HONORING CONNOR MANGSETH

Ride of Remembrance was created to honor the legacy of Connor Mangseth who passed at just 18 years old. Connor did not wait to live, like so many of us do. His passions were boundless and each day was seized with a vigor; a thirst for adventure, adrenaline, and thrill. His passions drove him to the depths of the Pacific where he would be completely amazed by the vibrancy of the sea life and pulled by the curiosity of what may lie further. His passions carried him across the skies as he would fearlessly catapult himself off the dirt bike jump he and his friends had made over the summer. His passions carried him to the snowy mountains of Big Bear, to the woods of northern Minnesota, to the bolts and nuts of his bike, and everywhere in between. That passion did not die on July 23, 2020. The fire rages on. The fire burns stronger because he taught us all how to harness that intensity of life. Connor has left an indelible mark on all our hearts, and as a result, we are kinder, smarter, and better. Connor had a notebook. In it, we find his distinct scrawl, outlining his many short and long-term goals, aspirations, and some words of wisdom he felt were important enough to write down. One part, in particular, stood out: "Assets that are important for success". We'd like to share a few of those points with you today. 

"Stay humble. Have respect". Simple points, but a true demonstration of his genuine and caring character. Connor had the strength to see the good in every single person. Another valuable lesson that Connor writes, "Your worth is determined by your effort". Well, it's hard to find a more hard-working, determined young man than Connor. He could always be found meticulously cleaning his car and bikes, cranking out the imperfections of any mechanical issues, and somehow finding a solution to any problem, and overcoming any obstacle he came across. After hours spent in the garage, Connor would emerge with an excited smile across his face, for he would be finished with the final product of one of his friend's bike-he would never hesitate and was always willing to give his time to others. Connor writes next, "You can do anything you set your mind to", truly a testament to his stubborn, but essentially determined nature. His no-quit attitude stemmed from his unwavering motivation he had for completing his next big project or adventure. Whether it was building a massive, professional dirt bike jump, or cutting off his wrist cast a couple weeks early to join back in the fun with his friends-it was apparent that Connor would never give in, and most surely never give up. One last point that hit home-Connor writes, "Only the best persevere through the worst". There is nothing else that is worse in this world than losing a loved one. Connor's life was cut too short, on the cusp of when it truly starts. But he wouldn't want us to give i to that pain. He wouldn't want us to stop living our lives. He would tell us, "Stay positive, no matter the situation". Push through. Persevere. He would want us to live as he did-with a relentless passion for everything he set his mind to. With a fierce disregard for the status quo and for the pursuit of happiness and freedom. We cannot let the pain of his passing restrict our freedom for we know he is soaring high, even higher now than two wheels and an engine ever took him.