Riding and racing for the pure joy of it: Canadian Rider Makes an Unorthodox Climb Toward Cycling’s Pinnacle.
It’s The New York Times on Svein Tuft, a 31-year-old riding in the Tour of California and who could make his debut in the Tour de France later this year. I suppose that if the Times is getting around to it, similar tales have appeared many other places, too. In any case — wonderful story:
“Those who have heard the tale of Svein Tuft have wondered, could it possibly be true?
“How
he dropped out of school in the 10th grade, lured by the freedom of the
outdoors. How he evolved into a barrel-chested woodsman with Paul
Bunyan biceps. How he ventured, at 18, from his home in Canada into the
wilderness on a $40 thrift-shop bike hooked to a homemade trailer.
have learned of the way he traveled sparingly, towing only his camping
gear, a sack of potatoes and his 80-pound dog, Bear. The way he drank
from streams and ate beside an open fire. Or hopped trains across
Canada, resting as the land flickered by.”