The birth of You are a Champion

The creation of this project has been a vision and goal of mine for some time, I just did not think or know this would be the path taken. I have always had a passion and desire to do something that would bring change while helping someone become better. This desire has been sitting in my belly for many years. It is one of the greatest feelings to be able to uplift, help, motivate, inspire, and be a light of what is possible if we put our hearts and minds to something. The delay for the birth of this project was me, I was simply being lazy and not taking the time to do the actual work needed to get the ball rolling. It is funny how life works at times. Late last year I met this guy name Greg Romero who ended becoming a good friend and awesome teammate, as we continued to get to know each other I learned we had quite a bit in common. We both shared the same passion of helping others and sharing our knowledge. The only difference was he came from a professional BMX background. This was his platform he used to help inspire, uplift and motivate. Later I learned he had done video production and produced many BMX DVD’s over the years. I began sharing some of my thoughts and ideals with him of what I wanted to do, he later told me what I needed to do to get started and how to make it work. He consistently told me that I was on track but needed to do x,y, and z to really make it work. I listen of course started several times and stopped several times. Fast forward a couple of months later I was able to meet one of Greg’s closes friend Justin Kosman who happens to be a guru in the field of video production and photography for many different things. We first met at a race where he came out and shot pictures. I reviewed his work and watched him carefully as we were getting ready to race. I am a watcher. I always like to sit back, observe, and watch how people handle their craft to see if they are really into it or just doing it to past time. As I watched Justin I noticed he had all the tools and was very smooth and professional although he was not getting paid and simply there to volunteer his time. This spoke volumes to me, not only was he not there for money but he worked as if he was on the clock and getting a check. Most people who are successful understands that it is not always about the money but the journey and the money will come. Justin and I paths crossed again at another race he decided to attend with Greg but this time we was racing in honor of a former teammate Mark Scott who became ill. As we were getting ready on this day Justin carefully captured images of us and also filmed moments of the event, none of this was planned are talked about he was just doing what came natural to him. A couple of weeks later I contacted Justin and told him about an ideal I had he bounced back his thoughts and told me how we could approach the project and what he needed from me. I went to work and followed his lead and gave him the things he needed, we set a production date, studio time where we would recorded the audiobook, and he scouted out the locations for the sizzle reel. As we began working on the project I found out it was really happening and what I envisioned was coming alive. It was harder than I expected and was very fulfilling at the same time. What is interesting is the title of the project “You are a Champion” was not the title we came up with. It was not even a part of the outline I wrote. The title  “You are a Champion” came about at the very end of the project. Justin said while I was in the sound studio “let’s put a bow on everything, just speak on something to wrap everything up”. I began to speak on You are a Champion it just came to me while in the studio and what hear in that chapter was not scripted it is all from the heart and at the time I had no clue that it would become the title and a major part of the project. The race day footage that you saw from the sizzle reel I had no clue Justin had saved any of that or had it. Many parts of this project just naturally happened and it happened very fast once I did the work and took the leap of faith. I invested most of my own money on this project, I did not go out looking for a handout or seeking a large sum of money in return once the project was complete. This project was done out of pure love and my desire to help make people better and to prove to myself I can do it as long as I did the work and surrounded myself with the right team. Funny thing I heard some whispers like “Charon is trying to promote himself, he is out to make money, why is he doing an audiobook, and he thinks this or that”. I was pretty shocked but not surprised to hear people trying to tear down what I did without knowing the story behind the story, and not knowing I invested my money and time on this. I absolutely love the journey of life and all the peaks and valleys. Many things we encounter in life can tear us down, make us weak, cause us to quit, and doubt ourselves. But we must have faith, believe in ourselves, and be willing to fail. We should never do things with money as the primary objective, know and understand that money will always come and go but when we do things out of love and with passion money will come along with everything else you desire. If you are feeling inspired to do something that is inside of you, just do it. Take the chance do not worry about opinions because they are just that and nothing more. As you progress in life do it boldly while people sit on their couches and try to judge you from afar. Always smile, always give hope, always dare to be different we have enough of followers. We need more leaders, we need more people willing to uplift, motivate, and give back in our small communities. I will always push forward because I am a Champion, I refuse to lose or give up. Keep being amazing because “You are a Champion”. cdbaby.com/cd/charonsmith. GB

