Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Hal Russell. The bikepacking community and the world lost a true legend on January the 19th when he passed away in his home surrounded by family. Hal lived a full and adventurous life that touched almost everyone that he met, you could say he Touched Both Lines. Today we pay tribute and celebrate the life of Hal so that his story and example can continue to have a meaningful impact.
Todays episode features stories and tributes from the bikepacking community and clips from my first interview with Hal back in June of 2019 right before he completed the Tour Divide for the 6th time.
Our stories and tributes to Hal are from the following (in order):
Touch Both Lines
Touch Both Lines chronicles Hal Russell’s (aka Cray Turtle or Smilin’ Hal) adventures through life. From growing up on a small Missouri farm to the many challenges faced in Vietnam. Raising a family, dealing with the Ghost of Vietnam – to riding Mountain Bikes across the country. Smilin’ Hal is the current oldest finisher of the rugged 2750 mile Tour Divide Race, completing his 6th TDR at 70 in 2019. He also finish the 2017 American Trail Race, a 5150 mile ride from the East to West Coast. This book gives and insight to the challenges Vietnam vets continue to face and how Hal overcomes his past experiences to truly “Touch both Lines”.
“Touching Both Lines to me mean to be Honest, to be a Nice person, and to do your Best”. ~ Cray Turtle
Touch Both Lines is currently for sale via their facebook page that is managed by Hal’s son Dallas. Please be patient with orders as the family has a lot on their plate.
Audiobook: I offered to read the book for an audiobook version and the family has accepted. I had planned to make this offer to Hal last week, but I never got the chance. It is a true honor to help spread his message to a wider audience. I’ve never done an audiobook, so please be patient as we work through the process.
Visitation and Funeral Services
Visitation
Friday Jan 28th; 6-8pm
Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home
3rd & Market Street
Osceola, MO 64776
Funeral Service
Saturday Jan 29th; 2pm
First Baptist Church-Osceola
555 Walnut St, Osceola, MO 64776
Graveside service to follow at Peebly Urich Russell Cemetery
Osceola, MO NE 777 Rd off of CC highway.
Ride in Peace, Hal. You touched both lines ~ Patrick
