Raisin said he is thrilled to be given permission from medical advisors to race again. There was a time, after all, that he thought it was an impossibility.

"While I was in the hospital, after the surgery, I just asked God to let me live a normal life again," he said. "Getting back on a bike wasn't even in the scheme of things."

A natural climber — Raisin is a small cyclist, just 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds — with unusually large heart and lungs, he is able to power his way up Big Cottonwood Canyon with ease. Last year's winner, local pro cyclist Jeff Louder, motored up the hill in 61 minutes. Raisin said he's made the climb recently in less than 55, and while he said "I'm not really a super competitive kind of person," he wants to win his first race back.

"Just taking the start line is going to be a victory for me," Raisin said. "I'm worried about doing my best and nothing else."

Porcupine Hill Climb

When: July 7, 7 a.m. citizens, 8 a.m. licensed riders

Starting point: 3690 Ft. Union Blvd. (14.7 Miles, 3,800 feet of elevation gain)

Info: PorcupineCycling.com

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com