 

The Bahamas

This trip to the Bahamas was a great adventure, choice, and experience. It provided me just what I needed as I had a chance to completely relax, recharge, and rejuvenate my system. The people who worked at and around the resort were really cool. The food was great and very tasteful. The men who worked outside the resort along the beach had a drive and hustle that captured my attention. Their jet ski, banana boat, snorkeling, and parasailing business is a way of survival for them. It puts food on the table, and money in their pockets. I admired their drive and determination no matter how many times you said "I am fine thank you" they still would say in their accent "you ready now, come on this is not a cemetery let's get active, I have a Walmart special today for you, I am offering $1 rides today, I will put you on the top of the line jet ski". Even on my last day I said "I do not have time I am leaving soon" his response "you have time, just do 15mins". 

As travelers we travel to some of the poorest countries in the world to seek their beautiful beaches, resorts and things we lack in America and other places in the world. It is so intriguing how this world is set up, each part of it has been set up a certain way and offer us different treasuries. I love all the different cultures, accents, foods, and walks of life. If we continue to appreciate and accept one another more we can make this place amazing as I said many times before. While heading from the resort on my shuttle I began to speak with a man and his wife from North Carolina, which happen to be where my connecting flight was to bring me home. He noticed my scar from my crash a few weeks ago, he later asked what happened. I explained and then we kept talking about the sport and with him being from NC he said you guys sport sound like Nascar but on bikes. North Carolina is the home for Nascar if you did not know. I said it is very similar we have teammates and a lot of tactics are involved as we race on a closed course. I told him I believe Nationals will be in NC next year, he said he will try to come out. As we are walking to our seats guess what happens next.....are seats are right next to each other. Life is ainteresting journey, all of it. We sometime have our minds shut off to things around us unless it is something we are really interested in. I really try to live my life outside of the bubble that I am often in. I have friends who think I am only consumed with cycling, I laugh inside because it is so untrue. Cycling is fun, beautiful, and have introduced me to some really great people but it is not what moves me completely as some think. This period and part of my life is just that. It is where I am at the moment, 12 years ago cycling was not that or nowhere to be found in my life. I was pushed in this direction for some reason so I am embracing it, loving it, and trying to get the most out of it before I decide I have had enough of racing. While on the beach in the Bahamas I was thinking to myself I think I want to race another 2 to 3 years, this was just a thought but one hopefully I can make a reality. I am certain there is another adventure that is waiting on me and I hope it grabs me liking cycling has and takes me to a greater level. In this life we all should be striving and aiming to go higher and higher before our beautiful journey is up. Thanks for taking the time to read this blog I have put together while flying home. Keep reaching for your goals and desires, all that you desire is truly within your reach! GB

Playing for something Bigger than us

Some of us in sports are just out here participating, and some of us are playing for something bigger than us. Example, Serena Williams she is not playing for money anymore she has all the money one can need, she has won every major title there is to win in tennis many times over. She is playing for her legacy, she is playing for all the hard work she has put in since she was this young child growing up in the tough streets of Compton, Ca many years ago, she is playing for all the countless hours she has spent practicing, all the injuries she has battled through, she is playing in honor of one of sisters who was killed some years ago, she is playing to show other people of color that you to can be great and achieve in a sport that very few people of color play in let alone excel. See Serena is doing something before our eyes that has not been done before she has been so dominant that they have renamed "The Grand Slam", "The Serena Slam" while she holds all the titles currently. The place where she comes from this is not suppose to be happening, she is not suppose to be this good, this dominant, this smart, this classy, able to speak the foreign languages of the countries she wins in. She has many of the top sponsors of the world backing her, but she is from Compton, she is black, she comes from a place where the odds are against her. She is an example of what is possible when you nurture, love and invest time in someone who is truly gifted. Every now and then God sends us a star amongst stars one that is able to shine the brightest of them all. You may ask why? Serena gives hope to that young girl growing up in bad conditions, she gives hope to women who think they can't make it, she inspires many and show what is possible when you walk in your gift. Many have wondered why I am a huge fan of her game and rate her as my favorite athlete. Some say it is because her body, money, and that I like her. Those are cool reasons but I am a fan of her story of hope, and the many reasons stated above.

