J Love, just happy to be here.
“It may not be the smartest thing to do,” Johnny said, “but I think I want to try.”
Well, as many of his friends can attest, when given a choice, Johnny Love hasn’t done the smart thing every time. But when he called me to ask my opinion on whether or not I thought “it would count” towards his 81 month streak of skiing at least one day every month– to skin just a short way from the road on Independence Pass and ski back– I said “Absolutely. And I’d love to help.”
Ordinarily I would have suggested he ski more than a small stretch of snow– most similar in pitch and half the length of Snowmass’s Fanny Hill– to count towards his streak, but six weeks ago he had an accident. Johnny broke two vertebrae, three ribs and dislocated his hip on his final run down Aspen, after hitting the monster kicker at the base of Little Nell, at full throttle. (Maybe not the smartest thing?)
The stiff torso brace got a few funny looks by others getting ready to ski
What’s done is done, and maybe there’s a lesson learned, but for the moment what was most important to Johnny was to get his May ski day completed and he was looking for someone to go with him.
Just for background, those who make it a goal to ski every month have it easy here in Colorado, at least for most of the year, but the lean summer months bring a few challenges which often beg the question as to what– i.e. how long, how many turns– officially counts. I happen to think that “Turns All Year” goal is such a personal thing that it’s really up to the individual, but being a part of the similar discussion pertaining to 14er ski descents, I could understand where he was coming from. For some info, check out this website, where Johnny’s 81 months looks pretty strong.
So just to make sure everything went smooth and there was no “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” moment, he and I skinned a short way up towards Blue Mountain on Monday, the 31st, and we skied back down. It may not have been at the high level he prefers, among other issues the backbrace makes it challenging to turn, but he made it back to the truck and called it good. That’s 82 consecutive months and it’s a good bet that the next 82 months will only be easier, so long as he lays off the 70 foot backflips in the future.
Not the usual terrain he seeks out, but would suffice for the purposes of the day. Count it!
Nice job Johnny.
Right on Johnny! Congrats on 82!
Ted, you’ve got to get Johnny set up with a profile on Turns-All-Year website!
Since I am recovering from compresion fractures of T7,8,and 9 I can relate to Johnny’s apprehenson about skiing 82.Johnny handled the program perfectly: lots of body armor, gentle skiing conditions, and assistance from a compassionate pro. Ted, you did a marvelous job in preparing Johnny – instilling confidence and great site selection. Johnny’s physical health will continue to improve and the string goes on. When Johnny has completed month 170 or 190 he will probably look back on number 82 as his best month – and will have great memories of Ted and his super help. Very cool. Ted, this day ranks high in your long list of accomplishments. Congratulations Johnny.
Way to get it done Johnny Love! That’s some great inspiration right there. Heal up fast…
Ted,
Thanks for helping him meet his goal, that one runs deep. It’s sooo great to see him up and back to it – glad he had you by his side.
Best wishes, Johnny’s sister Charlotte
Anyone that knows Johnny Love knows how passionate he is about skiing; Way to keep that streak going Johnny!
I know next to Elisa his wife, skiing is his great passion so I’m very happy to see he is once again able to ski even if not in the manner he so much enjoys.
With lots of love from his Dad, John P. Love