The Man You Should’ve Known. A Tribute to Billy Poole.
When you follow your heart life takes you to unique places, and you find yourself in situations spending time with people who share the same joys and admirations. When you travel to a dangerous place, reach a level of laughter that your heart stops, or find yourself in a situation with no outside explanation you know you’re doing something right. For me this has happened on many occasions, however, now that I sit here and think about these experiences, the common factor in them is that for me the majority include Billy Poole. Billy was many things to different people, but one common memory that will join those who shared his laughter is that Billy is a person, however you put, who took life to the boundaries. With a gregarious laugh which is only rivaled by Rachel Berks, he could light up a room like a fire on Christmas (Excuse the pun). His zest for life was invigorating with a uniqueness that created happiness among those around him. If you shared a night on the town or a day in the hills, skiing or riding Mt. Bikes, you found his competitive drive and incredible athletic ability to be tantamount to his personality. Billy fit his life like no one else I have ever known. His robot-like fingers could lift three sheets of plywood onto his back, while his sometimes encouraging, usually discouraging, tactics would have him turning around to heckle you just as you pick up one sheet behind him. Billy is a person that could not be mistaken. Built like a brick-shit-house it would take a lot to phase his effusive drive. Anyone who knew him understands that what made him fall was a blow only Mother Nature could muster. Billy was a tough kid with the heart of a panda. He came across as the construction-working hard ass on the outside, but could come down to any level and carry on about the simple things in life. No matter what situation you were in there was always a song in his head or he was saying, “bu-e-n-o” as he moved from one thought to another. With sui generis piercing blue eyes and red hair, Billy had an inquisitive appeal that left you wanting more or made you run at first sight. Billy was the person you could always find by following the sound of his laughter, while his impervious character would allude anyone not ready for his incessant assertions and humor. Needless to say Billy was a good person who left a mark on all of those who he affected. From Montana, to Aspen, to Vail, to SLC Billy’s legacy of just being Billy will live on. “Miss you already.” ~Tyson
Monthly Archive for January, 2008
After leaving Mexico and a great stint with the family, I took off to BC for the Canadian Freeskiing Championships. This competition has evaded my grasp for the two years prior, as I could not make it past the qualifying day. Two years ago I crashed and hit two judges, and last year I crashed and hit a lift tower. However, this year despite a big recovery at the top which the judges docked me on control for, I made it past the lift pole and moved on to the next day.
The second day took place on Mt. Roberts. A 2600 vertical, 65 degree drop in, Mt. Roberts is the looming event for the test to training as the longest run on the tour, but also taking place at the beginning of the competition season. After a smooth start of my run I took it a little hot through the trees at the top, (Sorry everyone who saw that!) but pulled through in the end and laid down a solid run until the last feature which was a 70ft gap that took to about 65. Given the flat landing that I endured there was not much of a chance at that point and crashed hard. I was still happy with my performance, given my history at Red, but I was just happy to be up there enjoying the snow as well as the company of the locals.
Rosslannd Canada and the Canadian Freskiing Championships eh! It was a great week here and I will have some more info tomorow as well as some pictures, but for now I will say great place and good skiing, but check out the video from day one on biglines.com. I am the one who takes a huge gap, then falls short and bounces hard, then I end up on my face…. Good time. Till later, Word!
Before spending a week with my family in Mexico I was in the mountains skiing powder and chasing blue sky for photos with illusion of minimal venerability. The beach has been nice, however a little frustrating at the same time knowing the snow reports have been reporting fresh every day I have been away. With the snow falling relentlessly throughout the mountains and other locations throughout the world it’s turning out to be a great season thus far. However, with a few recent deaths in Colorado due to avalanche activity the reality of our sport is becoming a grim topic for discussion for those who don’t possess or comprehend the allure or addiction to gravity fed sports. After spending some time engulfed in a community as addictive as a ski town, surfing has been an exciting alternative however the activities participant’s prevalent misunderstanding or neglect for the power of nature can be alarming. Not to say surfing carries the same eminent risks as skiing, but the reality is there. As we all continue our fervent search for that perfect turn or for the one spot on this earth that will fulfill our incessant lust for excitement, we need to remember that high tide or a powder day alike merely paints our fears with a zest for the moment and conceals our rational judgment. Mountains, like the ocean, carry an addictive allure that needs to be respected despite their tainted reputation. Nature’s great wonders, despite their auspiciousness, will rape you of the thrill and deposit you on the yellow brick road that is no place like home. For the sake of your body and for the minds of those who love you ride the wave and tame the mountain, but use your best judgment before you drop in.
Anyway, I will be here in Mexico for a day more and then I fly to Canada for the Canadian Freeskiing Championships. We’ll be in touch.
Word,
~T
