05/11/2008

Summer '04 Update from Tarek

Hi everybody!

It's time again for me to touch base with everyone out there who knows me or knows of me.

It's the middle of summer 2004 and exactly 2 years ago since I had my accident back in Canada. Meanwhile a lot has happened in my life and, I am sure, in yours too.

One of my biggest challenges this year was going on a 10 hour plane trip for the first time again. I used to travel lots, but since I am on four wheels I wasn't sure how it would be traveling on my own. In the end of June, Marzocchi Forks invited me to the presentation of their 2005 mountain bike forks (for those who aren't related to bikes, Marzocchi makes the coolest mountain bike forks, but also makes forks for motorcycles such as BMW and Ducati).

The presentation was held in Whistler, a place that I haven't been back to since my accident. I was really excited to go and meet new friends, as well as, familiar faces that I remembered from when I was riding. I also wanted to go back and confirm for myself that I still love Canada despite my accident there.

Marzocchi did an awesome job; they invited more than 50 journalists from all over the world and also some riders that I used to ride with, so it was awesome to see everybody. I felt so good being there and hanging out, even though I didn't go riding.

In some way I still feel like I am a part of them. Marzocchi treated me as I was still a rider. That was really special to me and I am happy that everyone still accepts me. The presentation of the new product range was fantastic.

I remember forks from over 10 years ago; then it was so special to have a suspension fork. The industry develops new gear all the time and it seems like just when they could not make any better ones, they create improved new products.

Whistler is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, especially if you like the outdoors. But for me it is so special because I've got great memories of when I was riding and even better memories of old friends or team mates that I still feel related to.

After the presentation, the managers of Whistler Blackcomb invited me to their Freeride Festival one month later to judge the Slopestyle Contest. So that was just last weekend, and yes I traveled twice to Canada in 1 month, and now my fear of traveling with the chair is definitely gone.

Again I had an awesome time, met friends, and had the honour to judge a contest with some of the world's best bike riders. And I have to say, the contest was amazing. The sport grows not only with the products, but also with the skills of the riders. Much respect!

I've still got my challenges every day. Of course the rehab is number one. And it is going not too bad, but it could always be faster. I see progress and that's all I want right now.

Another challenge for me is work, so a friend and I are organizing, together with the city of Meersburg, a big bike event. It's great fun and a totally new experience to have a full time job along with writing for Bike magazine and the rehab.

Since my accident I've been a very social person. I guess I've always been, but now I've got more time back in Munich, so I met lots of new great people and enjoyed life with them. I also met some members of my family which I've never seen before. I am very happy that I finally met them.

I don't want to make it long. All I have to say is that I appreciate life, family, and my friends maybe even more than ever. My friends especially have shown me how great the world is. They make this journey called life so beautiful that I don't want to forget the moments that I have with them.

And I want to thank the bike industry for giving me something I believe in and respect, I watch it growing and it's beautiful to make it grow.

As you can see I still focus and grow.

Tarek on the Slopestyle judges stand

I wish everyone a great summer, enjoy whatever you do and appreciate those beautiful moments with love and respect

Tarek Rasouli

Check out: Ride to the Lake