Well you could call me an achiever, although some people have described me in ways we won't go into on this site! I'm the kind of person who when I decide I am going to
do something, I usually stay with it until my goal is accomplished and, in most cases, I go way past where I set that goal. In 1979, I decided to take up USCA Downriver Canoe Racing
and to stick with it until I won a race. In 1982, I competed in the World's Fair Canoe
Race just outside Knoxville, Tennessee. In 1983, I finished third in the State of Ohio. In 1984, I finished second. In 1985, I finally made it to State Champion. I won
again in 1986 but then in 1987, I finished second again.
As a spinoff from my canoeing, I began whitewater kayaking. I became competitive in the downriver marathon kayak races when I noticed that
most downriver racers backed off in the rough water because the marathon boats are
so tippy. I figured that if I could blast through the mini rapids
that you encounter in downriver marathon races, I could pick up valuable seconds several places along the course.
To keep myself in shape during the off season, I took up marathon running.
These days I still run several times a week and occasionally, I
race in a 10K or 15 K race just to satisfy my competitive spirit.
In 1985, I took up mountain biking. I had to travel to the mountains to whitewater kayak so I figured why not ride the trails on a bike!
In 1990, I learned dog obedience so I could take my dog with me when I went certain
places and have him behave properly. At that time, you never saw a bull terrier around the obedience ring. People would snicker when Mr. Spike and I showed up at a fun match. As
time went by, however, they grew to respect the breed and I made many friends in the world of dog obedience.
I no longer race canoes or kayaks, although I still enjoy kayaking
intermediate whitewater rivers. Here is a picture of me from this summer.
My current hobby is Photoshop - a graphics program. I have had an interest in photo
retouching and restoration for a few years, but until recently I have not been able to dedicate the time it took to learn the program properly. I now belong to an email list
which talks about Photoshop and other graphics and html programs. I also took an
interactive course in Photoshop.
Among my other interests are camping and
hiking, and let's not forget my obsession with Nascar Winston Cup Racing.
I am a single parent of one fine daughter who I raised from the time she was 18 months old.
She is now in her seventh year in the USAF. She was married in 1993 and has three children of her own - aged 4, 2 and 6 months.
That's it for now folks. If you would like to get in touch with me, click the
the real Herb Cassini please stand up?
