Gratitude
Monday, October 22nd, 2012
The overwhelming outpouring of support from cycling fans all over the world has been an enormous help to myself and my family. While my testimony brought back many painful memories, it was necessary and I was anxious to provide it. The kindness I’ve received makes it easier to deal with — please accept my appreciation and huge, huge thanks to those who have taken the time to write or post or call or email their well wishes and who have chosen to maintain their belief in me. I’m deeply grateful.





Dave,
You and the rest of Slipstream continue to show that winning while riding clean is not just an idealistic dream but a reality. Cycling is better today for your efforts and painful experiences.
Keep on rolling with the Garmin.
Jeff
You haven’t answered the most important question though – Did your ears get bigger?
Was just thinking of you Dave, came on your site and found your “thank you” post. You’re more than welcome Dave. We’re pulling for you and support you. Love you man.
Dave, you have shown that you are a man of the highest character. Good on ya, for doing the right thing!
The sport of Cycling is so many things. There were times it has saved my life. There are always dark times in our lives and when we keep riding things get clearer and the darkness fades. Thanks for making the sport better and for bringing some light on a dark time. Keep riding we love ya Dave!
You’re an inspiration, Dave! After what you went through, it’s gotta be a blessing for you to ride clean on a strong team with solid support and a thorough commitment to riding clean. Many of us really enjoy your sense of humor, and appreciate your hard work, like leading the break that sprang Tommy D over Independence Pass into Aspen. You da man! All the best, a fan from darkest Idaho, JB Borstelmann
Hi, Dave. I really enjoy watching and reading about you racing. You are in a position to be one of the new leaders in the sport. Keep going!
Hi Dave,
I know the last years have been tough times.
I gave the shoes to a young Rwandan refugee (runner Yves Sikubwabo) and I showed him the video of you. He was so proud!
I’m looking forward to next season. You will have more days like this:
http://vimeo.com/14364852
Thank you for having the courage to tell the truth about what happened. I am sorry you were bullied into taking the drugs… that was completely shitty, unethical, and immoral. You are probably not the only one and unfortunately won’t be the last. You are a survivor and winner. Best wishes.
Dave,
I still believe in you and share your vision of how cycling should be……. My 3 year old rides around on his bike in a Capt. america costume because of the things I have told and shown him about you and your brothers in gears at Garmin……. Hang tough brother! Cycling and your participation in the sport will get brighter as time progresses!
Best,
Len
Bravo DZ. Keep your head down into the wind. Here’s hoping Levi can find a new team, so our “old-timers” can keep paving the way, even by their mistakes, for the new generation of American cyclists.
–Geezer who started racing in 1970.
Dave – I have been following you for several years. I follow the whole tour of california. You ROCK! I’m sorry that drug abuse had been such a painful distraction for you, but thank you for speaking out!
I’m an old fart (mid 50′s), but I tell the youngsters that you are someone they can look up to!
As a soldier I know courage when I see it and thank you for yours. Takes a big man to try admit his mistakes. In my up stairs bathroom is Canadian Cycling Magazine with a proud Ryder on the cover after his giro win. In the down stairs one is my Bicycling Mag with a disgrace Lance on the cover. I think the sport of cycling is now on the right track and the covers say it all. Ride clean and be proud and take care of our Canadian boy for us, with guys like you in his corner we know he’s in good hands.
We met briefly this weekend at george’s ride. You signed a jersey for me and were super cool taking pics with anyone who wanted. I’ll always be a fan and supporter no matter the controversy. Thanks for being cool.
Think the gratitude goes the other way. Thanks for having the courage to speak up.
There’s only one Dave Zabriskie!
Dave, as a fan I will always remain loyal to you! You are an amazing rider and awesome person! Don’t ever stop your awesomeness!!! DZ fo life!
Dave, You Rock. Always my favorite to watch, and can’t wait to see what you have in store next. hang tough and thanks for writing what you did. Each year I think your time has come, and now with the dust settling,…well, let’s just see :~)
Dave: Thank you for your honesty and humility. It took a lot of courage to do what you did and I wish you great success in the coming years.
Dave
As you know from previouse messages I was run over by a truck. I had to be put on growth hormone after my accident because I was not growing as I normally would. I am only about 5’4″ and my brother is like 5’11″ so I have always felt small. Your coming out has brought a new clarity to cycling. You sent me the Velo cover that you were on signed last Febuary. I put it on my wall and it has remained there. I won’t take it down either. I ride the bike every day. I have a Felt SR71 and I remember when Garmin rode Felts. THanks for the inspiration and good luck next year and happy holidays!
Happy Christmas Dave! You’re my favorite bike rider, and I can’t wait to see you back in action.
Dave, we’re all waiting to hear what you’ve been up to and when you’ll be racing again!
I had a great time chatting with you a few years back at Interbike. I was the psychotherapist from Evanston who you tried to get to diagnose Christian. We chatted a bit about the High Uinta’s Classic and your experience with one of the officials. I since retired and moved to Jaca, Spain, and I remain a fan. Hope to continue to see you on Europe roads.
Hey Dave – You’re a wonderful character, brave man, and a terrific cyclist. This 73-year-old geezer really enjoys seeing you on YouTube as well as in the peloton or time-trialing. Sorry you had to go through the drug experience but you’ve got to be feeling good after getting it over with. Good luck this season!