Five Questions with… Pete Basso

Posted on August 6, 2007 in Five Questions by DM

Five Questions With… is a new weekly series on DMweblife highlighting Des Moines area bloggers and their blogs! This edition features Pete Basso of the Pete Basso blog, dedicated to Pete’s love of cycling and commitment to his family.

1. What’s the focus of your blog? (Or if you’d rather, What’s the main reason you began blogging?)
The main reason I began blogging was create an easy and efficient way for my parents to keep up with us on a daily or weekly basis. My wife and I have tons of pics, (as most parents these days do), of our daughter that we wanted to share with (them)… So I figured if I’d just set up a blog then all they would have to do is hit their favorites icon and click… how easy can that be? (T)he focus of my blog has shifted to being more centered around bike riding/racing, political views and discussing my Christian faith with other readers. Why, you ask? Well because it is interesting to write about, I’m passionate about it and people like to read and discuss these topics.

2. What aspect of blogging do you enjoy the most?
The aspect I enjoy the most is how much I’ve learned about others through reading and writing the blogs. Many of my fellow cyclists I’ve known for years but never discussed anything deeper than bike parts and race strategy. Not anymore, now I find myself deep into philosophical conversations about religion or politics. The blog tears down the walls of face to face confrontation and allows someone to speak intelligently with thought.

3. What’s an activity besides blogging that you can’t live without?
Absolutely has to be playing with my little daughter Ava and riding my bike(s).

4. What’s the best advice - personal or professional - you’ve ever received?
The Bible is the best advice I ever received personally and professionally. However, one tidbit that I’ve lived by that seems to work is, “Happy Wife, Happy Life.”

5. What’s something you’ve accomplished in the past five years that you are particularly proud of?
Becoming a loving, Christian father and husband who is learning patience in a way I never thought possible.
Maintaining a daily regiment of riding my bike and keeping healthy while doing the sport I love.

And the “Secret Sixth Question” just for Pete and the Pete Basso blog:

6. How are your friends doing who were struck by a car while on their bikes back in June? And, where did you focus your energies in coping with the aftermath of their accident, and did the situation change you in any way that you would like to share?
Collier and Sergey are doing better than expected. Each of them have overcome tremendous odds to battle back from a horrific accident. Both of them are at home, however, each has a very large uphill battle to fight. Collier (is) still wearing a “halo” and confined to limited movement. His neck, back and pelvis were broken in the accident but he was insistent that he would walk before long. So far he is weeks ahead of schedule on rehab and it looks like he’ll be walking anyday, even with the halo on. Sergey is confined to bed for 5 more weeks with a broken back. His attitude is as good as can be expected… however, he too is a fighter and will make this journey quicker than expected. His awesome wife and family are there to support him and look after him. Look for great things from both of these guys, they are truly God’s wonderful miracles!

I think my focus was trying to help the family in anyway I could. Visiting them at the hospital, helping with any needs for their families and acting as a conduit of information to the rest of our cycling family. This terrible accident has created some very good relationships and transformed a cycling community into a cycling family. There is a new level of respect for one another, we cherish our time together enjoying God’s wonderful Earth on our two wheels as if every ride could be our last. That really allows you to transcend the bad days into good and the good days into great days. There have been numerous discussions in our group regarding road etiquette and safety as well.

Des Moines-area bloggers: to be considered for this feature, just drop me an email with your name, location, and blog address, and answers to the five questions I’ve asked here. I’ll reply with your “Secret Sixth Question”!

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