Heidi and I met on a wet, cold September afternoon as she prepared for her mid-afternoon cyclocross race. The rain had started the night previous and if my memory serves me correctly did not let up until the Men’s Elite race that evening. I doubt that she remembers our meeting as she was in full competitive mode. Complete with headphones, a layer of sweat, and as she eloquently draws out on her site; Grit & Glimmer, a bundle of nerves. Yet, these are the conditions we long for and this was Star Crossed; marking the beginning of cross season. Despite the nerves, rain, music, and her cadence on the trainer, Heidi graciously managed a quaint smile which garnered one in return. We were introduced by mutual friends Matt & Heather which besides the environment/event is why I remember the introduction so distinctly, Friends, Friendship… This aspect of the sport of cycling is what floats my love more deeply than many of the other wonderful benefits (e.g., health, environmental, etc.) that are well documented. For me, it is rooted deeply in friendship, camaraderie, ultimately a shared love of something/someone that is greater than each one of us. Which is what makes it so special and is precisely what makes G&G such a compelling site. Heidi clearly writes and documents (she is a very accomplished photographer) with love and passion. She writes about life – sure cycling is at the epicenter – but she manages to show us the real menu of her life; her latest food loves, relaxation techniques, medical discoveries, and of course,
The Sicilian. What glimpse is more beautiful than the one that shows us true love (Happy 11th!).
Over the last couple years Heidi and I have shared a lot of jokes, music suggestions and the occasional geek out around camera gear. Recently, I mentioned a couple projects that I had in mind and one that was in full swing, Rivulet Industries partnership with Donate Life Today. As if scripted, Heidi fell in love with the plans Rivulet had put in motion and the opportunity to possibly team up in the future. On several occasions we had bantered back and forth about blog posts to help highlight and share the great events that are going on in and around our lives. Well today, Rivulet was prominently featured on Grit & Glimmer. Sure, I knew that Heidi had a post in the works but I don’t think I processed the meaning behind it for me. In a way it was solidification of a quiet friendship that had grown. A large part of the emotion is the simple fact that she listened and chose to help support the same cause that has moved me for the better part of three years.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention that this has tons to do with Heidi… The Woman. The respect I have for her, her progression with her site, her relationship with Sal, and the work she does that extends through and beyond G&G. And yes, the friend she has become.
Heidi Swift, Thank You.
Did I mention she is a regular contributor to the Oregonian and Wend?
Blog: Grit and Glimmer
Twitter: @Heidiswift
Photos gratuitously ripped from Heidi’s flickr