 

I recall racing at the 805 crit series a few weeks ago up north 3hrs away from my home. As I was racing on the last day of the series I saw a young black girl she had to be maybe 10-12 years of age we made eye contact it was a moment I remember very clearly. Lap after lap she was looking at me, and the only thing I was thinking was I need to do well, she was probably thinking I have never seen anyone of color race a bike. It is something I do not think about a ton when I ride or race that I am a black man participating in a sport very few black people line up in. However when I am at an event and I see someone of color that I do not know and they see me it is one of the weirdest things. Not in a bad way weird, but in a cool way. We naturally connect or make eye contact. For example I race Ladera Ranch GP every year down south in Orange County, Ca. It is one of my most favorite races on the calendar, the course is very cool and the sun is always out and the people are nice. There is this one older Black man he has to be in his late 60's or more. He lives on the course I do not know his name but each year I race this race I see him and we talk for a few minutes either before or after I race. He always ask "how have you been, how is your season going, you looking fit again". If you sat around us talking you would think we were family or have known each other for some time. We do not know each other besides me seeing him at the race over the years. We just naturally connect because he is a man of color like myself but the real reason why we connected was because I am in a place where very few men of color show up. The next question is probably how do we get more people of color in the sport of cycling, tennis, golf? I am not completely sure but I know these sports are not cheap and the cost is a huge factor, hopefully with time we will see more people of color more involved in these sports that few people of color line up in. Have a great day and continue being the Champion you were born to be. GB

Road to Recovery

Being a athlete is never a easy task. It involves a great deal of sacrifice, dedication, suffering, highs, lows, and a ton of work in the background that very few see. Many athletes do not show you some of their lows points or struggles because most figure why share my low moments and struggles. When I share these moments I get messages from a few teammates at times saying "HEY what are you doing, quit telling people you're injured". I normally respond to them with "I have no secrets and I want to show the good and the bad". I am the type of athlete that truly believes that as long as I do the work and remain fit and healthy I will do well. The competition I often face is not going to let up or make it any easier if I am a 100%, 80%, 60% and so forth. As I continue on this road to recovery I will share it with you when possible. 

Not being yourself sucks and can be depressing if you are mentally weak. After dealing with the pain I encounter from my crash a few weeks ago I do not know how I was able to perform the following week at DPGP looking back on that day. I raced on instinct, the rush, and energy around the event. The human body and mind is an amazing thing the more I reflect back. I love the process of finding that sweet spot as a athlete because once there it is a matter of holding it and controlling it. It is a very fine line of not doing too much or too little to lose it. I have been very fortunate to have a team around me that specialize in fixing broken parts on athletes. Dr. G seen in the picture squeezing and working on my wrist is a gift. Everyone calls him "Dr. G" not just cause he is cool like that but he has one of them unique last names. 

I am not sure if you have seen these crazy guys on two wheeled motor bikes racing in the dirt at high speeds going through jump after jump. He is the guy who fixes many of them when they break something, he also works on UFC fighters which have been there at the office while I was on the table, and the list goes on and on for the athletes he works on. Each day I have been with him for treatment athlete's are flowing through his doors, he calmly works on each of us while making us smile and letting us know everything will be fine. It is one of the coolest things, watching someone work their gift with what looks like easy. That is the beauty of walking in what you were called to do, you make it look easy. 

