article which appeared in the October issue of MAR magazine. I hope you guys were sent a copy, if not, please let Mark Stewart or me know and we'll do what we have to in order to get a copy to you. I plan on scanning the article and sending a .pdf to several people who have asked to see it.
I do wish Saul my very best and I love his attitude (which is really what it is all about, isn't it?) and I'm sure that whatever he atempts going foward will be as wildly successful as his incredible recovery. My very best wishe to him and Aleeza (Lucky guy!) as they embark on what will surely be another remarkable stage of their lives together.
Very best wishes,
William (Bill) Gould
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Jim Garwood
from Santa Barbara, CA | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 09:12:06 PM MST
Saul, I'm sorry that your racing career is over but you are young and you have a lot to accomplish and you have a wonderful life to share with your future wife. You need to stay healthy and vibrant for her especially. I had to give up my mountain bike racing after suffering a bad crash last July which left me with a concussion and brain contusion. Luckily, I have not suffered any lasting effects but a re-injury could make things worse. Like you, I will marry a wonderful woman Stephanie next year who stuck by my rehabilitation. I cannot think of risking myself after what I went through...and she went through too. I wish you the best and you will have a wonderful life...
Jim |
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David McDonough
from Anaheim, California | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 08:33:45 PM MST
Saul, Sorry to hear the news. The good part is you are alive and walking around (some times), most of the time, I am sure, you are riding, as I will too one day soon.
I am an avid cyclist, 58 years old, and fell while hiking with my wife. I had subdural hematoma and a craneotomy. This Thursday I will have a craneoplasty (the Dr. will replace the part of my skull that has been missing for 6 months). Given all that has happend and that I am still working and loving my wife, I look forward to seeing the trees slip by and the sound of gears shifting. Keep your head up and looking forward to the next challenge. You have the stuff to overcome serious obsticles, you can do it. How many other people are there, what percentage of cyclists, can say they were pro?
Dave |
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John Tamoosh
from Plymouth, Massachusetts | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 08:13:51 PM MST
Saul, no matter what you must keep doing what you do best... MOVE TO THE FRONT. You have inspired so many in such a short time. I can't even begin to say that I understand Saul Raisin because I read his book... but I think you got to this point in your life by always moving forward regardless of what you were told. Move to the front my brother, there is no one blocking the sky off the front. |
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Steve Gerber
from Delano, MN | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 06:49:30 PM MST
Hey Saul - I was so sad to hear about the news from the docs. You gave it your best shot you left it all on the road. You should be damn proud of that.
4 years ago I had both knees partially replaced. Everyone figured I should take life "easy" . I said i have new life. I've completed 6 triathlons (sprints) a century and several metric centuries.
Am I fast - hell no. But I finished which is more than most people figured I would.
I love my bike. I'm sure you love biking too. Crank one out for all the odd beaters out there!
Steve |
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David B Hardin, MD
from Evansville Indiana | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 05:30:26 PM MST
Saul I was very sorry to hear your career was put to an end but as I say a bad thing is only bad if nothing is learned from it.
Another organization you should consider is Think First an organization devoted to head injury prevention.
If I can be of any help let me know
briefly In 1986 I was newly elevated to cat 2 and doing my residency in rehabilitation when a cerebral hemorrhage struck leaving my left side parylized. No I didn\'t race again but the man who wasn\'t supposed to walk again does ride.
all the best to you if I think of anything specific I will let you know
DOC |
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Chris
from Mississauga Canada | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 05:27:01 PM MST
Hey there Saul;
Please don't let one set of doctors associated with one team (CA) take away your pro rider career. That is CA not approving you to ride for their team and CA are not the only game in town. This is an especially bad year to have to look for a new team but... look around. You can get a USA pro license right? You don't have to be finished as a rider. There are other possibilities. You could move onto a North American team for 2008 and ride races here in North America for the 2008 season building up to return to a full Euro season/team in 2009. Think about the positive alternatives... and you don't strike me as a guy that would let someone else choose your destiny. Right? Ride on. |
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Duane
from Lewisville, NC | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 04:31:22 PM MST
I am sorry you won't be able to return to professional cycling. I have been inspired by your hard work and recovery. You are amazing. You're so stoked about getting married and now finding whats next for you and your career. The best of luck. With your attitude there is nothing you can't do.
PS
I love the fact you dig SLC so much. Great publicity for the greatest place on earth. |
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Marci
from Frisco | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 01:49:10 PM MST
Saul,
The news of not being a professional cyclist just tears my heart apart! I still remember watching you at Tour De Georgia, you were amazing! There is more to life than cycling and I'm so sure you'll find something else that you love!
Best Wishes
 |
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Kris
from Los Angeles | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 10:42:05 AM MST
Saul, You have set a shining example of what a person can do as long as they have Hope.You have brought yourself all the way back with your perseverance. Right now I am sure you are disappointed, But this decision does not minimize your accomplishments and in fact forces you to widen your horizons. You are capable of so much and have proved that already. As far as a physical outlet, Triathlon might be a great fit for you. As a former runner I can tell you that you have the tools to be a very good runner and at your age the body adapts very quickly. Just a thought.
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Chris
from Jersey City | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 09:34:02 AM MST
Saul, you are a great inspiration to many. |
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jaak dhaene
from jaak.dhaene@telenet.be | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 09:33:08 AM MST
Saul, I wish you all the best in your further life, good luck and don't be sad because the bad news that you can't cycling anymore. |
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Adam
from SF | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 09:27:07 AM MST
You're the best. You do and have done so much more than most people dare. You set your goals and win. Keep us all updated! |
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Richard
from España | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 07:58:35 AM MST
Bienvenido a la vida, por suerte el ciclismo no es todo en la vida.
Espero de corazón que todo lo que emprendas en la vida te vaya bonito |
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Shawn
from Columbus, Ohio | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 07:31:08 AM MST
Saul,
There is so much more to life than cycling. You have a beautiful wife to be and a future ahead. I am sure even though you can't race your life will be full of joy. Hang in there and never give up hope. |
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Simon Hallgath-Jolly
from Sydney, Australia | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 05:56:37 AM MST
Dear Saul,
I was very sorry to hear of the doctor's decision today, but you remain an inspiration to me and many others. You don't need to be a pro racer to make a difference in the world. We need people like you in all walks of life to look up to. I'll be telling my daughter about you when she's old enough to understand. Thank you.simonhallgathjolly@unswalumni.com |
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René Schuijlenburg
from Germany | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 03:18:32 AM MST
Saul,
You might remember me from a few interviews we did for the cyclingheroes.info site. You are a great person and inspired a lot of people. Thanks ! |
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Nicolas P
from Commercy- France | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 02:31:40 AM MST
Juste quelques mots pour te dire que je suis triste et désolé pour la mauvaise nouvelle qui vient de te touchée.
Tu es jeune, intelligent...aussi je suis persuadé que tu trouveras un nouveau sens à ta vie. Surement dans le cyclisme d'ailleurs, car il y a tellement de choses à faire dans ce magnifique sport.
Je te souhaite pleins de bonnes choses dans la vie.
Nicolas (un modeste cycliste qui roule avec un de te anciens vélo du CA) |
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matabala
from SW France | Signed on: Sun 25 Nov 2007 01:48:57 AM MST
You've already made your mark but there will be much more to come. All who have visited here have no doubt.
bon vent |
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