The author is passed over for sponsorship consideration by all the major players except maybe TEAM INVICTUS...

Invictus

by
W. E. Henley (1849-1903)

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

The title "Invictus" is Latin for "Unconquered." The poem was first published in 1875. I ran across this amazing literary work prepping my Knowledge Bowl Team. It sums up my approach to adventure racing, especially the Arrowhead 135 (and life in general). Since I have no other sponsors per se, I am contacting Mr. Henley's estate in London with a proposal for full sponsorship for both cycling and life in general. But no matter the outcome; from henceforth and forever more: The author will be racing his bicycle and climbing mountains under the royal auspices of The Avenging Mallards Adventure Club, TEAM INVICTUS, & Team DBD...My ship has finally come in as Tim Ek and I will form the foundation of TEAM INVICTUS--"The Unconquered Ones." Once we are up and running, surely the sponsors will come a calling...