He has spent time working on me and not just rushing me through the process. You can always tell when someone loves their craft and actually understands what is needed. Some may wonder what type of pain I have been dealing with. It was very difficult and still is slightly for me to put any pressure on my wrist, I basically brusied a bone on the top of my wrist really good, and strained some ligaments on the back side of that wrist. So I had pain on the top of my hand when gripping my hoods or when I came out of the saddle to give an effort it felt like all these tendons and ligaments were pulling apart. Often we do not vaule these parts or pay much attention to them until they are not working properly. When God made us he made all of our bodies to function in harmony, each and every part supports another. When one is out of wack you feel it, especially as a athlete who dearly depend on them. There are 5 points of contact for pretty much most cyclist who have all their limbs. Our butt to the saddle, our right and left hand to our bars or hoods, and our right and left feet to the pedals. Try training, riding, or racing without one of them after being able to your whole life. You will find it to be very tough if you have pain shooting through the whole time. 

I had no choice besides sit it out and allow the body to heal. Rest, treatment, and therapy is always the best tool when injured. It is always best to wait out the process and not rush it. Put a team around you who cares and truly want to get you back whole. I can't thank Dr. G and his staff enough without them my road to recovery would have been that much longer, we are not where we want to be yet but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. If you like you can follow Dr. G on Instagram at "teamdrg".

As you continue as a athlete keep doing the work and if your body is banged up and needs some TLC or RNR go get it so you can perfom like you are capable of. Thanks for taking the time to let me share my journey with you, I wish you an abundance of success in life. GB 

Walking the fine Line

 

Being a Christian and playing sports is an interesting journey but a very beautiful one. Many Christian find it tough to wear their faith on their sleeve and allow others around them who are not Christian see who they are and what they stand for while walking the fine line. Some may question why it is a fine line, it is fairly simple. Most who do not practice or attempt to wear their religion on their sleeve have a little less to lose as far as expectations. If you never promote or let the world know what your beliefs are when it comes to religion many cannot judge you from that area in your life. I will be the first to profess that I have many flaws just like some of my other Christian friends. I have sinned, cussed, said unkind things to and about people and the list goes on and on for my shortcomings. Yet I strive daily to improve on my failures, I make an honest effort to treat everyone with kindness, and respect. I believe we all should aim for this, in my book this is a fairly easy one if you have love inside you. Typically we produce what is flowing within us. It takes a large amount of energy to treat someone nasty, say untrue and unkind things about them, and hold a grudge towards them. Think about how much effort that takes. Why waste this type of energy when it can be used towards love, kindness and respect. It feels better to love, smile, and treat people nice. If you do not believe me try it for a few days, not just with people you like but with the people you dislike as well. You can do it, I have done it many times before and felt so much better after and during the process.

Once while competing I was attacked regarding my religion by a competitor. The individual told me “if you are a real man of God you will do this or that”. It caught me off guard and shocked me that I was being attacked regarding my beliefs and what I stand for. I played it cool and continued being calm and collected my thoughts during the heated discussion and never cracked although I was being pushed and challenged. As a fierce competitor I pride myself on being respectful and not crossing that fine line which can easily be crossed. As Christians we have to be the light and the salt of the earth according to the bible. In my opinon this simply means doing things the right way and setting the tone for how things should be done. Being this at all times is extremely tough while competing because nasty things are said and done in competition it is not the place for the weak or soft. I once was told by a very talented competitior last year "do you want to crash, ok that's better". It was one of the weirdest things, because I would never use that as a tatic. It came across as threat. I can't even understand that thought process but when you have a bunch of talented and very hungry men going after the same prize this raise the intensity to a whole other level and nasty things are said and unseen by those not in the event. This is the beauty of competition, and walking the fine line when challenged. 

