This song was inspired by Jon's "Ode to Tom," and of course, the amazing, humble, Tom. Here are the lyrics:
This is a song, that uh, theres alot of love songs out there, but not
Too many about Tom Oshima, so I wrote a song for all those nice little people who can't keep up with Tom on a bike
0.Put on your Bell Helmet, here comes Tom like a speeding bullet
Its so much fun-Oshima to sing about Tom-Oshima,
1.Tom is one super, awesome dude
No matter what happens, he has a positive attitude...
2.So when you feel like you're the only one who got stood up at prom,
here's a list of people who are positive... just like our friend tom.
3.mother theresa helped out the poor
Our friend Ghandi kept the world away from war.
4.Guess who got us equal rights... without bragging...
Almost as positive as Tom... its our brother ML King...
5.Tom is a faster rider than most of us...
Even when he's covered with blood, bruises, and pixie dust.
6.You don't Need a Cannondale, or a shitty lefty Fork
To be as cool as Tom... and hang out in the CORK...
7.Put on some more sun screen;hide all the girls who are under 18
Start placing your order for thirteen cases of dentien
8.Tom crashed his bike... from a great height.
Instead of wallowing in pain, he had one, CRAZY night...
9.Hitler, Sadam.. They Don't think like Tom.
If they did, they'd probably be riding a Sid.
10.Some people may think that Obama has potential...
Well, compared to Tom, he doesn't... few people are as humble.
11.How bout Britney Spears?
Not as cool as Tom... Well, Unless She's Had some Beers...
12. With a positive attitude, you can accomplish almost anything.
Spend some time with Tom, and you'll see it's really happening .
13.So ride your bike with aplomb so you can keep up with Tom
Be positive in light of hardship and you'll be rewarded with amazing friendship.
And here is Jon's (amazingly eloquent) ODE to Tom:
For those of you who know or dont know Tom is the man.
I met Tom nearly 10 year ago, probably first in Coe. I kept seeing him around, at ROMP events. Always on a crappy hardtail Cannondale with really bad pedals (Mallets on an XC bike? Come On!). Eventually I couldnt ignore him any longer mostly because he was always right there either in front or beside me. This guy can pedal
He eventually became part of our south bay crew and consistent member of the TNR (Thursday Night Ride). His stories alwayssomehow had an incredibly positive note to them. Example? Tom lost $2k in an Ebay scheme trying to buy a tandem for him and his girlfriend. His reaction frustration mixed with resolve masked with laughter I wont do that again.
From troubles with girls to the newest bike part his reaction to everything wasnt just positive, but full of wonder, excitement and surprise. There was more, of course, but his attitude is what sets him apart from everybody else I know. Including me.
Which is why he was my first pick to race the tandem with me. Tom was the clear choice. The stokers job is to have a positive attitude, pedal hard, and have fun. All three things I know Tom can do, in abundance. We rode only twice before the race. Second time I crashed & basically threw Tom down a gully on the North Yuba. About 15 feet down. His reaction We got the crash out of the way. Sweet.
The race was intense. Tom pedaled his heart out. I, in turn, stopped pedaling (well, what do you expect Im lazy). He cramped. He hurt. He sweat. I didnt (thanks Tom!). On the downhill his fortitude paid off again. Always letting me do what I needed to do to get us (safely) down the mountain and always positive. But what told me that Tom was really into the race wasnt his comment as we passed our only competition We got to beat those guys, but the turbo boost of power that came from the back as we motored by pure attitude. We lost by 16 seconds from a flat on the last ½ mile of road. Upset, but still positive Tom feared he hadnt done enough. I didnt know how to tell him, he had done too much already.
Then, drunkenly, I (and others Im not the only guilty party) encouraged Tom to do the pixie race. Tragedy struck in the form of a jump gone wrong (Tom believe me, I know the feeling, I think we all do). Yet, 6 stitches, 4 broken teeth, 2 hours, and 1 broken finger later, what do you think Tom was doing?
Partying - Thats what hanging out on the edge of the mosh pit waving his arms in the air, like he just didnt care...Granted, the drugs helped, but that, my friends, is the power of Toms purely positive attitude.
So Tom this is for you. Thanks for helping me realize how kick ass it can be to have a positive attitude. You are an inspiration to me. Heal quick buddy.
Jon
PS The obvious lesson here is that its safer to ride the tandem down Pauley, 3rd, and 1st, than to ride a 16 bike.
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i wanna hang out with Tom !
nolakiedis 2 years ago 2
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trainlover66 2 years ago