Stoking the fire was created out of necessity for personal motivation. Ironically, that statement comes from an individual who was previously so full of energy, passion and stoke it bordered on irritating and required zero focus to cultivate.
This stoke was natural and came from an authentic quest following desire to be outside, moving fast, and shredding on the edge. This mission led to employment building and maintaining industry leading snow/bike parks for Whistler Blackcomb. It allowed exposure to great resources and legendary people year round. The resulting ease of access to things which filled the cup was unmatched and I was simply overflowing.
When shredding the edge unrelentingly you often find it as I had done before. Multiple tib/fib fractures, knee surgeries, back injuries and head injuries to name a few. Some were even as serious to require a helicopter and a coma. None were severe enough to change course, however, and all seemed to affirm desire and increase the blinding thirst.
On March 30th 2017 there was a crash bad enough to alter course. Multiple Tibia Plateau fractures, a torn ACL, MCL, Medial Meniscus and displaced Lateral Meniscus. Surgery 1 would happen after 9 weeks and surgery 2 after 2 years. I write this more than 3 years since injury as an evolving human.
Along with other improvements, I was lucky enough to get a meniscus transplant done roughly 6 times per year in Canada and some of the finest knee trauma surgeons in the world to do it. This is a far better option than a knee replacement at 32 and has drastically improved discomfort. I’ve regained incredible function/ability and continue to surprise myself and medical practitioners.
While being beyond grateful for what is now possible, “the edge” looks a lot different. Speed now happens on a road bike not the snow or dirt. Airtime, sliding handrails, or lapping a resort are not in play and passionate employment a work in progress. This has been a humbling journey and to struggle with something like stoke, which seemed natural, is awkward.
Finding my adventure has involved change, evolution, and an awakening to the multitude of options. Broadening horizons in search for a new way to fill my cup is now the quest. This involves “tuning in” to different desires like endurance, the natural environment and stewardship. I respect, now, the need to cultivate passion, thirst and stoke. I hope to feed off this personally and share it far and wide. Find your adventure and get after it!
Keep Stoking the fire!
Stoking the fire 