Lloyd's Legacy

Lloyd was in his late 70’s and I was in my late 40’s when we became friends. He was an avid skier and mountain biker. I was back into road biking and talked him into getting a road bike. He was one tough rider. We rode many Century rides together and he was the only friend who rode the entire Utah border to border adventure (Idaho to Arizona) with me and my wife. He was 81 at the time.

Lloyd after riding Utah border to border at age 81

One day I told him that I had ridden to the top of Suncrest that morning, a four mile 1,000 foot plus 6-8% climb up a beautiful mountain road. He then asked me if I rode to the top. I told him, “Of course I did.” 

“Did you turn left at the summit, and then follow the road to the end?” he asked.

“Well, no,” I said.

“Then you didn’t ride to the top.”

That short conversation resulted in the naming of “Lloyd’s Hill”, a few blocks of double digit climbing at the top of the mountain. Soon all my riding buddies were calling it Lloyd’s Hill, and no one would dare say they climbed Suncrest without riding up Lloyd’s Hill. It was one tough stretch of road at the end of a long mountain climb. “Lloyd’s”, as everyone called it, gave you quick feedback on what kind of shape you were in.

Lloyd was 83, riding down Lloyd’s Hill when he had a heart attack and his riding and life suddenly came to an end. A friend called me a few days later and said “I hope this isn’t disrespectful,” but “I think that is so cool, to go out with your boots on, on your own hill.” That is how  many of us felt. We hoped we could be like our hero Lloyd when we were in our 80’s and still be riding strong.

Lloyd taught us you are never too old to try something new or keep doing those things you love. Life doesn’t end at 70 or 80. 

Is there something you have wanted to try but thought you were too old? Throw that thinking away and do it, and get some friends to join you.  You are never too old to enjoy life and do those things you love with those you love. 

That is what Lloyd taught us. It is his legacy.