How do I say centered in such an intense environment? One of my keys to remaining strong during these intense moments is my ability to stay calm, I also carry my faith with me at all times. Each time I am in battle I know God is with me, and I know my prayers and my Mother prayers do not go unanswered. My mom do not tell me she praying for me consistently but I know she is because of the things I have encountered not just in competition but while out on a leisure ride, riding into work, and training along the coast and in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains

, and switchbacks of Palos Verdes, Ca. I should have been injured badly several times but I am certain it is the prayers I pray for myself and all of my friends and fellow cyclist that have kept me safe.

Recently I was asked by a close friend of more than 20yrs who does not ride but is a Christian. “Do you share the gospel with your cycling friends”. My response was no, I try to just let my personality and my actions do that for me. I have never been the type to push Christ on anyone, it can be uncomfortable for some and I actully feel a little weird doing so with all my failures and shortcomings. Now if someone was to ask me about Christ or prayer I would be more than willing to talk. My friend later said "I have been given this platform through my success it should be used to share the Gospel". Often I am faced with challenges like this, I question some of them and some I just continue to move past without applying much thought to them at all. 

This blog was somewhat inspired by an article I was reading recently on Stephan Curry of the Golden State Warriors. He is a Christian that excels greatly against the top NBA players in the world. In fact he was voted as the top NBA player for this season. It is interesting how we all are placed in different positions for success and often we just go about ourlives without uplifting, inspring, and pulling the next guy or girl up. As a human being I want to do more always, I strive to do better despite how tough the struggle is to do right with so much temptation, and craziness going on around me. 

I hope you enjoyed this blog about me walking the fine line. I look forward to sharing more writings with you as they come to mind. Keep fighting the good fight, give your all, never lose hope, and never stop beliving in yourself. GB

Taking the risk

Why take a trip 5hrs away from home by plane to a foregin country alone? Well the answer is fairly simple for me. I am single, I do not like waiting on people sometime, and I really needed a break when I decided last minute to book the trip. Often when trying to plan a trip you have to make sure everyone schedules mesh and are willing to take the trip. I am bad at planning at times, when I decided to take this trip it was not a lot of planning that took place I knew I wanted and needed a break from life and all that it entails. Funny thing when I requested my vacation time off away from work I scheduled it for the weekend of a good friends wedding. Before finalizing the trip I later realized oh snapped I can't go that weekend that's Mike's and Pam's wedding weekend. After making the changes to my vacation dates I booked my trip, from there on I was in count down mode. 

Once at the resort I was happy and excited to be away from all the hustle and grind of life. My plan was to do absolutely nothing except eat, sleep, lay on the beach, read a book, and meet new people. I accomplished all of my goals. The beauty of traveling alone is that it forces you to speak to people and meet them. When traveling alone you will notice that pretty much everyone is with someone and very few people are by themselves. I am around people so much that I found it very refreshing being so far away from home where I did not know anyone. I have so many great friends but for the second time in consecutive years I have taken solo trips to a place many miles away. I guess it comes from me feeling like I have the ability to adapt to any normal environment fairly quickly. What I have learned is that I dislike waiting on people to make up their minds if they want to take a trip and all the back and forth that goes along with it. I am the type of person that once my mind is made up I am all in when I want to do something like taking a trip or a break from life. My advice to you if you are single and not in a situation where you feel like you have to take someone with you is to just do it. Take the trip, explore, do not be afraid, you will be surprised how much fun you will have. Also it is good to spend some quality time with yourself, it gives you time to really breath, recharge, rest, and recover. I love documenting my life as many of you know, sharing these moments with you gives them more life. Often we just do things in life and move on to the next thing, and the next thing. Take the time to write about some of your experiences, share them in a blog, picture collage, or on one of your social media outlets. I challenge you to take a break from life, trust me you will not miss much, the work you feel like you can not catch up on will most likely still be there when you return, the training or fitness you feel like you can't put on hold will still be there after the next training session ends. Each time I take a break from something I feel like I need I realize I did not need it that much, but taking a break allows you to see how much you miss it or love it. Keep being amazing wherever you are. GB